Do you have a special name for your car? Toyota wants to make your car’s name official by celebrating your loyalty and sharing the love you have for your car.
My Toyota Story
Growing up, my dad always owned a Toyota. For years he owned that stick-shift truck. I remember he would work on his truck every Sunday, rain or shine. It was his baby and he took really good care of it. In fact, he taught me how to drive in that truck for the first time. It wasn’t common for young girls to drive stick-shift, but he said it was important for me to learn how to drive stick-shift. His reason, so I would never get stranded anywhere in case I ever got into an argument with a boyfriend.
My father advised me to always own a Toyota because they were good cars and lasted forever. Well, following his advice, my first new car purchase was a Toyota 4-Runner. It had no AC, manual windows, stick-shift and man, did I love my SUV. That 4-Runner and I have amazing memories. We drove everywhere our young hearts desired, even in the dessert heat with no AC. No one cared that it had no AC, because we just let our hair run wild with the widows down and sang our hearts out to Mana or Shakira. My 4-Runner’s name was Sweet Dreams and I passed her down to someone who would enjoy her as much as I did. Today after many years of owning different types of vehicles, I went back to brand and purchased a red Toyota Prius. She’s geeky, stylish, optimistic and reliable, her name is Lalita, a nickname given to me by my father who is no longer with us.
Toyota Celebrates Loyalty
Toyota has won the hearts of many over the years, making it the #1 automotive brand among the Hispanic community. In honor of that loyalty, Toyota launched Más Que Un Auto (More Than A Car) campaign back in 2014 encouraging owners to name their cars and receive a custom badge to affix on their vehicles. Since then, approximately 150,000 badges have been ordered nationwide. The campaign has resulted in the most user-generated social and online content in Toyota’s history.
Now entering its 12th consecutive year as the best-selling automotive brand among U.S. Hispanics, Toyota is paying tribute to these inspirational guests through The Book of Names – a limited-edition, hardcover illustrated publication. The Book of Names contains thousands of names that have been shared by Toyota owners with the brand during its Más Que Un Auto (More Than A Car) loyalty campaign. It also features charming stories and fun facts behind some of the most popular vehicle names.
Toyota owners got very creative with their names like “Piñata” and “Gorilla” to “Magic Bus” and “Rocker,”. Owners also shared their intimate stories that brought them together and how their special bond was created with their car.
“Más Que Un Auto provided a unique way to recognize the car-love connections that exist for our guests,” said Mia Phillips, National Manager – Brand, Multicultural & Crossline Marketing Strategy for Toyota. “It has been an amazing journey, with so many people sharing clever and touching stories with us. The Book of Names represents an enduring tribute to the loyalty and spirit of Hispanic owners and Toyota’s genuine appreciation for them. ”
Fun Facts About Car Names
- Forget about “John Smith.” The most common first names were “Jack” (139) and “Jennifer” (163). Actually, no one named their car “John Smith.” Yep, mind blown.
- 343 badges were ordered with the name “Ninja.” Possibly due to the sonic resemblance between an engine and the swoosh of a Meiji-era Kusarigama, but probably just because ninjas are cool.
- They say, “Love is in the air,” but it’s apparently also on the road as 383 Toyotas were named “Love.”
- 58 people know brains come before brawn, that’s why they selected the monikers “Geek” (26) and “Nerd” (32) for their Toyotas.
- Hanging a rabbit’s foot from the rearview mirror wasn’t enough for the 65 superstitious drivers who picked the name “Luck” for their Toyotas.
- 16 Toyota owners always see the glass as half-full. That’s why they named their cars “Be Happy.”
- There are two kinds of people: Those who see their car’s dashboard as a Premium Mahogany Executive Desk, and those who see an actual dashboard. 113 of the former named their car “Boss.”
- 100 drivers know how to make it rain. They used the word “Money” to name their Toyotas.
- You have got to be kitten me right meow! 45 Toyotas were named after cats.
- Seems like cupid works part-time as a Toyota salesman. 49 lovebirds called their cars “Bae” (Before Anyone Else).
- Mothers have a new superpower, inspiring Toyota names. Over 400 of them were “Mom.”
Are you inspired to share your own car name and receive a name plate for your special baby? Well, you can still register and order your own personalized badge and add your unique car-naming story and photo! In fact, you even access an iBook version of The Book of Names online at www.masqueunauto.com. All though there may not be another version of the hardcover book, you will receive a link with your story to share with family and friends. Some of the best stories will be added to the iBook as it continues to recognize the extraordinary spirit of owners. The limited hardcover publication will be available for purchase on www.toyotaoutfitters.com while supplies last.
If you do end up getting your own name plate, make sure to share your babies name below. Love to hear your car-name story as well.
1 Comment
this is awesome, so many people name their cars.