In a move that is sure to fire discussion amongst hot dog enthusiasts, Oscar Mayer – the 140-year-old meat products company with ties to Wisconsin – has changed the name of their longtime vehicle-slash-mascot, the “Wienermobile” as part of a marketing plan to promote a new product. The new “Frankmobile” is virtually similar to the “Wienermobile” except for branding on the vehicle itself and is to promote the company’s line of beef and turkey franks.
The “Wienermobile” first appeared in 1936 during the Great Depression because – in the company’s words – “the country’s spirits needed lifting.” The hot dog-shaped vehicles kept the same design style over the years and in 1988 the company launched a fleet of six 23-foot “Wienermobiles” which travel the country and make many appearances each year.
The company hasn’t said if the shift to the “Frankmobile” is permanent or merely a short-term way to promote their frank line but given the place the “Wienermobile” has in American pop culture, it would be certainly be a decision that people may not be able to stomach.
