The MPG marketing gimmick

I found this over at bikecommuters.com I really like this story.


Is it just me or is everyone else tired of watching or listening to car commercials touting MPG figures? Some commercials even use some annoying jingles like Toyota’s “I want my MPG”. Here’s what really annoys me, the MPG numbers that auto makers use are for highway driving and using a stick-shift. I can’t recall the last time I rode a highway in L.A. and about 99% of people drive automatics.

Now, EPA City MPG numbers vary from car to car but they are 6 to 10 mpg lower than the EPA hwy MPG. So I’m wondering if consumers are actually falling for this MPG marketing gimmick?

So I have a new marketing idea. Car dealers are you listening???? Need to sell that Suburban that has been in your dealership for over 6 months?? It is simple: All you have to say is that the Suburban’s BMPG is 24bmpg CITY and 34BMPG highway. You may notice a new term, BMPG… Here’s where your fast talking, small letters that no one can read department earns their money: BMPG is a new term where you use a bicycle for half of your usual driving miles! Yeah, it is that simple! Ride a bike to work for half of the miles that you would usually drive and Voila! Double your MPG!!!

If you are clever enough, you can tout that the green benefits of BMPG are actually comparable to a Prius AND you can also sell the fact that for some strange reason, BMPG will make you lose weight. So forget expensive cashback deals, just throw in a couple of bikes, helmets and a bike rack with the Suburban and make sure that you tell the new owners to visit www.bikecommuters.com for tips on how to maximize their BMPG.