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Life & Arts

Scion owners swap ideas, cruise the Loop

Expo gives drivers chance to compare customized rides

by Robyn Morrow
THE DAILY COUGAR 

Sunday's rain didn't deter spectators and Scion enthusiasts from attending the heavily anticipated Scion Expo 2006, presented by Houston area Scion car clubs. The and admirers a chance to meet, exchange ideas and take part in activities.

"Scion Expo in the Houston area is an event put together for Scion owners by Scion owners," NonStopTuning president and event sponsor Mike Rahimi said. "It's essentially an all-day event that invites all Scion owners and enthusiasts to come out and gather in one big place, show off their cars, compete in a car show and take part in other fun activities."

 After the main event, Scion owners were able to take part in a Houston Police Department-escorted drive around Interstate 610. Other drivers hoping to enter the freeway were unable to do so until the Scions had passed. 

The event was put together by a group of sponsors, most of them Scion or Toyota dealerships in the Houston area, and a few independent companies such as Rahimi's NST.

"All of this great sponsorship meant that the event would be free for everyone, free admission for the car show, free admission for spectators and anyone who wanted to come out," Rahimi, an international business junior, said. "A free event of this magnitude is unprecedented because these events are almost never free."

Lauriel Coronado, a spectator and representative of NST, said he enjoyed the Expo because of the friendly atmosphere and the variety of cars.

"There's so much market out there for the Scions because it's a new and unique car," Coronado said.

Scion drivers have touted the inexpensive pricing of their vehicles with the most popular model, the Scion tC, costing around $17,000, according to Scion's Web site. Because of the low price tag, drivers have more money left over to modify their rides.

One such modification includes after-market pulleys, offered by companies such as NST, which increase horsepower and offer drivers increased boost. 

Rahimi, who originally began designing his products for friends' cars five years ago, saw his entrance into the Scion market as a good way to increase interest not only in his business, but also in the performance modification of cars. 

Rahimi said he enjoys working with Scions because the company offers easy access to a variety of after-market products.

"Unlike most other cars in their class, after-market Scion accessories can even be bought from most Scion dealerships," he said.

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