Arnold Schwarzenegger is known around the world as a world champion bodybuilder, star of the silver screen, and former Governor of the state of California. Today though, he’s using his star power and famous Austrian accent to help promote a new cause: encouraging consumers to make the switch from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electric vehicles (EV).
Check Out Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Teaser for Kicking Gas:
In a short video called, Kicking Gas, the former Mr. Olympia who made his on-screen breakthrough in Conan the Barbarian portrays an unusual, new role: a used car salesman. Complete with a black mustache and ponytail combo, navy blue hat and Hawaiian shirt to conceal his hulking frame, the former Governator uses comedic satire to push his electric vehicle campaign.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Believes in an Electric Future
“Tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger has no problem making fun of himself. Imagine a world leader like that—willing to do what it takes for the greater good,” said Mary Nichols, who serves on the Veloz leadership team. “For some members of our unlikely coalition, this campaign is tricky and treads difficult territory. Change is hard. But everyone knows the future is electric, and California, for one, is committed to capturing the market advantage.”
Check Out Another Teaser for Kicking Gas:
Part of a larger initiative called Electric for All which was funded by the electric car advocacy group Veloz, Kicking Gas features Schwarzenegger as “Harold Kleiner”. The character is extremely against electric cars and does everything he can to try to dissuade buyers from considering an EV purchase.
“Our goal with Kicking Gas is to bust barriers and kick down the norms of traditional electric car campaigns,“ said Josh Boone, executive director of Veloz. “Veloz brings together an unlikely coalition of automakers, public-policy leaders and other sectors as positive world changers. We are focused on igniting public imagination through innovative and bold messaging—electric cars are more fun, have more performance, and are more exciting than other cars. Everyone should know they are simply the best drive ever.“
The thing is, because he’s so over the top and ridiculous, he actually accomplishes the opposite and highlights the foolishness of those who feel they must remain reliant on centuries old ICE technology.
It’s not a Joke for the Austrian Oak
This is not the first time, the star of Kindergarten Cop, Total Recall, and True Lies used his celebrity to push forward ecologically friendly initiatives. As the Governor of California from 2003-2011, Schwarzenegger spearheaded a number of pieces of legislation which were targeted at protecting the environment.
“Over 16 years ago, I set out to prove that you can have the car you love and the clean air you need,“ said Schwarzenegger. “I greened my fleet of personal cars, including my Hummers. And I challenged the auto industry to do the same. They now have the electric vehicle technology to outcompete gas-powered cars.”
Set to continue until the end of 2019, the Kicking Gas campaign will have high visibility across California’s roadways and across multiple on-line platforms. Arnold Schwarzenegger donated his time to participate in the project which according to the producers was actually shot with hidden cameras inside a Burbank, California car dealership.
Check Out Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kicking Gas:
Source: Electric for All