Toyota chose the 2009 Detroit auto show to debut its new 3rd generation Prius model. The car served as the centerpiece of Toyota expanding line of hybrid vehicles. Rather than print up a typical glossy brochure, the company gave away thousands of paper cards with seeds embedded in them. The front contains a simple tag line that says ‘Good ideas grow. Literally.’ The back has the planting instructions, which are essentially burying the card in soil and watering it. Each card contains a mix of annual and perennial wildflower seeds.
This is the first article of PSFK’s review of the 2009 Detroit auto show. We’ll be bringing you more coverage and a full photo gallery over the next few days.
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Reddit
StumbleUpon
An amusing video on the pre-show launch of the Prius to an invited audience of what can only be called “Prius geeks”:
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-drivers/video-first-detailed-look-2010-toyota-prius-25452.html
January 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I’m the “Prius geek” in the light blue shirt, and it was actually post-launch.
What do you think of Toyota, and specifically the Prius group, flying 50 customers to Detroit from all over the world to see the 2010 Prius? And having Hirohiko Otsuka, the Prius Chief Engineer, there to chat with us. In fact all the Toyota America top brass there to talk with us, to ask us questions, to get our reaction, and let us ask them questions?
Was it a stunt? Not likely, as the group and event was not publicized. The editor of HybridCars.com was there and shot the video himself.
Was it great marketing strategy? This is more likely. An unrehearsed opportunity for Toyota and some ardent Prius fans to discuss how to move the product forward in the broader context of a challenging economy in a world facing ecological challenges brought on by transportation greenhouse gasses.
Prius burns gasoline, just like most cars, just less of it. All cars create pollution, the Prius just less of it. The Prius also just happens to have the highest customer satisfaction rating of any car and a loyal following.
Stunt or savvy marketing?
January 27th, 2009 at 12:51 pm