THE TWO stars of the movie on display at a Chevy event last year
Last week was a treat for Hollywood and motoring buffs as Paramount’s movie, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” became another blockbuster hit as the evil Decepticons not only took over North America on the movie screen but the Transformers movie in real life lorded over the North American box office over the long 4th of July holiday weekend. The latest Michael Bay flick overtook its closest rival, Disney’s Cars 2 movie four times over, grossing $97.4million on its weekend debut. Over 4,000 movie screens debuted last weekend in the US, offering both 3D and non-3D showings, while overseas grosses for the first five days were a total of $210 million which helped make the film catapult to the third-biggest ever on record as a global earner on its debut week. The latest installment is based on toy giant Hasbro’s best-selling brand that reunites Bay and LaBeouf as well as John Turturro, Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson.
GM on the biggest product placement in history
GUESTS from the US Embassy having fun with Bumblee Bee during the special premiere
In what can be described as one of the biggest product placements in automotive and film history, Chevrolet has formed a “power relationship” with Paramount Pictures when it comes to the Transformers movie franchise.
Aside from the human action figures, the real celebrities of the film were brought to life with the use of a number of Chevrolet vehicles as its top stars. The most important of which includes one of the central characters that transforms from a classic Chevrolet Camaro into the lovable Autobot known all over the world as Bumblebee.
While product placement in major movies is not new to movie goers, this Steven Spielberg production takes the Transformers series into a different level and is definitely a winning collaboration between the two American powerhouses, Paramount Pictures and Chevrolet.
The movie also had mass appeal and caters to a broad age group.
When Michael Bay decided that the Chevrolet Camaro had the timeless look he wanted for Bumblebee, and the first installment garnered so much attention on its debut in 2009, the Transformer series has since offered the perfect global platform for showcasing Chevrolet vehicles, giving it a new persona and global recognition.
A CLASSIC Chevrolet Camaro transforms into the lovable Autobot known as Bumblebee.
This sequel reportedly destroyed 532 cars during the filming, but motoring fans can be assured that all these cars came as donations after suffering from flood damage. Many movie fight scenes and mass destruction Bay had used came from hundreds of faulty cars that were rescued from the crusher only to be blown to bits on his film set instead.
According to Bay, who was quoted by Reuters: “These are cars that are flood-damaged. Car companies give them to us because by law they have to be crushed, so I am the perfect guy to do that.”
As busy as a Bumblebee—5 million Camaros
After 40 successful years, one of the 2011 Camaro cars from the production line could be the 5 millionth Camaro from one of Chevrolet’s most popular models. A fitting milestone year, considering this year is also the brand’s centennial year. With figures hovering around 226,000 units, it is not considered as its most prolific vintage. The best production year was 1979, whose production figure reached 282,000 Camaros sold.
About the Chevrolet Spark
TCCCI recently introduced two new Chevy Spark variants—1.0L 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions. Provided with the same stylish look and edgy appeal of the initial 1.2 MT model, the Spark 1 liter LS variants are expected to make the same strong impact in the value-conscious local market.
It has ample storage space to accommodate a good volume that comes with a rear seat base and back both split 60:40 to fold flat; increasing the luggage space. All three Spark variants can sit five adult passengers.
Both the 1.0 AT and MT variants are equipped with 1.0L DOHC L4 engines that provide efficient power for your various road travels. The units are of 995cc displacement and produces 68PS (50Kw) at 6,400rpm, enough to power the car from 0-62mph in 15.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 96mph.
It has a factory-claimed 22-kilometer-per-liter fuel consumption too.
The Spark models are stylishly built and can be considered one of the best-looking in its class. Standard safety equipment includes driver airbags, central door lock, anti-theft and electronic immobilizer.
The introductory prices of the two new variants are pegged at very competitive levels of P518,888 for the 1 liter LS manual transmission variant, P568,888 for the 1 liter LS automatic transmission.
The current 1.2 liter LT manual transmission variant is also priced at P568,000, providing buyers great savings to suit up their vehicles. These models are covered with a 5-year warranty program.
A highly successful premiere night
KIDS enjoy the games before the movie.
In a bid to promote an event that will combine entertainment, design and versatility of Chevrolet brand into one, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) exclusive distributor of Chevrolet vehicles, parts and accessories in the Philippines in partnership with Solar-UIP held a two-night movie screening of one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year.
TCCCI executives were present during the evening in the adrenaline-pumping, action-packed sequel at the cinema of SM Mall of Asia last June 27 and 28.
While the Transformers blockbuster series features the Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Spark as two of the good guys and the coolest characters in the movie, fans can now have a chance to see and test-drive the all-new Chevrolet Spark in any of the Chevrolet dealerships nationwide.
For more info on Chevrolet and Transformers 3, log on to www.chevrolet.com.ph or update yourself through Facebook – www.facebook.com/chevroletphilippines.