More california love, wtf toyota?
By kiobug
@kiobug (2250)
United States
November 14, 2007 11:06pm CST
Toyota had to pull their new prius ad recently. People from Fresno, California were extremely angered, and the commercial was actually banned from being shown in Fresno altogether.
I just think it's funny, their are many hybrids but Prius is the most sold. Most people think it's the ugliest, yet it's a sort of "i'm saving the world" symbol.
Regardless, opinions aside. Fresno is the 56th largest market in the world and the third largest city in California. Why would you make a direct insult at your customers? Thats pretty cocky considering the fact that California is the epitome of earth saving people.
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It depicts two people in a Prius "in the future," where "gas stations will become nothing more than low-budget tourist stops. Like ghost towns ... or Fresno."
you can view it here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5gbG9VbhDk&eurl=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/11/11/video-toyota-apologizes-for-prius-ad-after-it-appears-on-digg/
4 people like this
4 responses
@BayleighGray (4334)
• United States
15 Nov 07
Ok So Im not from Fresno I can laugh about this? I thought that was funny, not just by the comparison of a ghost town to Fresno, the whole commercial. Maybe Toyota thought they could find humor in it as well. I dont know much about Fresno, other than what you just told me, is it losing face in Cali? Is there any truth to this farce?
Its humor, find some and let it go.
Bay Bay xx
@kiobug (2250)
• United States
15 Nov 07
Its disrespectful. Fresno is part of the san joaquin valley which is the epitome of california and also feeds a s h i t load of people. To me they are being rude to a city that has done nothing but support them. And plus there is nothing there but the usual mall and what not. If I was a tourist I wouldnt volunteer to go there. Granted it needs some changes here and there but a lot of people benefit from fresno. I dont think its fair for toyota to judge it.
1 person likes this
@BayleighGray (4334)
• United States
15 Nov 07
I see.....hmm well I apologise if I upset you more with my comment. I didnt mean too.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
16 Nov 07
*laughs* There was probably someone involved with making the commercial who was from Fresno, and felt about it like I feel about the place where I am from. That would be my best guess. I think people like to make fun of their hometowns, most of the time. :P
It is an interesting question though. You don't want to offend the fruits and nuts when selling products that would appeal to them.
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
15 Nov 07
LMAO! that was an incredibly stupid move on Toyota's part! funny though, course im sure every other city or town they could have mentioned would have raised a fuss too, but to choose such a large market..sheesh..i bet some in marketing is getting the big old fat pink slip!
