CHERRY HILL, N.J. -

Subaru of America recently learned it received a pair of honors from its tongue-in-cheek “Mediocrity” campaign.

The automaker won a 2011 Webby Award in the automotive category, plus the Gold 2010 International Automotive Advertising Award (IAAA).

Officials explained how they played off of the “abundance of bland midsized sedans in the marketplace” to create its spot. The campaign portrays a dull and unexceptional fictional vehicle — the 2011 Mediocrity — shown in monotone beige.

This uninspiring vehicle is then contrasted to the Subaru Legacy with its 2.5-liter Boxer engine and standard all-wheel drive.

Subaru mentioned the Mediocrity campaign was developed in partnership with its advertising agency of record, Carmichael Lynch. The campaign’s digital focus included a fully interactive website, custom vehicle detail pages in vehicle shopping sites, online banners and video, plus a Facebook page, a YouTube channel, a Twitter feed and a Flickr presence.

Brand officials added national broadcast media also drove awareness of the 2011 Mediocrity.

“Consumers shouldn’t have to settle on a vehicle that’s just adequate,” emphasized Alan Bethke, director of marketing communication at Subaru of America.

“The Mediocrity campaign was an engaging way to have some fun with this trend toward blandness while offering a better alternative, 2011 Subaru Legacy,” Bethke added.

Highlighting the best of the Web, Subaru said the Webby award winners are chosen by members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

The company noted this year’s 15th annual Webby Awards was the biggest in their history with winners chosen from nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 U.S. states and more than 60 countries worldwide.

The automaker went on to point out the International Automotive Advertising Awards were established in 1995 and celebrate as well as showcase the effort and excellence in automotive and automotive-related advertising and marketing across all medias.

Subaru of America also received the following accolades from the IAAA for its television work:

—“Baby Driver” Gold, Passenger Cars Intermediate/Large, Television.
—“Hockey Mom” Gold, Sport Utility, Television.
—“Where Did We Park?” Gold, Sport Utility, Television.
—“Honeymoon” Silver, Sport Utility, Television.
—“Reunion:  Bronze, Sport Utility, Television.

“Both the Mediocrity campaign and the arresting television advertising have increased Subaru awareness and affinity with vehicle shoppers and have contributed to record sales for the brand in both 2010 and the first quarter of 2011,” company officials concluded.