Advertising Information

Promotional Vehicles


It is difficult to miss a Hummer, but how many companies could afford to run one to promote their business? The answer is, of course, very few and it is doubtful whether GM's overgrown offspring would be the most suitable promotional vehicle for many of them. What then are the alternatives and how could businesses benefit from using a vehicle as an advertising medium?

What is a promotional vehicle?

A promotional vehicle is a car, truck or SUV with purpose-designed adhesive vinyl graphics applied to its exterior, promoting a business or one of its products or services.

The graphics may be a full wrap (the whole vehicle is covered), a decal wrap (decals are applied to body panels) or a window wrap (decals are applied to the side and rear windows).

The types of business that operate promotional vehicles include radio stations, beer companies, car dealers and up-market pubs, clubs and restaurants to name but a few.

The benefits of a promotional vehicle

A vehicle is mobile so you can take your advertising places. Both drivers and pedestrians will notice your advertising when your vehicle is parked as well as when it is on the move.

Your advertising stays in position until you remove it or sell the vehicle. There is no need to book media space or pay regular subscriptions.

The cost is not as much as you might expect. In fact, vehicle graphics cost less to create and apply than many other types of advertising. If you apply graphics to an existing vehicle then there are no additional costs.

You can potentially make a big impression. Cleverly designed and eye-catching vehicle graphics can be used for PR purposes.

Is a promotional vehicle for me?

It depends on your business, as promotional vehicles are not suitable for every company.

Brand image is a key deciding factor. You need to consider how the vehicle will be used (will it be on the move much of the time or parked), what will it be used for and who will drive it and how will it be driven. Do not forget that the vehicle will influence people's perceptions of your company and your product/service.

Budgetary considerations will play a part too, more so if you are purchasing a new vehicle specifically for use as a promotional vehicle.

Which are the best promotional vehicles?

For sheer size and physical presence, nothing beats the Hummer, H2 and other large SUV's.

At the opposite end of the scale is the 2.5-metre long Mercedes Smart car - one of the most popular promotional vehicles in Europe. This goes on sale in Canada in the fall of 2004 and is sure to have great novelty value and attract a lot of attention.

In between these extremes, you have vehicles such as the PT Cruiser and the forthcoming Chevrolet SSR. Molson promoted their A Marca Bavaria beer at last year's Vancouver Indy using a Honda Element. Other possibilities include the VW Beetle or an unusual, classic or sports car.

The MINI might seem an obvious choice but bear in mind that the model already includes a range of graphic treatments in its option list and this may reduce its usefulness as a promotional vehicle because your advertising will stand out less.

Whatever vehicle you choose it should attract attention in its own right and the less common it is the better.

If you are buying a new vehicle, your choice will be determined by your promotional requirements and your budget. A cheaper solution is to use an existing company vehicle. However, consider the impression you want to make on your target audience and avoid the temptation to apply a wrap to your rusting, dented 1992 Safari.

What about the vehicle graphics?

The first step is to commission a design for your vehicle. Your design is printed in full colour on weather-resistant high-quality adhesive vinyl. This is then applied to the vehicle.

A complete vehicle wrap will take 8 hours or more; a decal or window wrap will take less time. The vinyl is durable and washable. It can be removed when the time comes to update the design (for example if you change your logo) or when you sell the vehicle.

So, if you are looking for an alternative way to promote your business and you want to take your message onto the street or to events then you should consider a promotional vehicle.It may not be suitable for every company but if it is right for you then it is a great way to get people to notice and talk about your business.

Copyright © 2004, Christopher Smith, Mano Design

About The Author

Chris Smith is a partner in Mano Design ( http://www.mano-design.com ) - a Vancouver Design and Marketing agency.


MORE RESOURCES:

New Timeshare Advertising Agency Is Established in Portsmouth, NH ...
MarketWatch - 18 hours ago
Timeshares123.com is a new timeshare advertising agency that specializes in marketing timeshares for sale and for rent by individual owners, ...


Newsweek

Expertinent: The Biology of Negative Advertising
Newsweek - Oct 10, 2008
According to a recent study in the Journal of Advertising, negative campaign ads actually cause physical repulsion in viewers. But here’s what’s even more ...
Will statesmanship win out? Denver Post
Both campaigns spending about the same on negative ads CNN
Obama outspends GOP on Indiana advertising Indianapolis Star
The Associated Press - Newsweek
all 320 news articles


Analysts warn of fall in TV advertising
guardian.co.uk, UK - 21 hours ago
The UK advertising market could fall by up to 10 per cent next year as companies reign in their spending as a result of the credit crunch, industry analysts ...


New Timeshare Advertising Agency Is Established in Portsmouth, NH ...
International Business Times, NY - 18 hours ago
Timeshares123.com is a new timeshare advertising agency that specializes inmarketing timeshares for sale and for rent by individual owners,associations and ...


CBS Cuts Full-Year Profit View On Declining Ad Spending
CNNMoney.com - Oct 10, 2008
(CBS) again cut its year profit outlook and forecast weak third- quarter earnings amid declining advertising revenue, making CBS the second media company to ...
Viacom Updates Full Year 2008 Business Outlook MarketWatch
Viacom warns of third-quarter profit shortfall guardian.co.uk
Viacom Warns 3Q Revs Will Take Big Hits MediaPost Publications
International Herald Tribune - Forbes
all 96 news articles


BBC News

Revealed: Blair's F1 tobacco advertising deal
Scotsman, United Kingdom - 21 hours ago
... personally intervened to secure Formula One's exemption from a tobacco advertising ban just hours after meeting the sport's boss, Bernie Ecclestone. ...
Secret out over Blair and Formula One boss Melbourne Herald Sun
Bernie Ecclestone and Tony Blair, a truth revealed 10 years too late Telegraph.co.uk
Blair urged health ministers to grant Formula One exemption InTheNews.co.uk
BBC News - Setanta Sports
all 235 news articles


Viacom warns on profit as advertising sales fall
Reuters - Oct 10, 2008
"Given the rapid softening of the economy and the uncertainty this creates in forecasting advertising growth, we are taking the prudent step of moderating ...


Techtree.com

UBS Analyst Predicts Decline in Online Ad Spend
Wired News - Oct 10, 2008
By Meghan Keane October 10, 2008 | 8:30:56 AMCategories: Advertising, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo The growth of Internet advertising began to slide in the ...
Losing faith in Yahoo (again) CNNMoney.com
Yahoo shares plunge to lowest level in more than five years San Jose Mercury News
Top US Ad Networks, August 2008 ClickZ News
Los Angeles Times - MarketWatch
all 266 news articles


Malaysian Palm Oil Council accused of misleading advertising in UK
Cnet Asia, CA - 3 hours ago
Friends of the Earth wrote to UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to accuse MPOC of misleading advertising as oil palm plantations are not as rich in ...


WebMD Reports Strong Online Advertising Sales Growth
MarketWatch - Oct 10, 2008
The company expects to report that online advertising revenues increased more than 20% in the third quarter, as compared to the prior year period. ...

Advertising - Google News

home | site map
© 2006