The Famous Wienermobile Has Undergone a Little Shrinkage:The Beloved Symbol of Oscar Meyer Wieners Updates with the Times

With the necessity of becoming more environmentally aware, even the Oscar Meyer company is choosing to go green. For years, the large and very noticeable Wienermobile has cruised the country, like a giant hot dog on wheels. For generations, Oscar Meyer has wowed us with catchy commercials, and the Wienermobile, which came out in 1936, the idea of the founder's nephew. Through the years, it has reminded us of childhood, and a time honored institution, the Oscar Meyer wiener. With a hot dog shaped dashboard, a "bun roof" instead of a sunroof, and seats the colors of mustard and catsup, this creative vehicle has attracted attention wherever it goes with its bright yellow and orange colors. Its horn is recognizable as the theme of the "I wish I were an Oscar Meyer wiener" commercial from the 1970's. The chassis of the many generations of Wienermobiles was from trucks or motorhomes. Gas consumption on the larger generations of Wienermobiles is about ten to fifteen miles to the gallon.

Drivers of this unique ride must go through training at "Hot Dog High" in Madison, Wisconsin. Once they commit themselves to their mission, take the Hotdogger Oath and graduate from this fine meat inspired institution, they are then labeled as "Hotdoggers." At functions all around the country, they give out little whistles (shaped like hot dogs, of course); take photos and hold prize giveaways. They are the keepers of the Weenie, and their unique presentation is sure to make a lasting impression to kids of all ages.

The original Wienermobile, also called the "Weeniemobile" by many, has undergone changes to go along with the times. And yet again, it has changed as we struggle with high gas prices nationwide. Enter the Mini-Wienermobile! The new, environmentally correct Wienermobile is built on the small chassis of a Mini Cooper S and gets roughly 25 to 30 miles to the gallon. Still painted the bright colors of its big brother, the smaller version is more compact than the original, the newer one reminds me more of a "cocktail weenie" in stature. Since they must travel to events all over the place, a smaller size makes sense economically. In its own, unique way, the Wienermobile is setting a good example, carrying on the sensible family traditions of its parent company, Oscar Meyer.

As Americans; baseball, hot dogs and apple pie are part of our national culture. Parents who ate hot dogs grow up to buy their kids the brands that they enjoyed as children. Oscar Meyer is one of the most famous of them, and their Wienermobile continues the tradition beyond North America and has been seen in other countries as of late, even as far away as Japan. So, if you run into the Wienermobile sometime, make sure to stop by and say hello. The friendly "Hotdoggers" will give you the whole Oscar Meyer treatment and then you, too will wish you were an Oscar Meyer wiener. Pretty good marketing, don't you think?!