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NEWS RELEASE Valentine’s Day: it’s time to kiss oil goodbye and start a healthier relationship with electric transport, Mercury says. 14 February 2020 – Mercury’s new brand campaign, announced today, calls on Kiwis to “kiss oil goodbye” and join the electric revolution. The aim of the new campaign is to support a more sustainable future by encouraging Kiwis to break up with petrol and diesel vehicles in favour of the growing choice of EVs and other electric transport options. Chief Marketing Officer Julia Jack says moving away from petrol and diesel cars is one of the most impactful changes we can all make to reduce our individual and collective impact on the environment. “It’s time to say goodbye to our old modes of transport because there’s a better alternative. We might have had a good time with oil in the past, but it’s time to move on. “The electricity we generate and use in New Zealand is over 80% renewable and that’s growing. It’s a massive natural advantage we have over many parts of the world. We don’t need to be importing and burning fossil fuels for transport when we have better, healthier and cheaper options,” Julia says. The campaign is told through the lens of typical Kiwis who all have fond memories of their old vehicles but kiss them goodbye and then find freedom and happiness with new electric options that are right for them. This represents an evolution of Mercury’s e-transport messages that began in 2014 and amplified with its ‘energy made wonderful’ brand relaunch in 2016. “We’ve strongly promoted e-bikes as a demonstration of electric energy made wonderful, and then we’ve busted some EV myths with stories told via Evie, our converted ’57 Ford Fairlane. “This campaign isn’t just about talking the talk. We’re putting offers in place, incentives and ways to engage with our customers, and are refreshing our online presence with information that supports the movement to cleaner transport options,” Julia says. “Among other initiatives, we will be extending our Mercury Drive EV-by-subscription service, and partnering with a global operator, JUMP, renowned for innovative e-bike and e-scooter solutions, to help more people test whether the change is right for them. “E-transport is becoming ubiquitous. It’s now also about electric ferries, tugboats, trains, trucks, scooters and motorbikes, with air-taxis hovering on the horizon. So many forward-thinking Kiwi organisations are innovating in the e-transport space and there’s more choice to come. “We know there’ll be people who can’t easily say goodbye to their internal combustion engine vehicles or don’t want to, and that’s okay. It isn’t about pointing any fingers; it is about opening the door a little wider to those who are ready to consider a change in habits, and to get a few more to that point of consideration. “Through the campaign we want to show that while change might seem difficult, once you’ve taken the first step it can be wonderful and there’s a better relationship out there for all of us,” Julia added.
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CAMPAIGN TIMING AND DETAILS Mercury’s creative agency is FCB, with whom Mercury collaborated with for its previous ‘Energy Made Wonderful’ e-bike, and its Evie (electric vehicle) campaigns. The campaign’s television commercial (TVC) was directed by Nathan Price and edited by 2020 Academy Award nominee Tom Eagles (nominated for his work on Jojo Rabbit). The new TVC first airs on Sunday, 16 February. It will be supported by billboard and street poster marketing. In conjunction with the campaign Mercury will be renewing its website design and content to support the electric revolution. View a video of Chief Marketing Officer Julia Jack talking about the new campaign, and view the TVCs and other collateral at www.kissoilgoodbye.co.nz/media
For investor relations queries, please contact: Tim Thompson Head of Treasury and Investor Relations 0275 173 470
For media queries, please contact: Craig Dowling Head of Communications 0272 105 337 Kelly Gregor Communications Manager 0272 105 337
ABOUT MERCURY NZ LIMITED Mercury’s mission is energy freedom. Our purpose is to inspire New Zealanders to enjoy energy in more wonderful ways and our goal is to be New Zealand’s leading energy brand. We focus on our customers, our people, our partners and our country; maintain a long-term view of sustainability; and promote wonderful choices. Mercury is energy made wonderful. Visit us at: www.mercury.co.nz
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