The rumor: Wards Automotive reports that Toyota's Scion division is contemplating adding a small truck to its lineup. Such a product is just in the talking stages for now, apparently, so no details are available as to what it might look like or how it would fit into both Scion's and Toyota's overall product planning.

A Scion offering in this category could cut into sales of Toyota's Tacoma, something Scion would have to try to avoid. A small recreational truck aimed at active lifestyle buyers might be the sweet spot Scion would shoot for, though others (e.g. Subaru Baja, Honda Ridgeline) have taken that approach with limited success.

My take: Scion is clutching at straws. Its sales plummeted more than almost any other brand last year (50%) and have been declining for several years. Whatever magic it may have had initially, it's gone now and if Toyota can't rekindle it the company may be have a tough choice to make. Keep your eye on this one.

--M.D.