Car Date Campaign | Flirt Tips & Free Car Rental Denmark | Clapboard

The Car Date presented by Europcar

Description

In 2019, Europcar launched an engaging film campaign in Denmark titled The Car Date presented by Europcar, aimed at connecting with consumers in the automotive sector through a fresh and relatable concept. This campaign cleverly blends the themes of dating and car rental, inviting audiences to explore the idea of a “car date” — a first outing in a rented vehicle with someone special. Leveraging the expertise of flirting coach Louise Scheele Elling, the campaign delivers warm and practical flirting tips tailored specifically for those embarking on a car date, tapping into the emotions and excitement of new romantic encounters. It positions Europcar not just as a car rental service, but as an enabler of memorable and enjoyable experiences, thereby strengthening brand affinity. To amplify engagement, the campaign offered an attractive promotional deal, allowing participants a chance to win a week of free car rental along with a discount on their first short-term rental in Denmark. This integrated marketing approach effectively drove interest and conversions by combining useful lifestyle content with a compelling incentive, while reinforcing Europcar’s relevance in everyday social moments. The campaign’s single film asset communicated these brand-warm messages efficiently, focusing on authenticity and local cultural nuances through its Danish language execution. By tapping into the universal theme of dating and the practical need for mobility, Europcar created a distinctive and memorable narrative that resonated with its target audience, highlighting the convenience and emotional value of renting a car for personal occasions. The Car Date campaign exemplifies strategic marketing that goes beyond product features, fostering an emotional connection and inspiring consumers to consider Europcar as part of their everyday adventures and special moments.

Credits

Client

Europcar

Production House

Miffen Productions ved Marie Jane Knapp Rønnest, Copenhagen, Denmark

Co-star

Theis Boholt Wingaard Thrane

Art Director

Simone Lenander Hansen

Crew

Louise Scheele Elling

Producer

Tine Elisabeth Rønnest Knapp

Campaign Proposition

Europcar’s 2019 Danish campaign, "The Car Date," leverages the concept of intimacy and social connection to position its car rental service as more than just transportation—it becomes an enabler of meaningful and enjoyable personal experiences. By aligning the brand with the idea of a “car date,” Europcar promises convenience and access to a setting conducive to memorable moments and playful interaction, subtly suggesting that renting a car opens doors to new social possibilities. The campaign’s market strategy is rooted in a narrative-driven approach that blends automotive utility with lifestyle and emotional appeal. Recognizing the modern consumer’s desire for authentic social interactions, Europcar collaborates with a flirting coach to offer practical, relatable tips for a “first car date,” thus humanizing the brand and embedding it in the cultural moment. This choice reflects an insightful targeting of younger, socially engaged urban adults likely interested in novel dating experiences. The creative angle reframes the rental car from a purely functional product to a supportive backdrop for romantic exploration, using humor and warmth to engage the audience. Additionally, the campaign integrates a direct call-to-action offering chances to win free car rental and discounts, effectively combining emotional resonance with tangible consumer incentives to drive trial and conversion. Overall, Europcar’s approach exemplifies how automotive marketing can transcend transactional messaging by tapping into lifestyle narratives that resonate on a personal level.

Creative Device

FORMAT#7 PRESENTER TESTIMONIAL — A person explains the product’s benefits directly to the audience. This campaign is centered around Europcar presenting “The Car Date” with the clear involvement of flirtecoach (flirt coach) Louise Scheele Elling, who dispenses insider flirting tips specifically for a first car date. The meta description highlights Louise as a presenter who reveals advice to help viewers excel on a car date, directly tying her expertise to the context of car rental and implicitly positioning Europcar as the facilitator. The campaign structure is not story-driven or framed by a literal problem/solution arc but instead uses an expert spokesperson to relay engaging, relatable guidance, supported by actionable offers. There’s no parody, competition comparison, exaggerated symbolism, or narrative journey; instead, the format relies on direct presenter-led counsel aligned with Format #7. For more on the formats: https://www.clapboard.com/blog/branding-and-advertising/brand-strategy/12-advertising-creative-formats