Debbie Schlussel: Do You Drive a "ManWagon"?
You've heard of the "Manbag" euphemism.
Now meet the "Manwagon," as coined in in today's Wall Street Journal. It's a euphemism for stationwagon, dreamed up in marketing campaigns by the big auto companies trying to make the traditional mom car appeal to masculine dads.
Reports the Journal:
Seeking to lure speed-crazy guys with kids, car makers are trying to transform the dowdy old family hauler into something new: the manwagon.***
This melding of speed and sippy cups may seem unlikely, but car makers say their consumer research has unearthed a surprising number of family men who thought wagons could be cool, if only they had more guts.
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Minivans may be the most practical vehicles for families, but it is a rare dad who can drive one with pride intact.
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More manwagons are likely to emerge because they let manufacturers profit by squeezing more products from an existing "vehicle platrofrm" and selling them at a steep premium.
Posted by Debbie on February 24, 2006 10:16 AM to Debbie Schlussel