Show us your calluses!


Mercedes Benz is promoting its workhorse Vito through online innovation.

The German automaker is demonstrating a sense of humour, as well as marketing savvy, with its 'Heavy Labour Discount'. The Europe-based campaign is offering a discount to potential Mercedes Vito customers if they can demonstrate a 'hands-on' approach to their daily work.

Up to €9000 ($11,600) is available off the list price of a new Vito van to buyers who can provide evidence of a physical working life. The way they do it? By having their hands scanned via webcam: the more bruised and damaged their hands, the greater the discount.

It's a marketing campaign that adds a whole new meaning to 'digging for gold'.