Twitter: Nissan steals 2012 Camry's thunder - during the launch

While Toyota was launching with much fanfare the 2012 Camry on August 23 (dancers, confetti and giant screen included), Nissan used Twitter to pull the rug out from under its rival’s feet and promote its own products. Unfair competition or not, it turned out to be a stroke of genius.

Just before the big debut, Nissan’s social media experts learned that Toyota was planning on using Twitter for the Camry’s media premiere and proceeded to use that information to their own advantage.

To their surprise, they realized that the word “Camry” had in fact not been bought by their archrival. Much rubbing of hands ensued.

Photo: Toyota

They made sure that anyone looking up the words “Camry,” “Toyota Camry,” and “mid-sized car” would receive a promotional message such as:

• While the '12 Altima is 1 of "the best-looking and most sporty" sedans, the Camry "isn't at the leading edge in any way."
• Nissan Altima named a ‘top pick’ by the leading independent consumer mag for 4 yrs running – rated above Camry & Sonata.
• Review: 2012 Nissan Altima "continues its midsize reign" over Toyota Camry. "One of the best driver-oriented sedans."
• Unlike some car companies, Nissan is running at 100%. So, the most innovative cars are also the most available cars.

A Nissan exec, proud of his employer’s exploit, said (quite rightly) that Toyota missed the boat and “simply did not protect their intellectual property”.

The war is officially on.

After Nissan’s provocative ad and this latest blow, will Toyota finally exact retribution or will the automaker prefer to take the high road?


_{Source: Automotive News}