I was out running errands today to get ready for Boston tomorrow when I noticed a new vehicle, I hadn’t seen in town before. By the time I arrived home today, I had come across it another 3x. It’s what I call a marketing Hummer. It was for Austin Drisdelle - Exit Real Estate. It’s had all the details on the vehicle, a photo I think and is covered in basically a promo for himself and the company. This is the second hummer in Fredericton that I’ve noticed that does this. The other one is for Property Guys - a yellow hummer. I think it works in that you notice the vehicle right away and you remember it. Although I’d likely notice a hummer either way. I say it works, in the context that I notice it and remember it. But what does that mean for the action after that? Is there another message behind the hummer besides just being something noticed? Are they also using it as a tool to show their success? After all, you’d think if they can afford a Hummer, surely they must be a good real estate agent…. And then because these are both real estate companies, was it simply a matter of “hey he has one, I want one too”. Of course the risk is that someone will also be turned off by their choice of a Hummer. It’s a strong statement. They could potentially not gain clients with it, those who are concerned about the environment and all that entails.

I don’t know the prevalence of this form of advertising in other cities. Certainly advertising on vehicles can stand out. The computer company, Geeks Unlimited, I’ve noticed their car. Stone Ages Daycare has a neat van that is covered in kids cartoon like dinosaurs, etc. We all notice these vehicles and remember them. But the hummer seems like another step. What’s it like in other cities? What are your thoughts on the hummer choice for visual marketing?