Autoclaustrophobia: Nissan pushes Versa in pop culture
This week, Nissan launched a new ad campaign to promote the upcoming 2007 Nissan Versa. The promotion centers around the faux-word, "autoclaustrophobia." Essentially, the fear of too little space within an automobile. Naturally, Nissan is seeking to trademark the word.
Marketing researchers found that the word seemed to stick with consumers, some even going so far as to claim suffering from the previously unheard of condition.
The promotion began with AOL's music partner, Network Live, with the Versa playing a prominent role in the upcoming reality show "Star Tomorrow." The climax comes in a massive advertising blitz in September where consumers discover that relief from "autoclaustrophobia" can be cured for $14-large by purchasing the Versa.
Clever? You be the judge in the comments.
Related:
Sex sells: suggestive Nissan commercial axed in New Zealand
Nissan announces pricing for 2007 Versa hatchback
Detroit Auto Show Wrapup: Nissan Versa introduction photos and full specifications
[Source: The Auto Channel]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chad Gallion 2:15PM (8/01/2006)
Wouldn't autoclaustrophobia be a fear of enclosing yourself?
I think it is more related to that fear of being trapped in traffic in your car as you watch motorcycles weave through the traffic and your like, "Dangit! I wish I had a motorcycle!" And I'm like "SUCKA!"
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felonious monk 2:19PM (8/01/2006)
#1, put the bong down.
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Jason 2:22PM (8/01/2006)
Makes me think of the time I briefly sat in the driver's seat of a current-model Hyundai Tiberon. It was like being in a coffin, being that I'm 6'3.
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AnonymousInsights 2:27PM (8/01/2006)
well, i just don't like the idea of driving a car that looks like a smaller version of the companies minivan....at least in the front.
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Ben 2:28PM (8/01/2006)
um, I think the cure can be had for $12,450 for the base 1.8 s. The 1.8 sL is $14,450 and has a VERY impresive feature list.
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Michael Karesh 2:33PM (8/01/2006)
Well, it is roomy. The seats are also comfy, and the armest is nicely padded. That's about all of the good things I have to say about the Versa after driving one.
Why do all of these new small cars have to be so ugly? The dealer had put 18's on the car I drove. Didn't help.
My site's page for the Versa. Review upcoming.
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Versa.php
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CoffeeJedi 2:47PM (8/01/2006)
I just saw one of these for the first time on Sunday. I didn't even know they were on sale yet.
It's an interesting idea for an ad. I know a guy who liked my Mazda 3 and wanted something similiar, so he parked his old SUV for weekend project use and bought a Honda Fit as a daily driver. He even remarked that when he first saw the Fit, he was afriad it wouldn't have space inside, and couldn't believe how roomy it was.
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scooter 3:06PM (8/01/2006)
I have already seen 2 on the road. I think the styling looks good and it is obviously larger than a Fit, exterior-wise.
Not sure if it's less flexible interior is actually larger than the Fit's.
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Chad Gallion 3:15PM (8/01/2006)
I just don't see it being more youth culture than the Yaris or Fit. Especially since both have very good ad campaigns and a head start. I have yet to hear anyone say they were excited about this car, but the others have a buzz about them.
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Michael Karesh 3:20PM (8/01/2006)
The rear seat is roomier than the Fit's, the front probably about the same.
But when you fold the seat, it doesn't tip forward or fold into the floor. So the cargo floor isn't even remotely flat--itstead it bumps up nearly a foot. Why didn't they just go the conventional route and have the seat cushion tip forward then the seatback fold, to yield a flat floor? Beats me. It's possible that the fuel tank is under the seat.
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jb 5:06PM (8/01/2006)
Just drove a stripped 5spd. and it is nice, comfy too. This must be the most Renault influenced Nissan in the US to date. It even has one of those euro pull-up rings under the shift knob to get it into R. The switches, knobs and door handles are definately more Euro than Japanese, and this actually is a good thing because it is all just a little bit different. I decided on a Fit but would have taken a Versa over the Yaris. Speaking of Yaris, what's the over/under on when they send us the 5 door?
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Bob 10:48PM (8/01/2006)
Should be interesting to see how these ad's affect sales. Without much in the way of advertising (or inventory for that matter), Nissan has sold a little over 2,800 of these babies in July alone. I would imagine that once they start to advertise it more, sales are gonna skyrocket.
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menky 12:21AM (8/02/2006)
no ABS standard (and we are at 21st century), of course you can by package but than you can not buy another packages :( so what a deal,
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james f. 12:52AM (8/02/2006)
I think the xA would need to be gone for a yaris 5 door to exist. At least thats what would make sense since we are talking about two vehicles with the same platform/powertrain. Im sure the xa is due for replacement soon the question is with what?
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tio 9:04AM (8/19/2006)
I agree that the versa is more grown up than the Fit. It is more about quiet travel than cargo and active life style. As it sets it is not a sports anything. I think it is very European. Over there this is the main stream size for cars and the one good thing French cars are known for is smooth ride and comfort.The SL six speed I drove was very smooth and quiet for a car this cheap. Rear seat room is huge. More than even in a Maxima. The tag line fits thought. Four 6 foot plus guys were all comfortable in the car.
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