the archive
Sport in a box
Client: The United Nations
Uncle Yaris
Client: Toyota
Toyota was preparing to replace the Echo which had replaced the Tercel. The new model was a funny looking sub-compact with few competitive advantages. It was also stuck with an odd sounding name that meant nothing to Canadians: Yaris.
The car would sell to older drivers based on value alone, but for a successful launch it had to be embraced by the youth market – a group Toyota had always struggled to connect with.
The answer? Uncle Yaris. Uncle Yaris was born in Europe. He was surprisingly quick. He could carry a lot. He was very colourful and he played great tunes. Uncle Yaris was a blind launch. People loved him and his seemingly random skills.
Only later did they find out that these were actually attributes of a funny looking car.
The result was the most successful launch in Toyota’s history. In the space of a few weeks the name Yaris was firmly planted in the hearts and minds of young Canadian drivers. The campaign also won a Gold Cassie. But more importantly Yaris has lead the sub-compact category in sales every month since it launched. Also, the mean age of Toyota sub-compact drivers dropped a full eleven years.

blame Yaris
Uncle Yaris was followed up with the 'Blame Yaris' campaign that depicted how the many features of the Yaris were used in a series of historical events, from a Trojan horse to stealing the nose off the Sphynix in Ancient Eygpt.



Absolut ritual
Client: Seagram

eventually everyone retires
Client: AGF Mutual funds





never get lost again
Client: Infiniti Motors Canada


