Aflac announced the creation of a special Toy Story 3 paint scheme for the #99 Aflac Ford Fusion that will be driven by Carl Edwards at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. The paint scheme reflects a collaboration between the Georgia-based insurance company and Disney/Pixar, following the release of a television commercial using Pixar’s unique brand of animation. This marks the second time Aflac and Disney/Pixar have worked together for cross-promotion. The commercial features the Aflac Duck and movie characters from the anticipated summer blockbuster Toy Story 3 demonstrating how Aflac policies provide protection when life presents challenges. The ad, which began airing nationally on May 17, will be televised nationally on TNT during the race. Toy Story 3 welcomes Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz (voice of Tim Allen), and other characters back to the big screen as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in daycare. The untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice, so it’s all for one and one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. A few new faces’Âsome plastic, some plush’Âjoin the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbie’s counterpart Ken (voice of Michael Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (voice of Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear (voice of Ned Beatty). The ad places the Aflac Duck in the daycare center with a narrator talking about how life can be difficult from time to time and how Aflac is there to protect you. In May 2009, Aflac and Disney/Pixar collaborated for the release of the summer blockbuster Up. To support the release, Aflac created a special Up paint scheme for the Southern 500 race at Darlington Speedway and hosted a VIP screening event for NASCAR families.(Roush Fenway Racing), see images of the schemes on my #99 Team Schemes page.(6-17-2010)
