Soon, the world will get to see SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS on the big screen and on the road. Actually, think a 2015 Toyota Sienna minivan, customized to look a giant sponge coming to the Chicago Auto Show.
This “concept car” debuted earlier at the LA Auto Show and was created as part of a Nickelodeon cross-promotion for the upcoming THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER, due in theaters this Friday, February 6.
Nickelodeon has partnered with Toyota to transform the soccer mom’s van of choice into a vehicle fit for–well, a sponge. The SpongeBob Movie 2015 Toyota Sienna features a custom three-dimensional SpongeBob Squarepants exterior, complete with a roof-mounted bubble blower, loud (very loud) SpongeBob graphics including giant eyes screened on the windshield so there’s plenty of sunlight and headlight glare blocking ability
The interior features seating inspired by each of SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom pals, along with a wood-grain dashboard, a custom boat inspired Capitan’s steering wheel, a deep ocean blue headliner and sand-colored carpeting. There are also several big flat screens mounted inside the van showing clips from the movie.
“SpongeBob SquarePants continues to be at the center of pop culture, and through this promotion with our wonderful partners at Toyota, we have created his next iconic moment with a truly unique vehicle that captures all of the high-octane energy of Paramount’s highly anticipated feature film,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer, Nickelodeon Group.
Nickeloden and Toyota will be showcasing the SpongeBob Movie 2015 Toyota Sienna at numerous kid-friendly stops this winter/spring, including selected Bass Pro Shops throughout the US, Nickelodeon Suites Resort, Orlando, Fla.; Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, Minneapolis, Minn.; here at the Chicago Auto Show and the New York Auto Show in April. The Chicago Auto Show stop (and several others) will have character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities, a SpongeBob-inspired crane game; and giveaways. Additionally there will be local mall pop up “fun” zones this year.
“Toyota is again teaming up with SpongeBob to help him and his friends go places in a custom ride inspired by their upcoming dry land adventures,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of marketing for Toyota. “The 2015 Sienna is a perfect choice for families and superheroes alike – offering seating for up to eight and a bubble blower attachment feature to boot.”
Toyota indicates that the SpongeBob Toyota Sienna promotion will also be supported online with a custom channel on nick.com and promoted through on-air as well as digital display advertising and social media. Fans can log onto www.nick.com/toyota to get more information on tour stops and access a gallery of images of the SpongeBob Movie vehicle.
In THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OF OF WATER from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, SpongeBob Squarepants, the sea dwelling invertebrate, washes ashore to our world for a super-heroic adventure. The movie is Produced by Paul Tibbitt and Mary Parent, with live action direction by Mike Mitchell. Based on the series “SpongeBob SquarePants” created by Stephen Hillenburg. Story by Stephen Hillenburg & Paul Tibbitt, screenplay by Glenn Berger & Jonathan Aibel and Paul Tibbitt and directed by Paul Tibbitt.
The real 2015 Toyota Sienna debuted earlier in 2014. Toyota freshened the exterior styling packed it with added safety, convenience and multi-media features. The updated Sienna is a big van inside and that’s good as minivans are all about people and space. Another plus is it is currently the only mini-van to offer all-wheel drive as an option. A beefier towing package allows towing up to 3,500 pounds.
Both Siennas will be in the Toyota floor display at the Chicago Auto Show.
Until a manufacturer invents another type of hauler, minivans like the Toyota Sienna will be the choice for carrying the whole family, or a sponge and his friends to places like Bikini Bottom or a fun day at the auto show.
Stay tuned to THE ROCK FATHER for more coverage of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.
