Yokohama Tire Corp. said it has expanded its relationship with KaBoom!, a national nonprofit that has opened or improved nearly 16,000 playgrounds since its inception in 1996.
Yokohama’s support will include marketing campaigns and playground builds. The nonprofit was named the charity recipient of the Yokohama Tire Ladies Professional Golf Association Classic tournament in 2014, a relationship that will continue, according to the Santa Ana-based tire maker.
“We want to build on the momentum we created last year,” said Alan Holtschneider, Yokohama’s director of marketing. “We are close to finalizing plans for the first playground site to be built this year, with additional ones to be named in the future. Yokohama is pleased to support social causes that address critical issues and produce positive impact.”
Shoe in at the Auto Show
Vans Inc.’s shoes debuted at the New York International Auto Show in the form of virtual projectiles that attendees could throw at a Fiat 500X Trekking.
The automaker, with the help of Microsoft Inc.’s Kinect technology, enabled users to aim a “shoe”—a throwing motion will produce a simulated effect—at the vehicle projected on a life-size screen. The 500X, once hit, would pick up the checkered pattern of a shoe.
Fiat first partnered with Vans in July 2013 during the Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach and continued the collaboration during the 2014 Vans World Cup of Surfing on Sunset Beach, Hawaii. A Fiat 500L Vans design concept car also made an appearance at the Los Angeles and Orange County auto shows.
Outdoor Issues
Emerald Expositions LLC in San Juan Capistrano has sent out an online survey to exhibitors and buyers who frequent its Outdoor Retailer show, asking them for suggestions for a potential location since its contract with Salt Lake City in Utah expires after next year’s show. The survey also asked for input on the show’s dates and importance of lodging availability.
Outdoor Magazine, owned by DNF Media Inc. in Santa Clara, cited Anaheim, Chicago, Las Vegas and Orlando as cities considered as potential host locations.
The Outdoor Retailer show’s management changed in November, when Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer’s national sales director, was promoted to show director, replacing veteran Kenji Haroutunian.
Boston Branding
Looks like Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. is rooting for the Boston Red Sox, even though its Cypress headquarters is just about 10 miles away from Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
The company has signed on as the official tire sponsor of the baseball team, a multiyear agreement that includes signage in Fenway Park and marketing efforts at dealerships and elsewhere in the area, as well as a national promotion that kicks off in May on RedSox.com.
“We are both excited and proud to join Red Sox Nation,” said Amy Coleman, Toyo’s senior director of marketing, in a statement. “This is an incredible opportunity to align Toyo Tires with one of the iconic sports teams in the world, and introduce the brand to their passionate fans. The Boston Red Sox players and fans share our ‘All or Nothing’ attitude, and we look forward to opening day at Fenway.”
Take that, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Bits & Pieces
Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. in Cypress revealed its 2016 Outlander, “a refined crossover utility vehicle that features over 100 engineering and design improvements including a powerful and dynamic appearance, enhanced road performance as the result of improvements to noise levels, ride, handling and throttle response, and a more eloquent yet functional interior space,” at the auto show in New York. … Quiksilver Inc. in Huntington Beach collaborated with electronica musician Robert Delong on the design for a boardshort called the New Wave Remix, set to launch July 1. … Pacific Medical LLC, a San Juan Capistrano-based company that specializes in patient monitoring equipment and repairs, was featured on “Innovations with Ed Begley” episode that aired on the Discovery Channel on March 18. … Shops at Mission Viejo held a spring fashion event on Saturday. The LookBook Live featured style experts from Glamour and GQ magazines who discussed the latest trends in fashion worn by male and female models. … The Sheckler Foundation and etnies in Foothill Ranch will hold the 6th Annual Skate for a Cause on May 2 at the etnies skatepark in Lake Forest.
