Most-Seen Auto Ad Features Socially Distanced McConaughey

The top-ranked ad shows Matthew McConaughey cranking up the heat and relaxing in the back of his ’20 Aviator, alone with nature; it’s a pre-pandemic commercial that suddenly seems newly relevant.

Jim Irwin, Associate Editor

March 26, 2020

3 Min Read
Lincoln most-watched 3-25-20
Aviator ad prophesies self-isolation.

Coincidentally in these days of self-isolation, a Lincoln Aviator spot featuring a solitary Matthew McConaughey is iSpot.tv’s most-viewed automotive ad – generating the most impressions across national broadcast and cable TV airings.

The top-ranked ad for the week of March 16 shows McConaughey cranking up the heat and relaxing in the back of his ’20 Aviator, alone with nature; it’s a pre-pandemic commercial that suddenly seems newly relevant given that millions of Americans are engaging in government-mandated self-quarantine and social distancing.

The spot has the best iSpot Attention Index (138) in the ranking, getting 38% fewer interruptions than the average auto ad (interruptions include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV).

In the second-place spot from Land Rover, a housebound dog sitting by a window watches a ’20 Evoque driving down the street. The sight prompts a canine daydream of taking a ride and enjoying the breeze from the back seat.

At No.3, actress Brie Larson takes a woman on a whirlwind ride through a busy city, showing there are no compromises to be found with the ’20 Nissan Sentra, which has Nissan Intelligent Mobility features such as rear automatic braking to prevent accidents.

Mercedes-Benz takes fourth place with a commercial promoting its Spring Event, offering four models under $37,000.

The No.5 spot from Buick/GMC is notable for having been crafted to address the current global crisis; the co-branded spot recognizes how “a lot has changed overnight.” Buick and GMC are giving current owners complimentary OnStar crisis assist services, and for new customers, zero-percent financing for up to 84 months with deferred payment options for 120 days. Customers also can shop online and take delivery at home.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing in the U.S., marketers are starting to shift their TV advertising strategies. And with the absence of live sports, a marketing tentpole for many big industries including automakers, there are questions about where else to reach viewers.

For the week of March 16, news networks (Fox News, CNN, MSNBC) led for TV ad impressions for automakers.

 

(click on blue links for videos)

 

1. Lincoln Motor Company: Warm Escape 

Impressions: 345,247,074

Attention Score: 95.07

Attention Index: 138

Est. TV Spend: $2,957,592

 

2. Land Rover: Own the Adventure Sales Event: A Dog's Dream 

Impressions: 261,553,079

Attention Score: 93.56

Attention Index: 118

Est. TV Spend: $3,009,351

 

3. Nissan: Refuse to Compromise

Impressions: 251,768,286

Attention Score: 94.44

Attention Index: 130

Est. TV Spend: $5,492,834

 

4. Mercedes-Benz: Spring Event: Wish Granted

Impressions: 225,148,586

Attention Score: 78.80

Attention Index: 37

Est. TV Spend: $2,442,822

 

5. GMC: We're Here to Help

Impressions: 161,324,608

Attention Score: 92.89

Attention Index: 110

Est. TV Spend: $1,787,567

 

Data provided by iSpot.tv, the always-on TV ad measurement and attribution company.

 

TV Impressions - Total TV ad impressions delivered for the brand or spot.

Attention Score - Measures the propensity of consumers to interrupt an ad play on TV. The higher the score, the more complete views. Actions that interrupt an ad play include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV.

Attention Index - Represents the Attention of a specific creative or program placement vs. the average in its respective industry. The average is represented by a score of 100, and the total index range is from 0 through 200. For example, an attention index of 125 means that there are 25% fewer interrupted ad plays compared to the average.

Est. National TV Spend - Amount spent on TV airings for the brand’s spots.

About the Author

You May Also Like