Mazda Miata fans can now count the days and hours until they can purchase one of 100 special-edition roadsters.
Irvine-based Mazda North American Operations has put up a countdown clock on its website as part of its preorder program for the 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition model. The countdown will end at 10:25 a.m. on May 20, and the first 100 people who register will get a chance to buy the $32,205 car at a dealership of their choice.
“The MX-5 Miata is not about making history but about taking innovation a step further,” Jim O’Sullivan, Mazda North American Operations’ president and chief executive, said in a news release. “Twenty-five years after the vehicle was introduced, the MX-5 continues to be the benchmark for light, responsive and fun-to-drive roadsters. It is the genesis from which every Mazda since has been born. With the fourth generation MX-5 on the horizon, we look forward to reinventing the segment once again.”
Cease Fire?
Looks like Irvine-based Taco Bell Corp.’s third ad installment promoting its new breakfast menu isn’t taking direct jabs at McDonald’s Corp.
The brand, which kicked off the campaign seven weeks ago with ads featuring men named Ronald McDonald professing their love for Taco Bell’s breakfast, has now introduced new characters—Harold and Lenny.
The duo, who resemble the crotchety commentators Statler and Waldorf from “The Muppets” show, stars in TV commercials titled, “Morning Rave,” “Slippery Slope” and “One-Handed Breakfast.”
They complain about the new generation’s breakfast-eating habits and what those can potentially lead to, such as “growing a pony tail.”
“Our new TV campaign pays homage to the ways of our core millennial consumers—with fun generational color commentary—and it shows how people can break their boring breakfast routine, no matter what age they are,” Chris Brandt, Taco Bell’s chief marketing officer, said in a news release. “This menu and ad campaign for Taco Bell Breakfast are part of our bold goal to double the business by 2022, and just as importantly, part of our promise to help customers Live Más.”
The ads were produced by Deutsch LA, the agency behind all of Taco Bell’s breakfast TV, radio and digital spots.
INKing the Deal
The Orange County Department of Education selected Irvine-based INK Studios to develop an e-cigarette awareness campaign.
“Our mission of rewriting the rules to build something great is particularly relevant with the addition of the OC Department of Education to our list of client partners,” Todd Henderson, the agency’s president and cofounder, said in a news release. “We are honored to be supporting them in creating a campaign that will not only educate, but also create awareness for an important issue.”Â
INK will develop a campaign targeting youth in middle schools and high schools, “to counteract the surge in the popularity of e-cigarettes,” in collaboration with the Orange County Health Care Agency and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The campaign is funded through a $72,000 a grant from the California Department of Education.
The agency also announced four new hires: Shannon Schofield for the newly created position of director of digital operations; Adrienne Williamson as associate creative director; Brooke Briggs as senior project manager; and Brian Klein, who will serve as the social media specialist.
Sweet Thank Yous
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour Restaurants of Lake Forest is giving all past and current military personnel free Red White and Blue Thank You Sundaes during May, which is National Military Appreciation Month.
The company also has blank “thank you” notes available for children to color, which will be sent to military men and women serving at U.S. bases around the world.
Studio Three Sixty Marketing in Lake Forest, Farrel’s agency of record for the past four years, created the campaign.
Juicy Rewards
Irvine-based Juice It Up! launched the “My Juice It Up! Healthy Rewards” program, which lets customers earn one point for every dollar spent at the raw juice and smoothie franchise.
“We wanted to find a new way to reward our on-the-go guests for making the conscious decision to pursue a healthy lifestyle,” Carol Skinner, the brand’s senior director of marketing and business development, said in a news release.
Juice It Up! is franchised by LLJ Franchise LLC and managed by Balboa Brands Inc. in Irvine.
