Kyle Johnson
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Autoway Tires Uses Terrifying Ad to Convince You to Buy Tires

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"You know what will make me want to buy one of these?  An ad that nearly gives me a heart attack!"

“You know what will make me want to buy one of these from Autoway Tires? An ad that nearly gives me a heart attack!”

In advertising, there are a number of tricks that companies can utilize to ensure that their products are remembered long past the initial commercial-viewing.  A catchy jingle, an unshakable catchphrase, or a celebrity shill will all go a long way toward ensuring the success of a particular product.  If you’re Japan’s Autoway Tires, you may have stumbled onto an all-new marketing ploy: scaring potential customers half to death.

For those of you who didn’t stop to read the tell-tale red text beneath the enormous yellow CAUTION sign at the beginning of the video, it says: “Not for the faint of heart video.  Please refrain from watching the content if any of the following applies to you: Have any mental or physical health concern [sic] and may have to see a doctor regularly.  We shall not be liable for any injuries, illness, and damages claimed to be caused.”

The Fukuoka-based tire retailer’s online advertisement borrows liberally from J-Horror motifs, including the ghostly apparition of a long haired woman and her unearthly movements.  The idea, apparently, is to promote the reliability of Autoway Tires in even the most unnatural of conditions.  Mission accomplished?  We’re surprised we didn’t get a phone call after viewing the ad that told us we only have seven days to buy/live.

The original video has more than 3.1 million views on YouTube.  We eagerly await the response from Bridgestone featuring the Slender Man and the Goodyear advert with the face of Regan MacNeil at the end.

Regan MacNeil copyright Warner Brothers

“Your mother buys tires in Hoboken!” / © Warner Brothers