- The latest promotion for the Toyota Prius has a goofy twist: to set as many Universal Record Database world records as possible in and around the hybrid in two days.
- Some possible records may include "most seasonal sweaters worn in a Prius at once" and "most people standing out (of) the Prius sunroof in prom gear screaming 'woo!'"
- Toyota says the event allows it to "engage" with Prius owners and enthusiasts.
LOS ANGELES — Overwhelmed by the incessant drumbeat of bad news out of Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor disaster? Here's a little antidote from Toyota to take the edge off. The Japanese automaker's latest promotion for the Toyota Prius aims to set a number of silly records in and around the hybrid from "most seasonal sweaters worn in a Prius at once" and "most people standing out (of) the Prius sunroof in prom gear screaming 'woo!'"
The event will take place March 30-31 at during two 10-hour Webcasts. Toyota is previewing the event in a teaser video on YouTube with a decidedly Dadaist flavor that appears to mock traditional advertising and auto events. It includes a man shaving a tennis ball and appearing to lock and load a fish.
The goofy exercise stands in stark contrast to Toyota's struggle to keep churning out the Prius as power blackouts and parts shortages hamstring its production efforts in Japan.
Toyota said in a statement that other records that may be attempted during the event include "farthest launch of a gumdrop using the windshield wiper of a Prius" and "most pool noodles fit inside the cargo area of a Prius V." Toyota has delayed the launch of the 2012 Prius V in Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake.
The event — aptly billed by Toyota as a "spectacle" — can be watched online. The goal is to set 200 records in those days, according to Toyota.
Inside Line says: The most compelling record may be just how many Prius vehicles Toyota can build in Japan in the coming days under the most grueling circumstances. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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sranger says:
10:46 AM, 03/27/2011
Seems to be working.... They just got a huge free Prius ad on this site with this article.....
yamahr1 says:
09:26 AM, 03/27/2011
Possibly the dumbest idea ever.
alex38 says:
06:51 PM, 03/26/2011
okay, i see where the company is trying to go with this, but the "silly records" is just silly imo.. Especially in wake of all the troubles in Japan right now where the Prius is made. Maybe in 6 mths but perhaps a bit early..
a1c_scg says:
08:14 PM, 03/25/2011
That's because they're diehard Prius enthusiasts. They let their car do the talking.
hopster says:
06:39 PM, 03/25/2011
I think the "smug" thing is purely generated by Prii haters. I do not plan on owning a hybrid anytime soon, but of the 4 people I know with hybrids and 3 of my 6 closest neighbors who own a Prius, I have yet to detect ANY smugness on their part. They don't talk about their car, they just drive it.
a1c_scg says:
01:37 PM, 03/25/2011
Haha, after re-reading this, I just caught the 'enthusiast' part. Lol. Prius enthusiast. That's akin to being a microwave or toaster enthusiast.
tomm250 says:
12:27 PM, 03/25/2011
WOW, I just read the entire record list, get this one:
#28: Most pedestrians killed when the brakes fail
gtrguy2012 says:
12:08 PM, 03/25/2011
Man a lot of smug is going to be comming from that general area where this meet is going to happen. So many self-indulging Prius owners, all loving the smell of their own farts. God help us.
a1c_scg says:
12:04 PM, 03/25/2011
Uhm, maybe they should concentrate on coming out w/ new quality products instead of a lame publicity stunt. But what do I know about running a business??
dgmail says:
11:22 AM, 03/25/2011
Hows that song go?
"Its Radioactive"
I wonder if recall motors are giving away a free lead vest for each driver and passenger of this turd?