RAM MAN
09-13-2002, 07:32 AM
Chrysler Group's 4x4 EVO2 Video Game is Successful and Popular with Jeep® Prospects
from a press release:
"Gamers across the country have put their orders in for the all-new 2003 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon after playing the innovative Jeep 4x4 EVO2 Web-based video game. With 14-percent of initial Jeep Wrangler Rubicon orders coming from Jeep 4x4 EVO2 game registrants, the Chrysler Group's first experience with "advergaming" is proving to be a very successful, cost-effective communication method.
"The Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything four-wheel drive vehicle," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Jeep, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "Connect that with the ultimate off-road game, Jeep 4x4 EVO2, and we gave Jeep owners and non-owners a virtual roller coaster ride off-road."
The sophisticated graphics of this highly capable and entertaining game provide a very realistic way to let consumers experience the extreme capability of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, before it was even available at dealerships.
In the Chrysler Group's first effort to use only Internet and gaming to launch a new vehicle model, the goals of this initiative were to create awareness, generate hand raisers and maintain interest in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon during its launch phase. As of July, there were 312,000 unique visitors to the game web site and 78,000 unique visitors to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon product information site. While these gamers were virtually experiencing the capabilities of the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Chrysler Group was leveraging the game to deliver real product messages to the users.
"This is a unique program with Jeep Wrangler vehicles and hard-core off-road trails created exclusively for the Jeep 4x4 EVO2 game," continued Bell. "And, with the demographics of the 4x4 EVO2 gamers and target Jeep Wrangler Rubicon consumers such a close match, it was also a great way to launch a great new product. Did Gen Y play this game? Absolutely. But so did Gen X and Baby Boomers - our target market for this ultimate off-road champion."
To enter, gamers visited www.jeep.com and completed a registration form starting February 8, 2002. They then either down loaded the game or requested a free game CD. Players choose any Wrangler model from the existing 2002 lineup (SE, X, Sport and Sahara) to drive on the Jeep 101® course. Like the real life Jeep 101 driving courses which provide current and prospective owners basic skills of safe, yet adventurous off-road driving, the virtual Jeep 101 course included both real world and virtual driving tips. Successful completion of the Jeep 101 course unlocked the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model and the first of three contest competition trails. The contest culminated with a 10-person face-off at the eight annual Camp Jeep® held in Branson, Missouri. The top scorer won a new 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The new 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is engineered to take on the most demanding trails, even those previously reserved for only highly modified vehicles. While its beefy off-road tires and diamond-plate sill protectors hint at the tremendous capability of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, it's the underpinnings that make it worthy of wearing the Rubicon name. On sale in summer 2002, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features locking front and rear Dana model 44 axles and a 4:1 low range transfer case, in response to the most demanding off-road enthusiasts."
You can get a preview copy at www.jeep.com
from a press release:
"Gamers across the country have put their orders in for the all-new 2003 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon after playing the innovative Jeep 4x4 EVO2 Web-based video game. With 14-percent of initial Jeep Wrangler Rubicon orders coming from Jeep 4x4 EVO2 game registrants, the Chrysler Group's first experience with "advergaming" is proving to be a very successful, cost-effective communication method.
"The Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything four-wheel drive vehicle," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Jeep, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "Connect that with the ultimate off-road game, Jeep 4x4 EVO2, and we gave Jeep owners and non-owners a virtual roller coaster ride off-road."
The sophisticated graphics of this highly capable and entertaining game provide a very realistic way to let consumers experience the extreme capability of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, before it was even available at dealerships.
In the Chrysler Group's first effort to use only Internet and gaming to launch a new vehicle model, the goals of this initiative were to create awareness, generate hand raisers and maintain interest in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon during its launch phase. As of July, there were 312,000 unique visitors to the game web site and 78,000 unique visitors to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon product information site. While these gamers were virtually experiencing the capabilities of the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Chrysler Group was leveraging the game to deliver real product messages to the users.
"This is a unique program with Jeep Wrangler vehicles and hard-core off-road trails created exclusively for the Jeep 4x4 EVO2 game," continued Bell. "And, with the demographics of the 4x4 EVO2 gamers and target Jeep Wrangler Rubicon consumers such a close match, it was also a great way to launch a great new product. Did Gen Y play this game? Absolutely. But so did Gen X and Baby Boomers - our target market for this ultimate off-road champion."
To enter, gamers visited www.jeep.com and completed a registration form starting February 8, 2002. They then either down loaded the game or requested a free game CD. Players choose any Wrangler model from the existing 2002 lineup (SE, X, Sport and Sahara) to drive on the Jeep 101® course. Like the real life Jeep 101 driving courses which provide current and prospective owners basic skills of safe, yet adventurous off-road driving, the virtual Jeep 101 course included both real world and virtual driving tips. Successful completion of the Jeep 101 course unlocked the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model and the first of three contest competition trails. The contest culminated with a 10-person face-off at the eight annual Camp Jeep® held in Branson, Missouri. The top scorer won a new 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The new 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is engineered to take on the most demanding trails, even those previously reserved for only highly modified vehicles. While its beefy off-road tires and diamond-plate sill protectors hint at the tremendous capability of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, it's the underpinnings that make it worthy of wearing the Rubicon name. On sale in summer 2002, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features locking front and rear Dana model 44 axles and a 4:1 low range transfer case, in response to the most demanding off-road enthusiasts."
You can get a preview copy at www.jeep.com