NY Auto Show to showcase more than 1K vehicles
The Scion iA will be sold in Puerto Rico as an entry-level Yaris. (Credit: envivopr)
NEW YORK — The 115th edition of the New York International Auto Show kicks off this week in The Big Apple, where automakers are expected to put their best vehicles on display, and this media outlet will be there to cover a preview of the event today and Thursday.
At least 1,000 models — including concept and next-generation vehicles — will be parked throughout 950,000 square feet of the sprawling Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.
While the event will officially run April 3-12, it is already generating buzz, as several automakers gear up to roll out global and North American debuts, including Toyota’s first Hybrid Rav4, a Lincoln Continental concept from Ford, and Volkswagen’s introduction of its AWD Golf SportWagen Alltrack into the U.S. market. As in prior editions, the show will also include a spread of luxury vehicles.
Aside from serving as the ultimate showcase for automakers, the NYIAS also gives car shoppers an opportunity “to compare manufacturers, makes and models in a stress-free, fun and educational environment,” event organizers said.
“In fact, an incredible 59 percent of attendees decided to come to the Show to compare vehicles prior to shopping at a dealership. NYIAS continues to be a premier destination and unparalleled resource for future purchasers,” organizers said in the 2014 yearbook.
Héctor Rivera, field operations director for Toyota de Puerto Rico. (Credit: envivopr)
Scion unveils 2 models on eve of NYIAS
On Tuesday night, Scion, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, unveiled two new 2016 models, the iM and the iA, made to appeal to young buyers seeking a bigger bang for their buck.
The iA, Scion’s first-ever Sedan, will be sold in Puerto Rico as Yaris, Toyota’s sister brand, Héctor Rivera, field operations director for Toyota de Puerto Rico, told reporters during the event held at Manhattan’s ArtBeam gallery.
“It was our choice to launch it as either a Scion or Toyota [Yaris], but we saw a greater opportunity as Yaris because of the production level we could achieve,” Rivera said, noting that the stylish four-door sedan will fill a void Toyota had in that segment.
Toyota expects to have the entry-level vehicle available for sale in Puerto Rico in October, with the goal of selling 7,000 units in a 12-month period, he said.
