‘the Hunt’ Isn’t Over Yet

Just when you think it is over, The Hunt has just another revelation to proclaim. The Volvo Car Corp. is declaring a ‘do over’ in its global online treasure hunt after all 21 finalists failed to solve the final puzzle within the given 24 hour time limit this weekend.

The 21 chosen finalists from all over the world gathered at their respective computer screens Saturday for their ultimate chance of claiming the much-anticipated Volvo treasures. The automaker’s treasure chest is filled with 50,000 in gold doubloons and a key to a new XC90. The midsize crossover SUV shares the P2 platform with the Volvo S80 and other huge cars from the brand. It features the powerful Yamaha V8 engine that produces 311 horsepower and 325 ft•lbf of torque. The vehicle also features trusted parts like Volvo plugs, seatbelts, airbags, engines, radiators and more.

The lucky ‘pirate’ will win a trip to recover the treasure chest from the waters depths ‘somewhere in the world’ where it was buried. But it turned out that Volvo had all contestants ‘at sea’ with a final puzzle that proved too hard for even the hardiest pirates.

“We really didn’t see this coming,” said Linda Gangeri, the national advertising manager for Volvo Cars of North America. “Our Hunt has been tough from the beginning and we have been in awe of all the amazing puzzle-solving skills and sharp minds out there meeting us at every twist and turn. We really didn’t expect to baffle our finalists with the final puzzle. Who knew a car company could keep 21 pirates from claiming precious treasure? For now, at least.”

The famed online treasure hunt is a month-long campaign of the Swedish automaker in connection with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. The Hunt has drawn more than 32,000 online contestants from 22 markets around the world. Participants solved a series of puzzles that led to a semi-final puzzle, Puzzle 21: World’s End which was posted May 31. The first contestant from each country to submit the correct answer then went on to compete in the Final Leg. All participating markets were represented in the Final Leg with the exception of Italy, who did not have a participant submit a correct semi-final answer within the time limit.

The first of the 21 finalists to solve the ‘do over’ final puzzle Tuesday will be named the winner. The finalists include Andreas Aigner (Austria), Konstantin Popov (Bulgaria), Erin Chock (Canada), Dennis Leifheit (Germany), Cheuk Fung Leung (Hong Kong), Andreas (Indonesia), Yukio Takai (Japan), Siew Hang Teh (Malaysia), Patricia Gabriela Medrano Picon (Mexico), Liss Johansen (Norway), Aaron Joseph N. David (Philippines), Jarosaw Nowakowski (Poland), Ciprian Constantin Grosu (Romania), Alena Zvereva (Russia), Wilson Teo (Singapore), Jungtae Ahn (South Korea), Maria Qvick Faxa (Sweden), Shih-En Chen (Taiwan), Geranun Jiraboonyanon (Thailand), Karyn Burgess (United Kingdom), and Deborah LaValley (United States).

Deborah LaValley, 43, from Juneau, Alaska, is ready for the challenge. LaValley, who was also a participant of last year’s Hunt, is thrilled with this year’s game. “I can’t stop thinking about different scenarios or possible locations. I really have no idea what to expect. I’m just excited that I get a second try at claiming the treasure.”

Once a winner has been announced by the automaker, both final puzzles will be posted on The Hunt Web site for all participants to test their puzzle solving powers one more time. Visitors can also gauge their prowess in solving the greatest mysteries of the deep online.

About the Author

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

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