When it comes to world records, size matters.
You’re not the only one who didn’t know that Guinness World Records had an entry for the largest billboard. Anyone who is even slightly familiar with Guinness World Records will know that there are records for almost everything. Ford claims the top spot for largest billboard. This is not surprising.
The billboard is located on the sidewall of the Edificio Espana, the eighth-tallest building in Madrid, Spain. It measures 5,265 sqm (56,672 sq feet). This is equivalent to approximately 20 tennis courts. The display advertising the new Ford EcoSport compact SUV weighs in at 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs).
The goal of the billboard was to beat the record holder in Dhahran (Saudi Arabia). By 241.93m2 (2,604 sq. ft), the Ford billboard towers above Dhahran’s display.
Elena Burguete (director of Marketing at Ford Spain) said that Ford’s Guinness World Records title as Largest Billboard shows the creativity that drives the company. “Ford’s message was ‘Go further’ and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve with our campaign for EcoSport’s launch. It’s a wonderful way to communicate the message “Life is out there, Are you?” to as many people as possible right in Madrid.
Ford will donate the billboard to the Apascovi Foundation employment centre for people with disabilities once the campaign has ended. The center will give the billboard, along with all materials, a second chance.
Ford will be dethroned by another automaker in a matter of days. Billboard ad-wars are now a thing. Take a look at BMW or Audi. Both automakers have been at war for nearly a decade. BMW attempted to troll Audi earlier this month, but it was unsuccessfully. Expect an automaker to place a larger advertisement if there is a larger building.