Super Bowl 50 is officially in the books, with the Denver Broncos edging out the Carolina Panthers for the NFL crown. But the action wasn’t limited to the field, with several of the world’s automakers battling it out during the game’s commercial breaks.
Most of the ad campaigns were released ahead of kickoff, allowing the companies to take advantage of social media momentum ahead of the Big Game. However, a few companies, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Buick, kept their sports under wraps until the game was under way.
Acura used the game to showcase its new NSX, already featured in a previous Super Bowl ad several years ago. Parent Honda commissioned a segment featuring singing sheep, promoting the next-generation 2017 Ridgeline pickup.
Hyundai spent big on two major ads, one featuring actor Ryan Reynolds and another with comedian Kevin Hart. Affiliate Kia has also opted for star power, offering advice from Christopher Walken.
Toyota, meanwhile, promoted its all-new Prius hybrid with a pair of spots that poked fun at the car’s poky image.
Buick debuted its first-ever Super Bowl commercial Sunday night. The spot featured a wedding-goer making an Odell Beckham-like catch during the bouquet toss. OBJ was in attendance at the wedding, because Super Bowl. The bride and groom then ride off in the all-new Buick Cascada.
FCA went nostalgic with a pair of commercials for its Jeep brand. Both touted the brand’s 75th anniversary.
MINI took a celebrity shock-and-awe strategy, fitting tennis champion Serena Williams, actor Harvey Keitel, musician T-Pain, former MLB pitcher Randy Johnson, skateboard icon Tony Hawk and soccer star Abby Wambach all into a single 30-second spot.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover sat out Super Bowl Sunday, while Subaru has opted to save some money and extend its Dog Tested campaign for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl.
The average cost of a 30-second Super Bowl commercial has climbed to nearly $5 million, according to an AdAge report. Companies are said to have collectively spent $4.5 billion to present their brands through the Big Game’s 50-year history.
Hyundai
Audi
Subaru (Puppy Bowl)
Acura
Kia
MINI
Honda
Toyota
Buick
Jeep
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