Yokohama Tire Corporation Rolls Out New TV Ad

FULLERTON, April 14, 2011: Dealers will now have one more thing to talk about to their customers: Yokohama Tire Corporation’s (YTC) new high-powered, high-speed TV ad best described as “Duck, Duck, Goose” (DDG) for adults. The 30-second spot features off-road champions Cameron and Heidi Steele – both Yokohama-sponsored drivers – whipping around a circle of high-performance vehicles all equipped with Yokohama tires. Cameron (a Baja 1000 champion) in his 800-horsepower off-road truck and Heidi (a Baja 500 and 1000 champion) in a bright yellow Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera chasing after him.

“The expectation was to make the best television spot in Yokohama history and one that a year from now, would look good as any in the category,” said Fred Koplin, YTC director of marketing communications. “I also wanted a spot that looked different from every other tire ad on television. Our creative team developed an ad idea that visually showcases YTC’s technology and ultra high-performance tires … while having fun. The interplay between Heidi and Cameron is absolutely perfect.”

DDG broke nationally on ABC during the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race and is scheduled to appear on several television network including ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, CNBC, TRU, Golf and Comcast Sportsnet through October 2011. Promotional versions of the commercial are also currently airing in the Boston and Houston markets, where YTC has existing sports marketing sponsorships with the NBA’s Celtics and Rockets. Consumers who buy a set of Yokohama tires from participating dealers in the northern New England area will receive an official Celtics shooting shirt, and consumers around Houston will receive a Clyde Drexler throwback jersey. Both deals are good through April 30.

To see the commercial, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/YokohamaMotorsports.