A stray dog that a Hyundai dealership in Brazil adopted as its showroom mascot has become so popular that the automaker plans to use him in a national advertising campaign.
Staff at Prime Hyundai originally intended to just give the dog some food and a warm place to sleep on a rainy night, according to reports in various Brazilian media. But as the dog continued to stick around, they named him Tucson Prime, appointed him a “pawfessional consultant” and even made him a staff ID badge. (They also took him to a veterinarian for treatment and vaccinations.)
Manager Emerson Mariano told Top Motors Brazil that the dog’s “very caring and docile nature” has helped customers and employees feel at home. Some buyers return to the showroom to see him, give him gifts and take pictures with him.
The dealership created an Instagram account for Tucson that has gained more than 150,000 followers. Hyundai Brazil has promoted the dog on its own social media accounts and named him a “brand ambassador.”