2010 Toyota Prius: An ESPN fan favorite?
A car for NBA fans?I'm not the sport's fan I was growing up. Typically these days, I might watch a few bowl games, the Super Bowl, a little Final Four action, and the NBA finals.
This year, however, I've found myself watching quite a few NBA playoff games, and I've been shocked at the number of Toyota Prius commercials I've seen on the channels covering NBA games. And, it's not just TV, I've also seen Prius ads on ESPN.com's home page.
Sure. In the past, a few Super Bowl MVP's might have picked up a Cadillac Escalade hybrid as part of their award, but do hybrid cars really appeal to professional athletes and the cohort of consumers that follow these athletes?
Minimally, Toyota is willing to spend a good chunk of money to find out. Still, I find it hard to believe that environment-driven commercials are the right way to attract this segment to a vehicle like the Prius. Of course, since LA is still in the playoffs, maybe it's exactly the right way.
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
3:49 PM
3 Comments:
yeah, I think the fact that you're in the LA market and the Lakers are in the playoffs explains the Prius commercials you're seeing!
I agree that basketball and hybrids are not the first 'match' that comes to my mind ha! Its Toyotas mid level management that dont yet have clue where to go to market its Prius III. Try Discovery, History channels and "green" TV shows...they blew millions on that one.
I like Toyota and own one. Their cars are super super boring:( but they last and last and last...
Once the super cool HONDA FIT HYBRID gets here in early 2010, Toyota will HAVE to get off its ars and make similar lower priced hybrids for the average joe(#3-4k cheaper than Prius II).
2010 is going to be :) year :) for consumers!
I think it's also largely the LA market. Still, it's been the lead ad on ESPN.com as well.
I wonder, is Toyota trying to push the Prius into new markets, or is the Prius already of interest to a significant percent of sports fans?
BTW - I've also seen a good number of Insight commercials during these events as well.
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