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Why TPS are working with lookalikes

Why TPS are working with lookalikes

It’s not every day you get to spend time at work with Dolly Parton, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Tina Turner and Freddie Mercury, but in creating a new campaign aimed at encouraging conversations about Genuine Parts, that’s exactly what we did.

Now, before you think we have completely lost our minds, let’s put our cards on the table and explain we are talking impersonators, not the real thing. Although given only two of the aforementioned music megastars are still with us, and would come with a hefty appearance fee, you may already have guessed this.

So, why exactly are TPS working with tribute acts for our latest advertising campaign? The ‘Don’t be fooled by a lookalike’ campaign was commissioned in order to communicate the importance of Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Parts to end-user drivers, and to be a catalyst for conversation in the receptions of TPS customers.

The main message from the campaign is that, while a lookalike might be good, it’s never quite as good as the original, be it a musical artiste or a Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Part.

The brief was to do this in a unique and engaging way that really grabbed the attention, particularly as the ads would take the form of posters hung in the reception areas of TPS customers’ premises. With this in mind, a two-day photoshoot brought the ads to life.

The focus was on ‘being iconic’, with the tribute artistes executing well-known poses and signature moves – reinforcing the idea that no matter how well you can impersonate something, you just know it’s not the original.

Following the brief, there were no limits to our Tina Turner act’s performance as she delivered simply her best on the day.

As for our Freddie tribute, despite being under pressure, there was no stopping him as he rocked it to deliver a kind of photographic magic on the day.

Our Dolly Parton arrived promptly at 9am and showed no signs of any homesick blues as she delivered a performance that would make the country legend proud – I think she may have left at 5pm, I certainly hope she did.

The day finished with two titans from music’s golden age, including our Elton John, complete with his own baby grand piano, proving himself a real star as he rocketed through his moves.

It was then time for the King himself to take to the spotlight. Despite some initial scepticism – some might even say a suspicious mind – about what we asked him to do, our Elvis Presley soon put on his best blue suede shoes and delivered a king-sized performance.

The final ‘Don’t be fooled by a lookalike’ posters looked incredible – you can judge for yourselves. This is just the start for the campaign, as we look to continue creating conversations around Genuine Parts and why they are always the first choice for a Volkswagen Group vehicle. So keep your eyes peeled for more impressive impersonations.

Click here to find out more on Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Parts.