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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.

It's Uncle Yaris
Uncle Yaris knows his tunes
Uncle Yaris binge list
Uncle Yaris website
Uncle Yaris website
Uncle yaris website
Uncle Yaris Toyota reveal
Uncle Yaris Toyota reveal
Uncle Yaris Toyota reveal
Uncle Yaris CD
Uncle Yaris Pizza boxes

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.

Yaris mysteries
Yaris mysteries
Yaris mysteries

© 2026 Simon Duffy.

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