Acura joins the Avengers adventure

As warmth swept through the previously cold winter climate, as the ideal driving environment approaches (unless gasoline prices soar), the summer blockbuster season is approaching. Despite its name, the summer blockbuster period usually starts in May, the first big budget movie. With a planned release in 2012 in the coming months, one of the most anticipated movies of this summer comes from the Marvel comics world. Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and Samuel L. Jackson are just a few of the leading actors. They used their talents to bring the popular Marvel heroes to life in the Avengers movies.

This summer blockbuster movie will start unusually with the release of the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games novel garnering runaway acclaim by viewers and critics. Set for worldwide release on May 4th, The Avengers movie will have one thing The Hunger Games does not have; robust product placement from an auto brand fighting to regain its position in the arena of premium car sales.

For what could be the biggest movie cross-promotion for Honda’s luxury car brand, Acura make a notable presence alongside the likes Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor. With a wide range of Acura vehicles positioned through The Avengers movie, audiences will catch a peek at the ZDX and

the all-new RDX

models in minor roles. Part of Acura’s appearance The Avengers film will come in the role of supporting Marvel comic book’s peacekeeping alliance S.H.I.E.L.D. Presented at Acura’s 2012 New York International Auto Show, a specially-outfitted MDX crossover vehicle revealed the military prowess of the Acura.

The most eye-catching vehicle related to the upcoming 2012 comic book action will be based on the recent Acura NSX concept car. Shown off in a dark red similar to the shade covering Iron Man’s armor suit, the concept supercar revealed for The Avengers film shows off the Acura NSX for the first time as a convertible form to the public.

Coinciding with Acura’s presentation in The Avengers film, there are several cross-promotions going into effect leading up to the movie. Firstly, Acura has created a television commercial depicting a 2013 Acura RDX storming away from a besieged city street in the midst of an epic Marvel battle between good and evil. The 30-second ad spot will be televised on April 16th but can be seen on Acura’s Youtube channel now.

Another interactive experience will offer Internet-connected fans to partake in part of The Avengers’ fight. Working as an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D., users will play various missions using Acura vehicles through the www.Shieldops.com website. Featuring a “Tony Stark-inspired,” all expense paid trip to New York as a grand prize, other items to be potentially won includes S.H.I.E.L.D. merchandise and a replica of the Acura NSX Convertible.

A stylized presentation of their vehicle and brand, auto manufacturers, has long associated itself directly with Hollywood. General Motors’ extensive contribution to

the Transformers trilogy

gave shape to various Autobots (notably

Bumblebee with a Chevrolet Camaro vehicle mode

) and a few Decepticons. German luxury carmaker Audi placed their vehicles in the two live-action Iron Man films

During this recent cycle of auto shows, the Honda luxury car division has been feverish in building a persona in the highly image-driven vehicle segment. Igniting the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with the Acura NSX and

IFX concept cars, the addition of this cross-promotion deal with The Avengers movie could be the climatic resurgence the Japanese luxury brand is looking to obtain.

Information and Picture source: American Honda Motor Company