Barina YouTube Sensation Sold To NRMA Insurance

SYDNEY - Aug. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- The 1999 Barina that went viral on social media around the world recently has been sold to NRMA Insurance, with all proceeds going to charity.

The hilarious “Buy My Barina” video posted by Sydney digital guru David Johns to sell his much loved old manual car became a viral hit worldwide, receiving over one million views on YouTube within its first week as well as hundreds of thousands of tweets and offers on social media.



Ironic in adopting the sleek sophistication of new car ads, the viral video received attention from network television around the world, including Good Morning America, NBC, CBS, ABC News, CNN and locally Sunrise and The Project.

Johns has announced that his 1999 Holden Barina hatchback, which boasts “front/rear screen wiper technology” and “matching seats”, has now been sold with proceeds to be donated to Cancer Council Australia as a result of NRMA Insurance purchasing the car.

“I am thrilled to have sold my car to NRMA Insurance,” Johns said. “There were so many fun and creative offers from all over the world, but I’m so pleased to have done some good with the video in raising money for the Cancer Council.”

NRMA Insurance, which lists Cancer Council as a Workplace Giving charity partner, has announced it is equally thrilled with the purchase.

“We are very excited to have purchased the car for such a great cause,” Robert McDonald, Head of Research at NRMA Insurance said.

“As part of our road safety research program, we regularly test new and older vehicles and we have some special plans for this little car.”

“We are very grateful to receive the proceeds of the #buymybarina sale," said Professor Ian Oliver, CEO, Cancer Council Australia. "NRMA Insurance has been an ongoing supporter of Cancer Council and we’re delighted they have chosen to make a further contribution to Cancer Council’s vital work in cancer research, education and patient support.”

For the video and website, David came up with and produced the idea along with his workmates at the Chimney Group, which makes feature films, documentaries, music videos, TV commercials and web-based film.

Offers from the public were posted via Twitter using #buymybarina via email and over the telephone. View the video and website at www.buymybarina.com.