Ford’s “Speed Dating” prank garnered viral fame this past week, shredding up the fast lane in ‘racy’ 0 to 60 high-speed fashion.
Venturing outside it’s traditional TV spots, this video was created to gain attention and create buzz within the online social sector. With the help of Prestin Persson – a beautiful professional stunt driver – Ford took a group of unsuspecting guys for the rides of their lives, marking the arrival of its new 2015 Mustang. The men – who believed they were auditioning for a new dating show – took turns going on blind dates with Persson to see if they were compatible. After spending some time getting to know the “contestants” over coffee, Persson offers to take each of the men for a spin in her shiny, red Mustang GT. Unaware of Persson’s skill behind the wheel, Ford successfully captures the guys’ rather hilarious reactions to her action-packed driving (thanks to hidden cameras outfitting the car’s interior). “We’re just trying to create something that’s entertaining,” Ford’s digital marketing manager Andrea Zuehlk says. “The best success is combining entertainment with a message that conveys something about the product.” Needless to say, Ford’s effort has resulted in huge success receiving nearly 10 million YouTube views since its launch a week before Valentine’s Day.