The Energon Pub

News Credits: 86 · by **ScoutBumblebee** » Mon Jan 27, 2014 11:07 am

According to ABL Korea, the Trumpchi E-jet, a plug-in electric hybrid created by Guangzhou Vehicle Group Co LTD (GAC), will be featured in Transformers: Age of Extinction. An individual close to the carmaker stated that they felt that merchandise placement in the movie would enhance profits both at home and in overseas markets. Playing it close to the vest as always, a spokesperson for Paramount Images has declined to confirm or deny any brand placement until closer to launch day. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, however, has previously stated that the film would feature locally-made autos, saying:

The world’s coolest, most exciting automobiles will be in the films, like Chinese autos, so no matter whether you’re an automobile enthusiast or not, it will be a feast for the eyes.

It is unknown at this time whether the Trumpchi will make an appearance as an Autobot, Decepticon, or just a non-transforming mode of transportation, but a source near GAC did mention that they wouldn’t like the Trumpchi being used as part of an evil plot. They stated that the final decision on that would be up to director Michael Bay, however.

News Credits: 1 · by **njb902** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:32 am

The front end has an interesting/odd look.

Also I'm calling it now that's Metroplex.

News Credits: 1 · by **T-Macksimus** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 11:41 am

"...declined to confirm or deny any brand placement until closer to launch day."

So tell me, did the Paramount rep actually say that with a straight face? These movies serve two purposes: Sell cars and sell toys! If Bay bought his explosives on the open market instead of having them made in-house then there would be a 3rd purpose but until then it's car and toy sales so OF COURSE there will be brand placement. Kind of impossible to miss a huge freaking Chevy logo (among others) coming at your face multiple times over the course of 2 1/2 hours. :BANG_HEAD:

News Credits: 5 · by **5150 Cruiser** » Wed Jan 29, 2014 4:11 pm

T-Macksimus wrote:"...declined to confirm or deny any brand placement until closer to launch day."

So tell me, did the Paramount rep actually say that with a straight face? These movies serve two purposes: Sell cars and sell toys! If Bay bought his explosives on the open market instead of having them made in-house then there would be a 3rd purpose but until then it's car and toy sales so OF COURSE there will be brand placement. Kind of impossible to miss a huge freaking Chevy logo (among others) coming at your face multiple times over the course of 2 1/2 hours.

To be fair, i think the Camaro was the only model that really flourished because of the movie. And those incressed sales is one of the things that Saved GM. I don't see sales of H2's, Topkick trucks, Suburbans, Ferrai 458's, MH-53 helicopters, Peterbuilt trucks, Saleen Mustangs, etc go up in sales. Heck, the Pontiac brand was killed off!