Automaker pays for valet parking at top shopping destinations in eight cities nationwide to promote its new crossover vehicle

For the next two months, drivers in eight major U.S. cities will be treated to free valet parking as they pull into their favorite shopping centers, thanks to GMC and its first-of-its-kind national marketing push. Starting today, automaker GMC is footing the bill for valet parking at popular shopping destinations in Los Angeles, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Tampa as part of the launch of its new Acadia crossover vehicle. The promotion, which continues through April, marks the first time that an automaker has provided “free parking” on a national level.

More than 100,000 drivers nationwide will be provided the free valet parking during the program’s two-month run. The campaign is being executed by Dallas-based AdverTickets, a media company specializing in out-of-home advertising and promotional programs. The media planning and buying agencies responsible for partnering AdverTickets with GMC are GM Planworks and Starcom Worldwide, respectively.

“GMC wanted to find a way to introduce Acadia to busy families. We recognize how difficult running errands can be with small children, and thought we could help make their shopping trips a little easier by picking up the tab for the valet,” said Mary Kubitskey, GMC National Advertising Manager.

During the program, as drivers get out of their car they will be handed a valet ticket promoting “free parking” and the launch of the GMC Acadia. Additionally, more than 3 million full-color valet, hand-issued and machine-issued parking tickets will be distributed directly to drivers in promoting the launch of the vehicle at other locations, reaching GMC’s target market nationwide.

GMC has also chosen to pair the machine-issued tickets with Boom-Ads®, full-color sleeves that slide over the gate arms at the entrances and exits of parking garages. A Boom-Ad is suspended in front of the driver at the moment he or she receives the machine-issued ticket in-hand. The combination makes for a one-two effect, and GMC “domination” of the parking garages.

About GMC
GMC is a division of General Motors Corp. The division markets the Acadia crossover SUV, Sierra full-size pickup, Yukon family of full-size SUVs, Envoy mid-size utility, Canyon mid-size pickup and Savana full-size van. GMC's lineup of Professional Grade trucks delivers outstanding capabilities that exceed customers' expectations with unique features and design elements. More information on GMC and its products can be found at www.gmc.com.

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