Audi apparently has 50 Shades of Grey profits increase

August 20, 2012, 07:02:41 AM

This “50 Shades of Grey” series is kind of a big deal. Among other things that are selling better as a result of the books, apparently, one of the beneficiaries of a “50 Shades of Grey” sales increase is Audi. The main character is a committed fan of Audis, among other things, which may have put Audis in a few more driveways. Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used or new auto? If this could be you, find the perfect Ford at Gus Johnson Ford!

Audi naughtily enjoying “50 Shades of Grey” profits boost

Audi has been a very naughty car brand and must be punished. They will learn the meaning of the word “respect.” They are also learning the meaning of “ka-ching!”

Audi, according to AutoGuide, is reporting a slight profits increase which the brand believes is at least partially tied to the protagonist of the “50 Shades of Grey” book series, the trilogy of light erotic/romance novels by E.L. James, which has become wildly popular in recent months. Getting a “50 Shades of Grey” profits boost wasn't intentional, but rather a happy accident if it is indeed the case.

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Right now, people are buying the books like crazy, and the books mention the Audi A3 and the R8. Christian Gray, the main character in the book, drives the Audi automobiles.

Audi looking forward to it; not purposeful

It always helps to have some free advertising for Audi, but the profits boost may be linked to other things also.

In the Seattle’s U District, far from Bellevue car dealers where most people would get an automobile, you will find University Audi where people can take Audi automobiles for a spin while on trip. Hotel packages include the Audi automobile in order to cater to the novel’s followers, according to Fox News.

Audi didn't actually pay for a product placement in the books, according to AutoGuide. The author seemed to think a bondage enthusiast would drive an Audi. Reportedly, she drives a Mini, which is by BMW, one of Audi's main rivals. Granted, the autoloans for getting a Mini are much less than for getting an Audi.

Other reasons for bumps

Audi has done product placement in movies, books and other media. For example, Robert Downey, Jr. drove an R8 in “Iron Man” for a reason. The “50 Shades of Grey” sales boost for Audi just helped.

Studios get paid for product placement all the time, which means it was probably paid for if you see something in the film. It is really productive too, according to CNBC. In th2 1990s, BMW paid to get the BMW cars in the Bond films. The company ended up getting 9,000 advance orders for the Z3 roadster in a month after the film came out, showing it worked out. Sales increased by 23 percent when Mini showed up in “The Italian Job.”

Ford, as owner of Aston Martin, was not too happy when Bond started driving BMW instead. It paid $100 million to get the Aston cars back in the movies, according to Drive.com.au. The Chevy Camaro became much more popular after the “Transformer” films too, according to CNBC.

Sources
AutoGuide
Fox News
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