OREANDA-NEWS. Nickelodeon and Toyota are making this the best summer ever for SpongeBob fans with the creation of the first SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired vehicle. The SpongeBob 2014 Toyota Highlander will feature a custom SpongeBob-themed exterior and an interior design that captures all of the beloved character’s high-octane energy.  The one-of-a-kind concept vehicle will be unveiled on July 13th, during Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Day at the Padres vs. Giants game in San Diego, Calif. The car will then hit the road for a “Happy Driving!” promotional tour throughout the U.S., bringing SpongeBob’s special brand of fun to seven locations across the country.

“We are thrilled to partner with Toyota to produce this truly unique SpongeBob SquarePants-themed Highlander,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer, Nickelodeon Group. “Through the ‘Happy Driving!’ program, SpongeBob fans across the nation will have a chance to interact with SpongeBob in a whole new, four-wheeled way.”  

“We are pumped and honored to partner with Nickelodeon, and especially SpongeBob, to help launch the all-new 2014 Highlander. Like the Highlander, SpongeBob is family friendly and just plain fun – what more could you want in a family vehicle and cartoon?” said Jack Hollis, VP of marketing, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

As part of the “Happy Driving!” campaign, the SpongeBob Toyota Highlander will visit seven locations, including Nickelodeon Suites Resort, Orlando, Fla. (Aug. 2-4]; SpongeBob Shellabration, Hollywood, Calif. (Sept. 7-8), Artscape Festival, Baltimore, Md.(July 19-21); Eat Real Festival, Oakland, Calif. (Sept. 27-29); Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, Minneapolis, Minn. (Aug. 9-11); NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Chicagoland Speedway, Chicago, Ill. (Sept. 15); Gourmet on Gore Festival (Aug. 30-Sept. 2); LA Auto Show, Los Angeles Calif. (Nov. 30-Dec. 9).  These events will feature character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities, a prize wheel where kids and families can win exclusive SpongeBob Toyota Highlander branded premiums, airbrush tattoos and interactive areas where kids can create a fun SpongeBob GIF to share with friends online.

The redesigned 2014 Highlander made its global debut on March 27 at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The “Happy Driving!” tour offers the chance to showcase the all-new model of the mid-size crossover SUV. The 2014 Highlander has plenty of cargo room, enhanced safety features and a sophisticated interior – making it the perfect family vehicle to help people go places and make memories together.