Thread: Ozzie G4 Challenge Team

I still can't work out why they bother with all the running around, mountain biking and rock climbing when they have a fully kitted out car from landrover to have some fun with.

They let the marketing people get at it after Camel were dumped I think. And since the marketing people thought they wanted to interest gen-x'ers, well, that equals mountains bikes, kayaks,... sexy young people doing `adventurous' outdoorsie type stuff.

In true marketing style, the 4WDs became a backdrop to the action, rather than being at the centre of attention. When you want to market something you are seeking to influence and that has greater effect when you come at the audience obliquely, not directly. To come at people directly gives them the opportunity to say, `no thanks, don't want it'. The oblique thing gives them the chance to say, `oh I like that' and the association with the marketed stuff gets a yes too, by proxy.

The Camel Trophy was so successful because it was about the adventure and the action, and of course, the machines. It captured the world's imagination. G4 is, well, lame and flaccid by comparison.

Alan

What a load of boll****! Bring back the Camel Trophy!!!!!