Subaru Launches Online Game Competition at SEMA Show to Showcase 2006 Impreza
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2005 -- Subaru of America, Inc. launched an online game competition today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, to showcase the redesigned 2006 Subaru Impreza.
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"Our research shows a strong correlation in the lifestyles of performance and tuner enthusiasts - like the crowd here at SEMA, and online gamers," said Rick Crosson, Vice President, Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. "We're hoping to attract new customers to the Subaru and Impreza brand through the online game competition and interactive experience."
Developed with interactive agency of record for Subaru R/GA, http://www.imprezashakedown.com/ features interviews, driving footage and advice from Subaru Motorsports drivers. In addition to playing the game, guests can download wallpapers, music and video. They can also explore the features of the redesigned 2006 Subaru Impreza.
"Gaming is a great, unconventional way for participants to learn about and immerse themselves in the Subaru brand," said Bob Greenberg, Chairman, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of R/GA. "This kind of engaging consumer experience is what sets apart great marketers like Subaru from its competition."
To play the game, participants first pick a Subaru Impreza model and a Subaru Motorsports driver they want to race, then select one of three tracks and ultimately "tune" their vehicle for optimal performance - picking the right set of tires and suspension to get them across the finish line the fastest.
Each stage features three different tracks. Times to beat are posted online along with a countdown to the end of the stage's round. Players race against the track. Success will largely be a result of the optimal configuration of the car against the ever-changing surface of the selected track.
In addition to the entertaining experience, there are prizes at stake for those who put their driving skills and knowledge to the test. Players compete in four stages, of which the top 30 racers will compete in a championship round. Hundreds of stage winners will receive prizes like DC Shoe gift certificates and Impreza Shakedown T-shirts. Three finalists will compete for grand prizes including a free trip to the widely respected O'Neil Rally School.
For complete competition rules and schedule, please visit http://www.imprezashakedown.com/.
About R/GA
R/GA (http://www.rga.com/) is the New York-based advertising agency that is centered in interactive and serves as the lead digital partner for Fortune 500 companies and world-class brands. R/GA focuses on creating optimized, user- centric experiences that sell products, engage customers and build brands across channels, from the Web to broadband/enhanced television and wireless devices. Founded in 1977, R/GA is the world's most award-winning interactive agency and has received the top creative awards for film, broadcast and interactive.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/.
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