New Coke is widely remembered as nothing short of a total marketing fiasco. Concerned at the prospect of losing the cola war to Pepsi, the Coca-Cola Co., whose sales were dwindling, planned to launch New Coke to win back its honor. Basically a sweeter, more Pepsi-like version of the original, company executives decided they would discontinue the original Coca-Cola and only market New Coke. Huge mistake. Crushed by the potential loss of a household favorite, millions of Americans decided they hated New Coke before it hit the market in April 1985. The public outcry was so vigilant, that in July 1985 company executives announced they would bring back the soft drink in its original form.