Incorporating the zombie apocalypse into vehicle design
Not playing favourites, but I believe Hyundai has taken the lead in incorporating the coming zombie apocalypse into their vehicle design. They have partnered with Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead comic book series, to design a vehicle that will survive the inevitable.
Kirkman appears to have incorporated noteworthy features into the vehicle design including a suitable interior space to act as living quarters, security plates on the windows to thwart off intruders, a reduced turning radius for quick getaways and, of course, a scoop on the front to remove anything (aka “one”) that is in the way of the vehicle.
Quite innovative.
Apart from the design aspect, the masterful marketing part of this initiative is that the Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine will be on display at Comic-Con which runs from July 12-15 in San Diego. What a great way to attract new customers to the brand who, perhaps, might not normally consider you. Read more here.
About the Author
Chris Travell
Chris Travell is the Vice President, Strategic Consulting, for Maritz Research, Automotive Group.
Travell is responsible for working with Maritz’ Insight Teams to further the understanding and application of the firm’s automotive research findings in various key markets around the world.
His MBA is from McMaster University, specializing in Marketing and International Business. Travell then received a graduate scholarship to attend the renowned Institute for International Studies and Training in Tokyo, Japan.
Attempting to combine his Japanese experience with his lifelong interest in the automotive industry, Travell started out his career working for Mazda Canada and Toyota Canada in various capacities. Travell joined Maritz in 1996 where he was responsible for consulting with automotive manufacturers in areas of strategic and tactical information application.
Travell has appeared on CBC, CTV, and Global Television, CBC Newsworld, TVO and is often quoted in the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Macleans, the National Post and various other publications in regard to issues related to the Canadian automotive industry.
About Maritz Research
As one of the world’s largest marketing research firms, Maritz Research helps many of today’s most successful companies improve performance through a deep understanding of their customers, employees and channel partners. Founded in 1973, it offers a range of strategic and tactical solutions concentrating primarily in the automotive, financial services, hospitality, technology, telecommunications, and retail industries. The company has achieved ISO 20252 registration, the international symbol of quality. It is a member of CASRO, ESOMAR, MRA, and is the official sponsor of the American Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.MaritzResearch.com or contact us at 1-877-4MARITZ.