Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota recently held a special private show in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Martin for loyal Latino Toyota owners. The event celebrated a milestone for Toyota as the No. 1 automotive brand in the Hispanic market for a decade.
To demonstrate its appreciation of that loyalty, the the world’s largest automaker recognized Latino owners as its special guests. Ricky Martin showcased his spectacular talent, performing his greatest hits and music from his new album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar, to a full-capacity crowd at Nokia Theatre L.A.
“We wanted to thank them for making Toyota their favorite brand for the past ten years. We couldn’t have found a more fitting partner than Ricky Martin who also understands the power of Latino loyalty,” commented Jack Hollis, group vice president of Toyota Division marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Through the years, Toyota has understood the importance of the Latino community, locating its Tundra truck plant in San Antonio, supporting Latino non-profit organizations like the National Council of La Raza, and creating culturally relevant campaigns. Most notably, Toyota launched a recent campaign called “More Than a Car,” or “Más Que Un Auto,” a program that acknowledges the role vehicles play in the everyday lives of Latino consumers.
The campaign recognizes that drivers see their cars as members of their families and give their vehicles nicknames. For instance, customers can order customized nameplates through the website www.masqueunauto.com to be mailed to them at no cost. Tens of thousands of people have ordered the 3-D-printed nameplates, which allow them to demonstrate their love for their trusted companion and immortalize its place in the family.
“In creating the campaign, our challenge was to find an idea that could truly express the love between the Latino consumer and the brand. For them, their Toyotas are almost members of their families. Once the team uncovered this insight, the execution took shape quickly,” said Javier Campopiano, Chief Creative Officer at Conill, Toyota’s Hispanic marketing partner. “Today, engagement continues, owners are sharing their stories through Toyota Latino social channels and this campaign – developed to thank Latino owners for their support – celebrates the long-standing relationship between Toyota and the Latino community.”
Hyundai showed refreshed versions of the 2016 Elantra GT and Veloster, as well as a special edition of the Veloster Rally (right-pictured with Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai senior group manager and product planner) that goes on sale this May.
