The times The Simpsons starred in car ads around the world

They’re the most well-known dysfunctional family in the world (yes, even bigger than the Kardashian/Jenner clan) so doing a few promotional spots isn’t out of the ordinary. Okay, maybe being a fictional cartoon family makes this a more unique proposition than most celebrity endorsements, having The Simpsons promote your product would be a big deal.

Over the years, the cartoon family from Springfield have been in dozens of ads promoting everything from CC’s chips, chocolate bars, fast food and even Mastercard. But it’s the car ads that piqued our interest, considering the family owns and drives generic vehicles in the show.

Here are three car ads featuring The Simpsons from across the world.

The Simpsons hit screens in the late ‘80s and by the early ‘90s, they were the biggest show on TV. It is no surprise that one of the largest car brands in the world recruited them to help promote their product. Toyota released a new Corolla in 1993 which was promoted by The Simpsons in a range of TV ads. Not only was Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie a part of the fun, other characters including Grandpa Simpson and Ned Flanders made guest appearances alongside the car which was not in cartoon form.

In 2008, The Simpsons were recruited by Renault to help promote their new Renault Kangoo family van. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and Grandpa Simpson leave Springfield and appear in the “real” world where they put the car through its paces, testing its features. While an obvious promotion with the mix of cartoon and live-action, the ad remains humorous and true to the foundations of what made the show a success.

The campaign aired in 29 countries, primarily in non-English speaking ones which meant the local Simpsons voice actors were used to help promote the vehicle. The ads were launched a year after the highly successful The Simpsons Movie was released.

Most recently, Subaru handed over the Forester to Springfield locals to promote their updated SUV which has been given the cartoon treatment. In the 30-second ad, Homer has had enough of the unhealthy food sold at the Kwik-E-Mart and decides to take Maggie on a trip out of town for some healthier options. With both buckled in (Maggie’s baby seat attached to the SUV’s Isofix mount), the Subaru Forester and its off-roading abilities take them across familiar and difficult terrain in true Simpsons style.

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