Unhappy Honda Days — The Grinch steals Honda holiday campaign

(November 20, 2018) In partnership with Universal Pictures and Illumination's Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, Honda has discovered that their Happy Honda Days event was stolen by the Grinch during Sunday television programming, leaving an empty Honda dealership and spreading unhappiness across the automaker's annual holiday campaign.

The Grinch canceled Honda's annual sales event because it was simply too happy and today, he has taken over the brand's Twitter channel (@Honda), where he shares unhappy and unmerry holiday comments, featuring the hashtag #GrinchTakeover.

Fans will want to follow along to see what else the Grinch may be scheming — or if Happy Honda Days can be saved.

The Grinch is also using Honda's Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube channels to spread word about his Twitter takeover.

"As much of a cynical grump as the Grinch can be, we've got a hunch we can help him have a change of heart and save Happy Honda Days," said Susie Rossick, assistant vice president of Honda Marketing. "The Grinch is an iconic holiday character with a nostalgic appeal that entertains the whole family, and now he is putting a new spin on our Happy Honda Days sales event that is sure to break through the clutter of traditional holiday advertising."



In theaters now, The Grinch stars Academy Award-nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the title character in the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl's generous holiday spirit. Funny, inspiring and visually stunning, The Grinch tells a universal story about the redemptive power of kindness and the true spirit of Christmas. As a marketing partner of the film, Honda's campaign includes two TV commercials, digital media, social media posts and NBCUniversal custom content featuring the Grinch.

2018 Happy Honda Days campaign

Honda's annual Happy Honda Days tradition continues in 2018, by helping shoppers re-live that childhood feeling of getting something they truly loved for the holidays, by getting a great deal on a new Honda as an adult.

Earlier this month the brand launched a follow-up to its 2014 Happy Honda Days nostalgic "Toys" campaign featuring a new round of classic childhood toys, including favorites such as Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Care Bears, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.Honda's 2018 integrated Happy Honda Days campaign features these popular toys from the 1970s, 80s and 90s as spokespeople for the Honda Clarity, CR-V, Accord, Pilot and Ridgeline in TV spots, print advertising, in-dealership collateral, throughout digital media, on radio and across social media.

Through the magic of stop motion animation, Honda has brought these beloved throw-back toys to life. Original versions of the toys were actually used in the campaign, along with original voice talent.