After nearly 90 years, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is getting a new name. The iconic hot dog-shaped vehicle will now be known as the Frankmobile.
The name change was announced by Oscar Mayer on Thursday. The company said the new name is a nod to the new recipe for its hot dogs, which will be rolling out this summer.
The Wienermobile was first introduced in 1936. It was created by Carl Mayer, the nephew of Oscar Mayer. The vehicle was originally designed to promote Oscar Mayer’s new line of wieners.
That’s not all, the formerly-known-as Hotdoggers, the pair of caretakers that sit behind the wheel of the Frankmobile, are now known as Frankfurters. And the Wiener Whistles are now known as Frank Whistles.
“The newly coined ‘Frankmobile’ pays homage to the brand’s 100% Beef Franks as it debuts a tasty new recipe with a more balanced flavor profile and iconic beefy taste that is more flavorful than ever — all while sparking miles of smiles and uniting fans around a love of meat,” reads a release from Oscar Mayer.
The Wienermobile quickly became a popular attraction. It has been featured in movies and television shows, and it has even been used in presidential campaigns.
Oscar Mayer said the name change is part of a larger effort to modernize the brand. The company said it wants to appeal to a younger audience with the new name.
The Frankmobile will make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February. It will then hit the road to promote the new Oscar Mayer hot dogs.
Some people are disappointed with the name change. They say the Wienermobile is a classic American icon, and they don’t want to see it renamed.
“IS NOTHING SACRED,” wrote one person on Twitter.
“Isn’t this the kind of injustice local journalism should be fighting against?” asked another.
🎶 Oh, I wish I was an Oscar Mayer … frank…🎶 pic.twitter.com/F9mlb24WN9
— Beau Geste (@BeauGeste11) May 17, 2023
