Throughout the summer, Fiat created an oasis in the middle of Milan by using full-scale fiberglass models of the automaker’s 500C cars as tree planters. The flora-toting Fiats were positioned on otherwise tree-less streets to “make the summer more liveable in the Lombardy capital.” Is it genius, or greenwashing?
Whaddya think… is the automobile itself contrary to eco-friendliness, or has anyone managed to bridge the growing gap between Mother Earth and anything with four wheels?
What’s the best “green marketing” campaign you’ve seen from the automakers?
Hat tip to MoCo Loco
September 8th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I would have liked it better had they recycled old cars instead of building “new” ones. But either way – love that this poor town gets some trees in their ‘hood!
September 8th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I saw a program on TV that featured Honda’s new hydrogen fuel cell car. The only byproduct from the process is water! They went so far as to show a hydrogen generation station that was designed for the home. What a wonderful idea! They are backing off on the home hydrogen generation station idea in favor of gas stations but I like where the technology is going.
September 9th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I went to a car show that was heavily featuring the second generation Prius as it was brand new. We got goodie bags with all sorts of nifty eco-stuff but the coolest one was a flat cardboard looking cut out in the shape of a Prius. It was wildflower seeds that you could take home and plant. It was pretty cool because evertime I walk by my wild flowers that keep coming back, I remember the Prius.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Lisa – “Poor town”… Ha! Good one!
Tim – Great marketing on Honda’s part if it was a full-length tv program! Do you recall the name of the show?
Dustin – I’ve seen those plant-able seed packets. Neat idea… much better than a glossy brochure that’s gonna end up in everyone’s garbage (and probably cost more to produce anyway).
How about the original “think small” ad?
September 10th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I’m not sure how to hyperlink but the Honda CVCC is my vote:
http://ribbie.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/78hondacivic_cvcc.jpg
Also, Tim mentioned above the Honda FCX. I read a review in Motor Trend a few months back, and they talked about how when you’re driving closely behind the FCX, and the FCX accelerates hard, you get a fine mist of water vapor on your windshield. I thought that was pretty cool.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:44 am
evad – Am I reading the CVCC ad right? 47mpg highway? I also love that they tell you not to waste your money on premium gas. Perfect marketing for the times.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
That’s what it looks like to me.
I always get a kick out of reading those old ads. They’re so full of text!
I like too that it specifically mentions how EPA results should not be expected in real life. Nowadays, EPA estimates are all you here about in ads…no company ever comes right out and says “don’t expect these results!”