Nissan Launches World's Slimiest Marketing Push For Minivan

by Bertel Schmitt

Published: August 13th, 2012

nissan launches world s slimiest marketing push for minivan

Nissan hired forty of the world’s most notorious slimeballs to flog its new Serena minivan. Nissan “will promote its Serena minivan through a tie-in with the “Dragon Quest” video game series, part of a bid to boost sales to families,” says The Nikkei [sub].

Serenas, decked out in a slime paint job were shown today at Luida’s Cafe in Roppongi, Tokyo’s gaijin-town, to a manga-crazed Japanese public. (Domo arigatou gozaimasu to Impress for the pics. High def in the gallery.)

Seven slimy Serenas, decorated with monsters from the Square Enix Dragon Quest games, will tour Nissan dealerships and special events across Japan. Forty of the Slimes were hired, Nissan says.

Knowing the manga-kichi Japanese, that paint job could soon become a factory option.

In case you are in Tokyo: The slimeball Serenas will be on display through Sunday at Roppongi Hills. You know where it is, it’s those buildings above Heartland.

#BertelSchmitt #DragonQuest #Japan #Nissan #Serena

Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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2 of 6 comments

MrWhopee on Aug 14, 2012

Even the wheels were of the character! They're being serious about this. Might appeal to the non-car loving video-game fan Japanese youth. Anyway, the front grille seems to copy Ford Fusion's.

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GiddyHitch on Aug 14, 2012

I generally avoid Rappongi when I'm in Tokyo, so I've got to ask, just exactly what type of debauchery takes place at Heartland?

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