Hot Dog Express - Page 3

Ready for a spin?

Surprisingly enough, fans today can have an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile experience for themselves. The hot dog company rents out their 27-foot, sausage-shaped vehicle for marriage proposals. Now, there's a romantic memory you wouldn't mind telling your kids or grandkids.

Fans, if so inclined, can consider purchasing a used Wienermobile. In 2019, a resident of Bakersfield bought a replica of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile for about $7,000 from Craigslist to use as their regular, everyday car. The owner was quoted as saying, "The Wienermobile as a daily driver was a novelty and enjoyable…for about a week."

Marketing mavens

Oscar Mayer is more than a purveyor of flavorful tubed meats. It's a triumph of American advertising. Loyal consumers have remained brand loyal for generations.

And if you claim not to have Oscar Mayer's catchy theme song stuck in your head as you read this, you're fibbing. After nearly five decades, the ditty's now-famous lyrics continue to be featured in company ads.

The jingle originated from a contest the company promoted in 1962. The song's writer, Richard Trentlage, modeled it after something his son had said about a daredevil friend who owned a dirt bike: "I wish I could be a dirt bike hot dog."

Trentlage, who only heard about the contest the night before the deadline, quickly wrote down the now-renowned lyrics and had his children sing the song while he strummed the banjo ukulele. Their voices and Trentlage's playing appeared in the original ad.

Oscar Mayer continues to come up with creative promotions today. Last year, they partnered with Lyft and offered free rides for select customers. Hot dog! Imagine the surprise when their ride showed up—a Wienermobile driven by a Hotdogger, complete with music, neon lights, and Oscar Mayer swag (free shirts, hot dog masks, and Wienermobile whistles).

These days, each vehicle is well-stocked with promotional materials, including vanity license plates, key chains, plush toys, and Ryan Newman beverage koozies (Ryan being the official NASCAR driver for Oscar Mayer). The most sought-after novelty item remains the wiener whistle, a two-inch-long, four-note plastic kazoo replica of the weenie wagon.

In case the Wienermobile doesn't visit your town, fret not. Oscar Mayer's website will supply you with everything from plush Wienie Beanie dolls to hats to 'Hot Wheels' cars and even 'Reserved Parking: Wienermobile Only' signs.

Now everyone can be in love with you too.