Wackel-Elvis

Due to a high demand by Elvis fans after publication of the commercials, 15,000 Wackel-Elvis figures were produced and sold at the Audi factory outlet store.

This design prompts the figure to swing its hips, pivot around its vertical axis and shake its left arm up and down while the vehicle is in motion, creating an effect that resembles Elvis Presley performing on stage.

Other than most conventional bobblehead dolls, in which a flexible neck joint connects a wobbling head to a static figure that rests on a surface, Wackel-Elvis is attached to the inside of the windshield or rear window of a vehicle.

On a sharply pointed nail, protruding approximately .2 inches (5 mm) from the sole of the right foot of the figure, Wackel-Elvis stands on top of the dashboard or rear cargo cover.

The left arm and hip of Wackel-Elvis wobble consistent with the vehicle motion, creating the illusion of Elvis Presley performing or dancing on stage.

Four injection molded semi-rigid plastic pieces constitute the circa 6 inches (15 cm) tall figure which features printed accents on the dress and hand-painted details on hands, face and neck, hair, sunglasses, microphone and inserts in the trouser legs.

In 2001, German automobile manufacturer Audi aired television commercials in Europe to promote their new electronically controlled continuously variable (or stepless) "multitronic" transmission.

[1] The Elvis impersonator and his Wackel-Elvis were picked up by a friendly fellow driver - played by German actress Karina Krawczyk[2] - in an Audi equipped with the new transmission.

[5] Close to the end of the commercials Wackel-Elvis, immobilized by the stepless transmission, was prodded in the belly to initiate the wobbling motion in the Audi automobile.

[4] While flagging down the fellow driver after the breakdown of his car, in some versions of the commercials the Elvis impersonator supported his gesture with a sharp and short whistle.