The Weinermobile Is No More

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is iconic, just like the company’s jingle some of us are old enough to remember.But this piece of Americana won’t be known as the Wienermobile any more, as the company is changing its name after nearly 100 years.

Oscar Mayer has announced that it will now be known as …the Frankmobile. Of course, this brings up the important question of why? According to the brand, it’s to “pay homage” to the new hot dog recipe they’re rolling out this summer.

The Wienermobile made its debut back in 1936, when Carl Mayer told his Uncle Oscar about his idea for a marketing vehicle for the company. Now they have a fleet of six of the 23-foot-long vehicles that travel the U.S., going to events like state fairs and sports contests to advertise the brand. While the name may be different, the Frankmobile looks pretty much the same, with the exception of a new decal on the vehicle’s side showing the Frankmobile name. As for whether this name change is permanent, Oscar Mayer says it’s “trying to see if it ‘cuts the mustard’ with fans.”

Speaking for myself, the answer is no. It will always be the Weinermobile. Same as USC never became U of SC, WW is still Weight Watchers, Dunkin is still Dunkin Donuts, and Pearl Milling Company is still Aunt Jemima.