A promotional vehicle can set any brand campaign apart – giving it extra style, a unique talking point, and a mobile twist. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which vehicle is best for your activation. So, why not get inspired by some of today’s hottest vehicle trends?
Here are some of the most popular choices, from the nostalgic ice cream van to the classic Estafette.
Sweet nostalgia with ice cream vans
Tasting campaigns are always popular, but nothing books in the summer quite as fast as the charming ice cream van. Offering 360-degree branding and a roof which can be adorned in 3D props, this van allows you to go wild while still giving nostalgic vibes.
Inside, it can be fitted with anything you need for your brand campaign, including ice cream or smoothie makers, chillers, chest freezers and more.
Want to kick off your own vehicle trends, starting with delicious treats? Visit our ice cream sampling guide for the options, then learn how to make your activation the cream of the crop.
London taxis drive engagement
Everyone knows the London taxi. It’s iconic, instantly recognisable, and allows brands to promote in a ‘high end’ way without spending a fortune. In fact, you can have a branded taxi cab for a weekend activation in London for as little as £5,000 + VAT!
Because it’s modern and easy to drive (literally built for London roads), the taxi proves ideal for landmark photoshoots and chauffeuring guests around congested spaces.
Image credit: Make Your Move with M&S and Alex Scott. Photography by @rebecca.munroe
Great examples include the Ted Baker botanical taxi with its interior garden, and the M&S cab – used to promote its activewear line in association with the sports commentator, Alex Scott.
Building a double-decker experience
Want to craft an immersive experience? When it comes to 'vehicle trends', few options beat the vintage Airstream, which features a lot of space and a large gullwing hatch. To maximise impact, however, some brands opt for the modern double-decker bus.
Set on two levels, the bus ensures your designs and branding can be seen from streets away. Inside, you’ll have plenty of room to get creative. You could even use one floor for gaming (with a ball pit and light-up prop) and use the other as a beauty bar – you’re only limited by your imagination!
Our Euro-6 compliant buses are fantastic for all kinds of activations. The Cadbury’s Crème Egg bus featured a spotter’s hide and benches, while SHEIN’s festive bus included games, treats, product displays, and even Santa himself.
Perfect for supercharging your brand campaign, a double-decker can cost around £20,000 to hire and wrap, but the results always speak for themselves.
French flair with the Renault Estafette
Few options are as classically French as the Renault Estafette; preferred by beauty brands, gourmet food companies and high street fashion labels alike.
This promotional vehicle offers the same functionality as a Citroen H-Van but it’s seen less around London, so it’s a bit more unique. Clients love it because its corrugated sides look amazing when branded, while the serving hatch makes serving easy. And then of course there’s the bug-shaped front cab!
Listerine, Healthspan and Charlotte Tilbury (above) have run stylish brand campaigns with the Estafette as the showcase, and looking at the vehicle, it’s easy to see why.
The VW Camper is back in style!
Want a vehicle that’s quickly rising in popularity? Look no further than the vintage VW Camper. This symbol of 70’s freedom is now quite the head-turner, and while it hasn’t been as popular as some others on this list, we’ve noticed a sharp rise over the last year.
But it’s not just the style that can help your brand campaign stand out. There’s also the option of a pop-up model with a liftable roof and a push-out serving counter – ideal for sampling on the go!
Plenty of brands have chosen his vintage vehicle over the years, including Greggs, BrewDog and Louis Vuitton. So, if you’d like a promotional vehicle that’s stylish, vintage and a bit ‘boho’, ask about the VW Camper today!
Heritage in motion with Routemasters
Everyone loves an iconic vehicle, and what could be more iconic than the classic London Routemaster?
Brands like Brutal Fruit Cider have used it for summer festivals, while others have played to its history with city-based events. It’s not every day that people get to jump on board this timeless vehicle, so make the best of it with our custom design and build services.
With an entrance at the back, it’s great for photoshoots and hop-on events. You could even hire a bus conductor for an authentic, historical touch.
Find your perfect campaign vehicle
Be the trendsetter with a vehicle that engages your audience and makes your brand the envy of the competition. Our fleet is one of the largest and most diverse in the UK, and we can also source any type of vehicle you have in mind.
Hit the button to browse our fleet, and visit our pricing page to try our budget calculator. This displays a free estimate right away, so you can see if a particular vehicle suits your budget.
If you have a unique vehicle in mind, just let us know and we’ll source it for you.
