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Sunday, October 23, 2016

You Get a Car Thanks to PR

YOU GET A CAR! YOU GET A CAR! YOU GET A CAR! YOU GET A CAR! EVERYBODY GETS A CAR! EVERYBODY GETS A CAR!

We've all heard this familiar phrase a time or two. This was featured in Oprah Winfrey's 2004 "Ultimate Car Giveaway" episode where all members of the audience were given keys to a brand new Pontiac G6 during the show. Most people probably just assume Oprah purchased these vehicles as a generous act for her "Wildest Dreams Come True" season. However, according to AutoBlog, this act was the sneaky work of GM's PR team. 

Source: knowyourmeme.com
GM donated countless Pontiac G6s to the show in hopes the name would get out to the public. Their purpose was to revive sales of the Pontiac. Mary Henige, Pontiac's communications director at the time said, "At the time it was kind of a novel approach, which is why it caught people's attention." The marketing strategy was a dashing attempt at revival, but could not receive enough success to smuggle a lasting identity.

So next time you see promotional giveaways on television shows, consider this: a Public Relations team is working to advocate the business to boost the sales and reputation of a product. The joy rise is amusing, but it is not just Oprah giving away free cars. 
Join back next week for additional PR knowledge! 
-Grace

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