Our buddy Mateo sent us this shot of Michelin's Bibendum mascot performing the "warm and charming" Thai wai greeting to customers of a local repair shop. It sure shows more cultural sensitivity than Coca-Cola telling the Chinese it brings back their dead ancestors (Coke Adds Life), or Chevrolet asking Mexicans to buy a car that doesn't go (Nova). If, our globetrotting audience, you come across such culturally particular use of an automotive brand or mascot, take a digicam shot and send it to tips@jalopnik.com. It's all in the name of international corporate globalism brotherhood.
Warm Greetings The Way to Wai and Sawasdee in Thailand [Chiangmai & Chiangrai]
Related:
Man, Michelin: Challenge Bibendum Takes Paris, Again [internal]