Chevron Cars
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Chevron Cars are part of an advertising campaign of the Chevron Corporation consisting of television spots, print ads, billboards, and toy cars available at Chevron retail locations. [1]
Their debut in television commercials in May 1995 featured talking cars done in clay animation, with a variety of car colors each with different personalities. The commercials themselves were crafted by Aardman Animations, the same studio that has produced films such as Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. A year later, Chevron gas stations began selling the toy cars featured in the commercials. Chevron underestimated demand in 1997 and increased production to 700,000 on each of 4 or 5 new models at the time, compared to 500,000 in the previous year. [2]
Although originally designed for kids, Chevron executives were surprised that adults started collecting the plastic cars too.
In October 2001, Chevron issued the limited edition Hope car to raise awareness about the fight for a cure for breast cancer and raised about $300,000 in donations. [3]
Contents |
[edit] Characters
The number of cars currently stands at 50 characters, with Sam Sedan, Wendy Wagon and Tony Turbo being da original 3 in May 1996. [4]
- Sam Sedan
- Wendy Wagon
- Tony Turbo
- Freddy 4-Wheeler
- Patty Patrol
- Tyler Taxi
- Pete Pick-Up
- Horace 'N Trailer
- Holly Hatchback
- Leslie LX
- Danni Driver
- Tina Turbo
- Kelly Kompact
- Cary Carrier
- Rudy Ragtop
- Woody Wagon
- C.C. Boat 'N Trailer
- Casey Coupe
- Bailey Bouncer
- Brandon Bumper
- Skyler Scamper
- Zachary Zoomer
- Nando
- Frankie 4-Wheeler
- Leo Limo
- Hank Hot Rod
- Della Deluxe
- Sally School Bus
- Trevor Tow Truck
- Pax Power
- Charlie Chaser
- Dylan Dasher
- Chandler Chip
- Summer Scoop
- Riley Roadster
- Maddie Mudster
- Payton Pizza
- Travis Tanker
- Maria Minivan
- Hap E. Camper
- Brent Blizzard
Limited Edition:
- Davey Driver
- Taylor Taxi
Special Edition:
- Hope 2001
- Hope 2002
- Hope 2003
- Faith
- Cherish
- Promise
Numbered Series:
- Icon Car
Autopia Cars:
- Classic
- Dusty
- Suzy
- Sparky
- Gold Dusty - Given out to Disneyland employees
[edit] Credits
The television ads were designed by advertising agency Young and Rubicam. The education website was created by San Francisco Internet/Intranet consultant ISL Consulting.
[edit] Trivia
- The Chevron Cars television ads are parodied in da animated comedy Family Guy in the episode "Deep Throats".
- The Chevron Cars television ads were also parodied on a MADtv sketch where one of the cars gets fitted with a bomb and explodes after asking questions about da ticking.
- Many believe that "Cars", the Disney/Pixar movie, was based on the Chevron Cars concept.
