Auto manufacturer Subaru launched an online game competition, the “Shakedown: Subaru Impreza Challenge” at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show on Tuesday. This game is to showcase the 2006 makeover for Subaru’s Impreza.
“Our research shows a strong correlation in the lifestyles of performance and tuner enthusiasts – like the crowd here at SEMA, and online gamers,” said Rick Crosson, Vice President, Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “We’re hoping to attract new customers to the Subaru and Impreza brand through the online game competition and interactive experience.”
The auto game allows users to choose the color and the driver for their car. Pick your track and “tune” the vehicle up and take off. The control seems a little stiff and the driver talks a little trash but it’s entertaining.
Prizes can be won if you register and end up with the best times. Lots of people can win DC Shoes or tshirts. The big winner will get a trip to the O’Neil Rally School. Not bad for some geeks hangin’ out on the computer.
“Gaming is a great, unconventional way for participants to learn about and immerse themselves in the Subaru brand,” said Bob Greenberg, Chairman, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of R/GA. “This kind of engaging consumer experience is what sets apart great marketers like Subaru from its competition.”
This has the potential for some decent viral marketing if it get’s picked up in the blogosphere. They may want to consider adding a blog to go with it. In any event, this type of thing will certainly be a trend for the future as more and more companies put events like this together.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
