Honda Wins The Driving Engagement Award During The Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, and Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) presented American Honda Motor Co., Inc. with the first-ever "Driving Engagement" award for best social media campaign of 2012 during the Social Media Preview of the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

Honda's Driving Engagement awards submission featured a music video from startup band Monsters Calling Home where the band members recorded a music video from inside of their Honda. As part of Honda's larger campaign "Honda Loves You Back," Honda surprised the band by booking them as the musical guest for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and utilized Honda's full range of social media presences to help share their story.

"We are thrilled and proud that the latest edition in our Honda Loves You Back social media campaign has been recognized. We're so grateful for the love our customers express for their Honda vehicles," said Alicia Jones, manager of Social Media at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "I think it's the simplicity of the campaign's intent – to say thank you and share the conversation with them – that makes it work."

WOMMA selected three automotive manufacturers as finalists for the Driving Engagement awards: Nissan and Dodge were the two runners-up. Nissan submitted its "2013 Nissan Pathfinder Presents: An Improv-tastic Road Trip" campaign; Dodge entered its "Inspired by You" campaign to promote the 2013 Dodge Dart.

"We are so impressed with the social business efforts from the auto industry over the last year. We saw major brands engaging with Pinterest, great use of video and humor as well partnerships to showcase artists and embrace fans," said Suzanne Fanning, president of WOMMA. "We are grateful to the Chicago Auto Show for allowing us to help recognize the best campaigns of the year, and we look forward to working with them in the future to further 'drive engagement.'"

The Chicago Auto Show strives to remain at the forefront of social media savvy auto shows.

"We're extremely happy with the outcome of this year's partnership with the Word of Mouth Marketing Association and hope to continue the Driving Engagement award presentation in future years," said Michael Ettleson, 2013 Chicago Auto Show chairman.

For more information about the Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2013 public show will be February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About WOMMA
The Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) is the official trade association dedicated to word of mouth and social media marketing. Founded in 2004, WOMMA is the leader in ethical word of mouth marketing practices through its offline education such as WOMMA Summit, professional development opportunities, and knowledge sharing with top industry marketers. WOMMA's membership is made up of the most innovative companies committed to progressing the word of mouth marketing industry through advocacy, education, and ethics.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association