Commercial Break: A Quick Example Of A Good "Gen Y" Ad

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Here’s a quick example of Gen Y marketing done right, but this isn’t so much to do with the product.

It’s an ad for the Hyundai Veloster. Short, effective, just enough of a nod and a wink to the viewer without being risqué. Unlike most male-focused ads, it doesn’t hold promises of threesomes with cute, nubile girls, but if your game is tight enough to get two of them to go with you to a night club, the Veloster won’t let you down.

MINI tried this a few years ago with the above ad. Maybe it’s because of shifting cultural norms or some other nonsense that I didn’t pay attention to in Sociology 101, but the ad generated some controversy without a lot of impact. In any case, it seems too blatant, like a very low-cut top. The Veloster ad, on the other hand, is like that tight dress worn by the girl getting out the back seat. You don’t see too much, but you know what’s being implied.


Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Amanda Bauer Amanda Bauer on Apr 26, 2012

    Blargh. The worst thing about being a girl who likes cars? Is listening to women and car stereotypes. "What color is it? I want car that matches my phone!" *barf*

  • Dave-the-rave Dave-the-rave on Apr 26, 2012

    I didn't know the Veloster had that much legroom.

  • Nostrathomas Nostrathomas on Apr 26, 2012

    Personally, I find the Mini add to be more cheeky here....and I'm Gen Y myself (although barely). As for buying a car to attract women? Forget it. I drive a bright red Porsche Cayman that looks absolutely stunning in a sea of Camrys and crossovers. Not that I am asking for any, but the only people who ever give it attention? Boys under 10 and older Miata-driving types. Women of any age really don't give a crap.

  • Charliej Charliej on Apr 26, 2012

    28-cars-later, things were different 50 years ago. Things are immeasurably better. I graduated from high school, started college and got a job in 1964. College was cheap, $75.00 per quarter tuition. Pay was low, $1.25 per hour. Gas was cheap, $0.25 per gallon. I enlisted in the Navy Reserve, mainly to stay out of Viet Nam. When I was on active duty, I bought my first home, $6500 for 900 square feet. Three bedroom, one bath, being young, my wife and I loved that house. As far as pensions, none of my jobs ever included one. I knew people who got pensions, but they tended to be very low. On the order of $10.00 to $30.00 per month. My dad receives a pension from his work, less than $50.00 per month. As far as the cars then, todays cars are so much better that you can't believe it. I personally had a 55 Chevy, a 57 Chevy, a 60 Corvair, a 64 Corvair, a 64 Ford, a 62 Ford Econoline and more foreign cars than I can count. I had a 59 Borgward Isabella sedan, a 59 Mini, a 60 Mini, a late 50's Morris Minor, a 59 reverse slant rear window Anglia, a Fiat 600 with a VW engine, several Fiat 850's, both coupe and spider, a Fiat 124 coupe, a Porsche 914. Bought new were Austin 1100, Ford Cortina GT, Austin America, Fiat 128 station wagon, 79 Ford Fairmont wagon, 80 Honda Civic, 83 Chevette, 84 Civic wagon, 87 CRX, 88 Dodge Dakota, 90 Acura Legend, 2005 PT Cruiser, 2006 Odyssey, 2010 Insight. Looking back at all the used junk I had, it is a wonder I survived. Minis of that era had doors that were one thickness of sheet metal and weighed around 1200 pounds. You were as safe on a motorcycle. The point is, live your life and have fun while you can. I am now retired, living on social security, still with the same wife. This would be a sad tale except we don't live in the US any more. We moved to a low cost of living country and are still enjoying life. We worked and saved, we did everything we could do to protect our future. We started a business and devoted our lives to it for 27 years. We made a lot of money and invested it in the market, now there is no money. When things went to hell in 2008, we changed our plans, to move out of the US. Cars aren't everything, but they can be a lot of fun while you are going down the highway of life. Even at my advanced age, I still enjoy driving. I don't drive too fast though. If I want speed, i get my bike out. No car can compare to the thrill of a fast bike. All you young people, enjoy life, you only get one try at it. Don't get old and say, I wish I had done more.

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