HSN has been around for more than three decades, and Toyota is the first automaker to appear on the network. The aim of the show is to highlight Toyota’s hybrid lineup, including the Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, all-new Avalon Hybrid, and of course, the Prius family.
According to Toyota Motor Sales VP of Marketing Communications and Motorsports Ed Laukes, “HSN has a really loyal and engaged base of viewers, so it was a natural partner to help us expose out growing lineup of hybrids to people across the country.” Appearing on the show were Micah Muzio of KBB.com and Tara Weingarten of Vroomgirls.com. The two appeared as the program’s auto experts – one must carefully consider the objectivity of any subject matter expert brought on to a program this is so clearly backed by Toyota, however.
The show apparently also featured quizzes and Toyota-themed games, allowing fans to earn point towards sweepstakes to win a new Avalon Hybrid. Do you think this is a smart move for an automaker? Is Toyota targeting the Avalon’s target demographic with the HSN program? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota introduced its all-new Avalon Hybrid and its hybrid vehicle lineup into millions of living rooms across America on Sunday, October 7, with a “Discover Toyota” showcase that aired on HSN at 12 noon, 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. EDT.
Toyota is the first auto manufacturer to appear on HSN in the more than 30 years since it was founded.
Auto experts Micah Muzio of KBB.com and Tara Weingarten of Vroomgirls.com joined HSN’s well-known hosts Marlo Smith and Brett Chuckerman to give HSN viewers an inside look at Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, including the Prius Family, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid – and the all-new Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
Both the all-new Avalon and Avalon Hybrid were designed, engineered and manufactured in America.
Toyota extended an exclusive offer to HSN’s audience to register, either by calling HSN or visiting a Toyota/HSN custom site to receive a $1,000 gas card or HSN Kash upon purchasing a Toyota hybrid in the next 90 days. The site, which can be accessed at http://www.hsn.com/Toyota_at-5548_xa.aspx?cm_re=TVElement-_-Toyota-_-shopNow, will remain live through November 5.
To enhance viewers’ experience, the corresponding Toyota/HSN site featured a variety of Toyota activities, including videos, a quiz and a Toyota-themed game. Fans earned points for playing to win prizes and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win the all-new Avalon Hybrid.
After introducing the Prius in 2000, Toyota expanded its hybrid lineup to incorporate hybrid versions of popular Toyota models. Toyota has now sold nearly 75 percent of all hybrids in America.
