Minister Donohoe introduces the world’s first ‘Christmas Jumper Car’ from Coca-Cola

23rd November, 2015

  • Designated drivers are invited to have some fun as the car makes its way around the country
  • Nominate a deserving designated driver via www.Designated Driver.ie

 

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) Ireland are encouraging responsible and safe driving practices this Christmas through the promotion of the 11th annual ‘Designated Driver Campaign’. The 2015 campaign is set to be bigger and better with ambassador Vogue Williams and Northern Ireland comedian Shane Todd taking to the streets to encourage party-goers to take care getting home this Christmas.

 

This Christmas, Coca-Cola HBC is encouraging the nation to nominate their favourite designated driver to be in with a chance of winning a visit from the world’s first Christmas Jumper Car. Coca-Cola wants to find and reward those drivers across the county who stick to water or soft drinks on nights out to ensure their friends and family get home safely. With nominations accepted via the website www.DesignatedDriver.ie, the Christmas Jumper Car will make its way around the island of Ireland throughout December, arriving to delight one winning driver in each province with a boot jam packed with prizes.

 

The Christmas Jumper Car will also make surprise visits to some of Ireland’s biggest party spots and sporting occasions during the Christmas season.

 

The campaign was officially launched by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe T.D., who said: ‘I wholly endorse the Coca-Cola Designated Driver Campaign which has successfully promoted road safety for more than a decade by offering free soft drinks and water to designated drivers. The fresh and fun approach taken this year will further incentivise and reward those who take responsibility for driving friends and family on nights out over the Christmas period, and is to be applauded. This campaign is an example of corporate social responsibility at its best and while it is celebratoryin nature, it carries a serious message demonstrating how we can all play a part in ensuring our roads remain safe this Christmas. I thank Coca-Cola for their continued investment in this campaign and wish everyone a safe and Happy Christmas.‘

 

The Coca-Cola Christmas Jumper Car is a Kia Sportage wrapped in Christmas jumper-like material. The classic Coca-Cola red covers the car, with typical festive patterns of white knit snowflakes and reindeer, topped off with a delightful Santa hat.

 

Campaign ambassador Vogue Williams said: “We want to celebrate designated drivers and are asking friends and families to nominate those drivers in their lives who deserve to be rewarded. The Coca-Cola Christmas Jumper Car is sure to bring some smiles to drivers across the country, and we look forward to hearing stories of those who have gone the extra mile by sticking with soft drinks to ensure their loved ones get home safely.”

 

Speaking about the launch of the 2015 campaign, Frank O’Donnell, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Earlier this year we launched our larger 330ml glass bottle in pubs and restaurants, offering greater value and refreshment. It is the perfect size for the designated driver and in celebration of that we want to ensure that they have as much, if not more, fun than their friends this Christmas and are rewarded for their efforts. As well as surprises from the Christmas Jumper Car, drivers can get up to two free drinks including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Deep RiverRock and Fruice in our new large glass bottles which will be available in all participating outlets.”

 

Friends, family and bar staff are urged to nominate their most-deserving designated driver at www.designateddriver.ie. One winner will be selected per province and surprised over the Christmas period with a visit by the Coca-Cola Christmas Jumper Car with prizes. Nominations must be received by Monday 14th December and winners will be visited before Christmas Eve, 24th December 2015.

 

The Designated Driver campaign was launched by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe T.D. and is supported by An Garda Siochána and the Road Safety Authority. It is also backed by the Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation of Ireland, the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation.

 

Designated drivers can claim their free drinks by logging on to www.DesignatedDriver.ie and downloading a voucher. Alternatively they can enquire in participating pubs and restaurants. A full list of participating outlets across Ireland and Northern Ireland will be available on the website. The offer will be available to designated drivers in participating premises until December 31st, 2015.

 

ENDS