# Auto Companionship Using the notion of pet companionship, automakers create a loving correlation. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 31, 2014, updated Apr 8, 2014 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/canine-carvertising ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Auto Companionship trend? **Auto Companionship:** In an age when many consumers in North America are watching TV and movies in their homes alone, a rise in hashtag marketing is helping to foster digital interaction, but a loss of face-to-face relationships is creating a void that's being filled with other forms of companionship. Particularly evident in the auto industry, the use of pets to correlate companionship and dependability is broadening the scope of a predominantly male-centric market, and proving that the "de-gendering" of the consumer product market is not only possible, but fruitful for many verticals. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 29, 2013 to Jan 26, 2014 - Published: Jan 31, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Auto Companionship trend ### Pet Companionship Auto industry is using pets as a symbol of companionship, creating a change in how cars are marketed to consumers. ### Hashtag Marketing With more people watching media alone, marketers are utilizing hashtag campaigns to engage consumers and facilitate interaction on social media platforms. ### Optical Illusion Advertising An innovative advertising technique using optical illusions to engage and entertain viewers, and delivering a memorable experience. ## What the Auto Companionship trend means for industry ### For Auto Industry Creative marketing of auto brands can shift the male-centric market into a more diverse terrain. ### For Marketing and Advertising With changing consumer behaviors, innovative marketing and advertising strategies can drive engagement on social media platforms. ### For Technology and Design Technology and design industries can apply optical illusions and innovative formats to represent their brands. ## Trend signals for Auto Companionship Trend score 2.8 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 28%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 28% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Auto Companionship trend 5 featured examples from Jan 29, 2013 to Jan 26, 2014. - [Motor-Mimicking Dog Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-dog): The Volkswagen Dog Ad Features a Revved-Up Puppy (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Incorporate creative storytelling and emotional connections into car commercials to engage viewers in a new way. - [Upside Down Jeep Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/see-whatever-you-want-to-see): Jeep Launches a New Set of Ads That Lets You 'See Whatever You Want To See' (Category: Autos) Implication: Incorporating interactive and visually engaging advertising campaigns to create a strong brand presence and attract customers. - [Bittersweet Canine Auto Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citron-car-commercial): This Citroen Car Commercial Shows Two Dogs in Love (Category: Autos) Implication: Incorporating unique storytelling into car commercials and marketing campaigns can set car models apart from competitors and increase brand recognition. - [Dog-Approved Automobile Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-for-pets): Volkswagen's 'Woofwagen' Ads Show Cars for Pets (Category: Autos) Implication: By producing pet-friendly auto products, automakers can strengthen their appeal to animal lovers seeking vehicles that prioritize animal safety and comfort. - [Hybrid Canine Car Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audi-commercial): This Audi Commercial Builds Suspense for Its Upcoming Super Bowl Ad (Category: Autos) Implication: Automotive companies can utilize suspenseful teasers and unique hybrid animal concepts to promote their upcoming vehicles. ## Recent trend clusters - [Racing Homage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/racing-homage) (Autos) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Autos - [French Retro City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-retro-city-cars) - [Factory-Backed Performance Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heritage-performance-centers) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) - [Electric Luxury Grand Tourers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-price-ev-sedans) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)