BMW Mini Customizes London Bilboards

While most billboards are static, or at least programmed, Mini bought electronic billboards in London that projected special messages to drivers. The ads were activated by human roadside spotters with iPads, and offered compliments to Mini drivers, took photos of them in their cars, and displayed them further on down the road. As well, the spotters often provided gifts, treats, car washes, and other incentives after instructing Mini uses to pull over at the next exit. The billboards are part of a “not normal” campaign, which aims to make Mini drivers feel like part of an exclusive clique. Mini has aimed for similar goals before: in 2007 the company used RFID chips to let drivers identify themselves in billboards around the world. 

BMW Mini Turns Car Into Digital Billboard

As part of its ‘Mini’s Not Normal’ campaign, the automotive company put 48,000 LED lights onto one of its signature cars to broadcast your Tweets and Vines. It’s driving around London until August 19th, and customers can use the hashtag #MINIartbeat – or the Mini’s Facebook app – to get posts to appear on the car. What’s more, Mini will send a clip of the user’s post on the car as a souvenir. Though it’s reminiscent of Mercedes’ ‘invisible car’ promotion from last year, it adds the important element of conversation and social engagement to the bright mobile experience.