Wienermobile renamed for first time in almost 100 years.

Say Goodbye to the Wienermobile and Hello to the Frankmobile

By Bryan Chai | May 18, 2023 at 4:04pm

If you’re tired of hearing “frankfurter” jokes because your name is Frank, we have some bad news for you. The iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has officially been rebranded after nearly 100 years. Say goodbye to the “Wienermobile” and hello to the “Frankmobile.”

The hot dog-shaped vehicle will be ditching the name it has been using since “it first hit the road in 1936,” according to a news release from parent company Kraft Heinz. The name change is meant to pay “homage to the brand’s 100% Beef Franks as it debuts a tasty new recipe.”

As strange as it is to say about a giant oblong car, for people of a certain age in America, it holds some genuine cultural heft. Well into the 2020s, there are still people who love that thing.

According to the news release, the maiden fleet of six Frankmobiles will debut this week. They have all sorts of new bells and whistles, including new decals and a new class of drivers, called “Frankfurters.”

If you’re not familiar with processed meat product lore, driving one of these vehicles is the ultimate honor among fans. Formerly known as “Hotdoggers,” Oscar Mayer would routinely get thousands of applicants to drive its then-Wienermobiles before settling on just 12.

“The Wienermobile is a beloved American icon that has been sparking smiles and driving craveability for our iconic delicious wieners for nearly 100 years,” Stephanie Vance, Oscar Mayer’s associate brand manager, said in the release. “This summer, it’s time to highlight another fan-favorite: our delicious 100% Beef Franks.”

So as the temperatures begin rising across the country, so will the sight of the Frankmobiles. And as it turns out, there is actually an upside to sharing a name with a hot dog-shaped vehicle. According to the release, if you are named Frank and you visit a Frankmobile, you get a coupon for a free pack of Oscar Mayer beef franks.

What’s New with the Frankmobiles?

• New decals
• New class of drivers called “Frankfurters”
• Debuting a tasty new recipe for 100% Beef Franks

Don’t miss out on the chance to see the new Frankmobiles in action and get your hands on some delicious Oscar Mayer beef franks. Visit the advertiser website for more information.