Lexus adds humor to new debate series on climate change

Hybrid and plug-in carmakers haven’t quite nailed down an all-purpose advertising strategy. Ford used Kermit the Frog for the hybrid escape, Nissan hired Lance Armstrong to pitch the Leaf, and the Chevy Volt dance went viral for all the wrong reasons. Lexus is taking a different approach to promote their CT 200h hybrid with the “Darker Side Of Green” debate series moderated by celebrities.

The premise is simple: throw a cocktail party to celebrate the launch of the CT 200h that features a debate between both sides of the issue of climate change. Throw in a celebrity like Andy Samberg for a healthy dose of hipster wit as moderator. According to Lexus, the winner gets “ultimate green, or dark green, supremacy.”

The first debate took place in New York City back in March with comedian Sarah Silverman acting as the moderator. Power Trip author Amanda Little took on Phelim McAleer who produced the documentary “Not Evil, Just Wrong,” which aimed to debunk “An Inconvenient Truth.” Little discussed her feelings on Climate Gate, McAleer blamed the ban on DDT for malaria deaths, and Silverman made sure to bring the laughs. She addressed Phelim McAleer:

“You are clearly not a fan of that hockey stick graph. Is that because they don’t have hockey in Ireland or is it because you hate science? Please just pick one of those.”

McAleer, an Irishman, actually laughed at Silverman’s barbs and explained that he believes that the hockey stick graph is “just too good to be true.”

While the celebrity factor is certainly a draw for many, the CT 200h that was on display at the New York City event didn’t garner much attention. Future Darker Side of Green debates will instead feature an art piece that is meant to represent the hybrid. There’s still time to RSVP online for upcoming debates that include:

July 20 - Miami
Debaters: Amanda Little (advocate), Christopher Horner (skeptic)
Moderator: Jamie Kennedy
Music: The Misshapes and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

July 27 - New York City
Debaters: Eric Bates (advocate), The Viscount Monckton of Brenchley
(skeptic)
Moderator: Tracy Morgan
Music: Harley & Cassie and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

August 5 - Chicago
Debaters: David Roberts (advocate), Steve Everley (skeptic)
Moderator: Mark McGrath
Music: The Misshapes

The issue of climate change can be off-putting to many who’d rather focus their green attention on simpler things like carrying reusable bags to the supermarket. Lexus’ spin is akin to that old joke about the British Parliament; it’s Congress with a two drink minimum. They’ve created what looks to be a fun atmosphere to discuss a very serious topic with the added input of audience reaction.