Detroit - Toyota on Thursday launched two new versions of its Scion brand, simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and in the virtual world Second Life. The company held a virtual press conference within Second Life at the same time as the real-world event in Chicago. The virtual Scion xB and xD cars can be purchased in Second Life for 300 "Linden dollars," equivalent to $1 U.S. dollar. "That's our target demographic -- people who do things first. Trendsetters are instrumental in promoting brands," Adrian Si, Scion's interactive marketing manager, told Reuters.

San Diego - Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) announced on Wednesday that Station Exchange, the online auction site it launched in June 2005 to allow players of its "EverQuest II" multiplayer online game to pay real money for virtual characters and items, generated $1.87 million in player transactions during its first year.