Volkswagen has revealed two new vehicles at the Star Wars Celebration in California. Ahead of the premiere of the new series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi,’ the new cars are dubbed the ‘Light Side Edition’ and the ‘Dark Side Edition.’ The names reference popular characters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader.
The ‘Light Side Edition’ uses silver and blue hues that mimic the color palette of Kenobi’s tunic. Blue lines resemble his lightsaber, and chrome detailing references spaceships commonly seen in the series. The ‘Dark Side Edition’ references Darth Vader’s distinct black and red colors, again using red lines to reference the character’s weapon of choice.
“It’s about bringing together two icons,” Volkswagen’s Head of Design Jozef Kabaň comments. “Obi-Wan Kenobi sees the return of iconic characters from Star Wars and is sure to connect generations worldwide – as will the VW Bus, whose mythology will enter the new era of electromobility with the ID. Buzz.”
Image Credit: Volkswagen
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sci-fi-themed Cars
- Creating products with sci-fi movie and TV show themes that appeal to fans can be a way to tap into a passionate consumer base
- Nostalgia Marketing
- Leveraging nostalgia from beloved movies and TV shows can create a connection with consumers who are hungry for products that embody their favorite characters or stories
- Cross-industry Collaborations
- Partnering with unlikely industries, such as the automotive industry and film/tv industry, can create innovative products that offer an entirely new customer experience
Where This Applies
- Automotive
- Creating innovative products for the automotive industry, such as sci-fi and other pop culture-inspired vehicles, can capture the attention of consumers who are looking for a unique driving experience
- Film/tv
- Partnering with the automotive industry to create film and TV-inspired vehicle designs can add a new layer of marketability and customers for entertainment brands
- Fan Merchandise
- Expanding beyond traditional fan merchandise and collaborating with industries, such as automotive, can create a unique product that offers fans a tangible way to engage with their favorite movies or TV shows
