By now you’ve heard about this genius promotion involving an SUV and Pirates of the Caribbean:

Maybe they are at their computers, treasure map in hand, dressed in swashbuckling garb with a sea-traveled parrot resting on their shoulder. Or, maybe not. Either way, nearly 30,000 Americans are now participating in Volvo Car Corporation’s global, multi-media treasure hunt for a Volvo XC90 V8 that has been buried somewhere in the world.

The treasure hunt is part of Volvo Cars’ official promotion of Disney’s upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. To participate, through July 11, individuals nationwide must visit their local Volvo retailer to pick up a free treasure map and start The Hunt process. Next, they register online at www.volvocars.us/thehunt and participate in an engaging and fun-filled adventure to solve a series of online clues and puzzles through July 12. Individuals registering now that The Hunt is in progress can catch up with other participants if they correctly answer the puzzles posted online as they are emailed to participants.

“This is a challenging treasure hunt, and to already have 30,000 people actively participating halfway through this first stage is exciting,” said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. “With this promotion, we sought a unique way to extend the Volvo brand and bring individuals into our retail facilities, and we’re delighted with the results.”

JG