Suzuki to Offer Public a Vote for Heisman Winner - Brief Article

Brandweek, Oct 18, 1999

BREA, CALIF.--In the initial year of its three-year Heisman Trophy sponsorship (Brandweek, July 26), Suzuki is using the sports affiliation to Americanize the brand and push its Grand Vitara SUV. Tagged national ads from Asher & Partners, L.a., will run across Time Warner properties, including Sports Illustrated, People, Entertainment Weekly and CNN/SI.

Suzuki is also sponsoring a Heisman vignette series on CBS' college football TV programming and on CNN, CNN/SI, CNN Airport and 10 college football jumbotrons. The Oct 25-Nov.30 promo marks the first time Heisman voting will have any public participation. The aggregate result from ballot boxes located at 300 Suzuki dealers nationwide will count as one of the more than 900 total votes, with the rest coming from journalists. As incentive for test drives of the Grand Vitara, Suzuki dealers will be offering a wool Heisman cap. Leather footballs are being given to those who purchase a Grand Vitara. PSP Sports Marketing, N.Y, handles for Suzuki.