Archive for
February, 2009
February 27th, 2009
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Trends, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Earnings/Financials
Click above for high-res gallery of the Transformers cars from GM
When you’re forced into a life-and-death situation like General Motors, a lot of tough calls have to be made - yet some are more obvious than others. In this case, The General has made it clear that it plans to slash its North American marketing spending - by some $800 million dollars.
That’s an extra $200M on top of the $600M that already GM vowed it would cut by 2010 in a disclosure it made back in December. And it isn’t just things like SuperBowl commercials, and print ads - vehicle incentives will also be impacted, something that will doubtlessly affect the already tough sledding that dealers are experiencing.
Another example: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Despite early efforts to tie Chevrolet to the Shia LaBeouf/Megan Fox Paramount sequel with efforts like the Corvette Centennial Concept and “Jolt” Volt unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, trade publication Advertising Age is reporting that GM will not spend much money to co-promote the movie.
For the initial 2007 Transformers movie, GM is said to have spent “tens of millions” of dollars in advertising-related initiatives, but not only can the financially-strapped automaker not afford to do so, it realizes it may also not be a good idea in light of the taxpayer bailout. AdAge is quoting one insider as saying:
“You’re not going to see any TV media that I know of. Even though you can make a case for it from a marketing standpoint, it’s the kind of thing that might get you roundly criticized in light of today’s climate. It’s viewed as too risky, sort of like Citibank’s deal with the Mets. GM can’t afford to do that.
The message is clear: Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Jolt and Mudflap… you’re on your own.
[Sources: Automotive News; Advertising Age]
Snip-Snip: GM slashing $800M from marketing budget (yes, even Transformers) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 26th, 2009
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows
Autoblog has learned that Nissan is withdrawing its presence from the fiscal 2009 show season, with the following exceptions: Geneva, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. That means that Nissan will still have a presence at most of the major international shows that generate the lion’s share of media coverage this year, but they will not be attending big shows like Melbourne and Frankfurt in 2009, let alone second-tier, locally-focused events like those in Atlanta, Calgary, and Denver. It also means that the company will miss out on Detroit and Los Angeles next year, because Nissan’s fiscal year runs through March 31, 2010. As you may recall, the company was already a notable absentee in Detroit earlier this year.
Scott Vazin, Nissan’s U.S. director of product public relations has informed us that:
In a short-term move to address the severe economic challenges to the industry and to consumers worldwide, Nissan has decided to streamline the company’s participation in auto shows during fiscal year 2009. As a result, the company has selected Geneva, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo as the four major international shows where the company will showcase offerings from the Nissan and Infiniti brands during the fiscal year.
“This decision has been taken to ensure maximum return on marketing investments in the midst of extraordinary market conditions. We are confident it is the right decision from a company committed to prudent management of shareholder resources.
“Meanwhile, we will continue to monitor market conditions and adjust our marketing strategies and tactics accordingly.
Of course, Nissan isn’t the only automaker scaling back its auto show aspirations in 2009. Automakers like Ferrari, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Suzuki have all missed at least one “major” show stop this year, and given the state of the economy and the auto industry in particular, we suspect that Nissan’s statement to us is just the tip of the iceberg.
[Image: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty]
EXCLUSIVE: Nissan pulls out of most 2009 auto shows originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 24th, 2009
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle
The Fisker Karma is on its way, and Henrik Fisker wants the world to know about it. The company bought two one-minute spots during the Oscars telecast, and they happened to play just before two of the evening’s most hyped celebs did their turns on the crimson shag. You don’t learn much about the car during the spot, and frankly it looks a little like something that should be Spike TV late at night, but hey, the word is out. Follow the jump to see it for yourself.
[Source: Wired]
Continue reading VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars
VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 20th, 2009
Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai
While the U.S. auto industry experienced a massive drop in sales last month, Hyundai was one of just three automakers that posted an increase. While a number of factors can account for the South Korean automaker’s success in a down market, especially the addition of an all-new model, the Genesis, to its lineup, Hyundai knows its creative Assurance Program is helping. People are worried about losing their jobs in a recession and committing to the monthly payments of a new car sounds like a bad idea. The Hyundai Assurance Program allows new owners to return their Hyundai within one year if they lose their job, which helps put those prospective buyers at ease with their purchase.
Hyundai is now taking its Assurance Program to the next level with the Hyundai Assurance Plus Program. The Plus means that owners who suffer a disability or lose their job will get payment relief for 90 days or three car payments. The goal is to give customers a 90-day window to replace their income, and if they fail to do so, Hyundai will still take the car back under the terms of the original Assurance Program. There are a few stipulations to keep buyers honest, though, like being employed for at least 90 days prior to qualifying for the Assurance Plus program. Hit the jump to read up on the program’s details.
[Source: Hyundai]
Continue reading Hyundai Assurance “Plus” adds 90-day payment relief to popular program
Hyundai Assurance “Plus” adds 90-day payment relief to popular program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 18th, 2009
Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Earnings/Financials
It’s a sign of the times that even the banks don’t have money. With everyone hurting in this economic climate, several large banking groups have been prompted to cancel their sponsorship activities in Formula One. Credit Suisse announced it was withdrawing its sponsorship of the BMW Sauber team for this season. Dutch banking giant ING, which invested heavily - some 50 million Euros (about $63M USD), according to some estimates - in the Renault team, trackside advertising and title sponsorship of several grands prix races, has now announced it will not renew its contract with the French team after this season and that it is withdrawing entirely from the sport. Sources are also predicting that with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in such serious financial difficulty that it required a British government bail-out, that it is also likely to terminate its sponsorship of the Williams team.
The end of banking money in F1 will likely put a bigger squeeze on the sport’s efforts to reduce costs, but like the fall-out from when Big Tobacco pulled out of Formula One, another industry will eventually emerge to take the place of the big banks. Our money would be on haberdasheries, but let’s face it - we don’t have any money, either.
[Source: F1-Live]
You Can Bank On It: Financial institutions racing out of F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 17th, 2009
Filed under: Auction Action, Etc., Euro, Marketing/Advertising, UK
We still don’t know who the White Stig is, and he could be replaced by the Black Stig, the Purple Stig, or the Rainbow Stig pretty soon. But before he goes, you can win a ride with him around the Top Gear test track. Red Nose Day is a fundraising event put on by the British charity Comic Relief, and it’s practically a holiday in UK. One of the items being auctioned for this year’s drive is a lap with the Stig, to take place some time on a Wednesday this Summer.
If you win, you’ll need to make your own way to Surrey, where the Top Gear track is. There is no word on the car you’ll be riding in, and since Top Gear filming is a little loosey-goosey, things might get postponed. But still, as of writing the bidding is only up to £3,600.00 (about $5,100 USD), which is a paltry sum for the chance to ride with the automotive equivalent of The Shadow. Bring a red nose…
[Source: Daily Telegraph]
Comic Relief to auction ridealong with Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 17th, 2009
Filed under: Gadgets, Marketing/Advertising, Citroen
Click above to view the Citroen DS line of accessories in high resolution
The time has come for the Citroen DS to rise out of the ashes. While the classic French automobile was being named the most beautiful in history by a panel of the world’s top automotive designers and a rare example sold at auction for some $440,000, Citroen was preparing to announce the revival of the classic badge with a new sub-brand, to be launched at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show with the DS Inside concept. Citroen’s not about to let the opportunity pass it by, and to that end has already announced the launch of a line of DS merchandise to piggy-back on the line’s revival.
The line takes the same neo-retro approach as the concept car, obviously targeted at the same trendy, young. upscale demographic as Citroen will be pursuing with its new sub-brand. The line includes items as diverse as snowboards, sunglasses and luggage, which you can check out in the gallery below.
[Source: CarScoop]
French Connection: Citroen launches merchandise line to coincide with DS revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 16th, 2009
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mazda
Michael Phelps is a 12-gold-metal-winning superstar who has struck gold by inserting himself in all manners of advertising. Phelps is also a big deal in China, where he won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics.
The swimming superstar even has a $1 million deal with Mazda for the China market, an arrangement that hit a rough spot recently when Phelps was caught on camera smoking marijuana from a bong. The Phelps advertising machine is now in damage-control mode, with the Chinese culture less tolerant for such law breaking than we are in the U.S. Phelps knows this, and has put together a video apology at the behest of Mazda to show his humility in front of the Chinese people. Hit the jump to view the embedded video. Is it just us, or does Phelps look like he’s having trouble keeping his eyes open? He must be saving his energy for his next victory in the pool.
[Source: NY Times]
Continue reading REPORT: Mazda has Michael Phelps apologize to China’s children on video
REPORT: Mazda has Michael Phelps apologize to China’s children on video originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 15th, 2009
Filed under: Time Warp, Marketing/Advertising, Videos
Click above to jump to the 1970’s video
Let’s face it: Driving can be a scary ordeal. Particularly at night, in the city, with construction detours and spooky lights… when you’re a Seventies housewife! At least, that’s what Goodyear had to say in this commercial, aired during the first Monday Night Football game in 1970. What made sense nearly four decades ago is good for a laugh today, so make sure the missus is in the kitchen and that the boss lady ain’t around before you hit the jump. Female readers may want to get a big ol’ grain of salt ready, and remember: When a woman’s at the wheel, Polyglas means more than mileage. Thanks for the tip, Robin!
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Goodyear Polyglas - Because so much chauvinism is riding on your tires
VIDEO: Goodyear Polyglas - Because so much chauvinism is riding on your tires originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 14th, 2009
Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, India
Mahindra’s plan to launch its midsize pickups in the United States has taken another interesting turn, as the Indian automaker now plans to assemble the first U.S.-bound units at home and not in Ohio as originally planned. The change means that Mahindra will now be forced to pay the 25% federal “chicken tax” that was first created in the early ’60s in retaliation against European tariffs on U.S.-bred chicken.
In any case, Mahindra doesn’t expect additional delays in getting its diesel-powered pickup trucks to U.S. dealerships. In fact, selling Indian-made units may actually expedite the truck’s fourth-quarter introduction by a few weeks.
Look for a big marketing push in advance of the Indian truck’s launch here in the States, especially at motocross events around the country. Mahindra believes that its truck will appeal to dirt bike riders who want a fuel-efficient hauler. The manufacturer says its truck will combine 30 mpg economy from its 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine with a 7.5-foot bed that can accept a payload of 1.3 tons; all in a package that’s priced 10-15% below comparable Japanese offerings.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
First Mahindra pickups in U.S. will be assembled in India, not Ohio originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 13th, 2009
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, GM
A commercial for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen aired during the Super Bowl last month that contained new footage for Michael Bay’s upcoming release. At 30 seconds long, however, the ad was more of a teaser than a trailer. The actual theatrical trailer from which the commercial got its footage is two minutes 15 seconds long, and a sneak preview of it was published today on YouTube. The preview was captured using a hand-held video recorder of some sort, so the quality isn’t that great, but we’re working on finding a higher quality version. In the meantime, follow the jump to view the full preview that you’ll soon be watching in theaters that features extended versions of the short clips we saw in that Super Bowl commercial.
[Source: TheHDRoom]
Continue reading VIDEO: Full version of second trailer for Transformers 2
VIDEO: Full version of second trailer for Transformers 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 12th, 2009
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Citroen
Coinciding with its 90th anniversary, Citroen is revamping its image. The new logo you see here was created by the French automaker’s design and marketing departments in consultation with branding consultancy Landor. The same trademark chevrons that have always been the hallmark of Citroen’s brand identity stay on duty, but in a softer form, unframed and with a three-dimensional look that’s accompanied by a revised text in a deeper shade of red. But if you’re thinking a new logo is all Citroen’s got up its sleeves, think again and have another look at the DS3 Inside concept that will spearhead the company’s new premium line at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month.
Check out the galleries below for a look back on Citroens of yesteryear and future models.
Citroen marks 90th anniversary with new logo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 11th, 2009
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Ford
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition
Flush from the news that its F-150 pickup performed markedly better than many of its primary competitors in a new series of IIHS side-impact crash tests, Ford has rolled out its latest larger-than-life Harley-Davidson model.
Outside of the appearance items, the HD is essentially a Platinum Edition F-Series in motorcycle leathers, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Available in either Lava (dark maroon) or Tuxedo Black, the Harley looks very aggressive in the metal - and the effect is not just a function of scale. The bold six-bar grille and 22-inch Harley-branded polished/painted alloys clearly set it apart as a distinct model from other F-Series pickups, and Ford has also slathered the pickup in oversized emblems and strange red “swoosh” marks on the rocker panels. While we could do without the latter flourishes, the truck still strikes us as particularly good-looking in Lava.
Ford’s 14th Harley-branded product also has a seriously dolled-up interior that is likewise not for introverts. The prevailing theme behind the cabin’s styling is that of a Harley biker jacket, and the materials, color choices, and the gigantic badges on the seats and center console (including a serialized plate) are unsubtle but appropriate.
Clearly not a truck for wallflowers, Ford continues to carve out niche after niche for its new 2010 F-150. Click on the gallery below for in-person shots of the new HD F-150, and then click here for more details.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Chicago 2009: (You Can Still) Rock in America - Ford unveils Harley-Davidson F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 9th, 2009
Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Marketing/Advertising, Toys
Click above for high-res image gallery of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
When playing car racing video games, do you find yourself choosing vehicles or brands that you’ve owned in the past? We are definitely guilty as charged on this count, but it seems that this sort of logic works the other way too. People that play popular games like Gran Turismo and Project Gotham Racing have shown an affinity towards real-life vehicles that they used in the gaming realm. Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi Evolution anyone?
Financial Post researchers recently conducted a brief study that put people in front of gaming consoles running car racing simulators. Other people were placed in separate rooms where the games were being broadcast, but not played. Afterward, both groups were surveyed, and the results were eye opening. Those that played the video games responded that they were 50% more likely to purchase vehicles that they used in the video games than those that just watched.
Sure, these results don’t necessarily prove anything, but automakers and advertisers have certainly taken notice. Current estimates put the in-game advertising market at $1.8 billion within the next few years.
[Source: Financial Post]
Study suggests driving cars in video games could lead to more purchases in real-life originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 8th, 2009
Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Celebrities
How did you like Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe ads during the Super Bowl? They rocked, right? With that hard-driving soundtrack from The Smashing Pumpkins, of course they rocked. The song is called “FOL,” and it isn’t available for purchase anywhere. But you can get it for free just by giving Hyundai your e-mail address. Click here to fill out the two-question (name and e-email) form, then click on download. Hit play, close your eyes and you’ll be lapping the track with Billy Corgan any time you wish. We’re not sure how long the offer is available, so if you’re interested, click here. Don’t want to give up personal info to Hyundai? Watch the ads as much as you like right here.
[Source: DealMac]
Smashing idea: Hyundai giving away Superbowl ads soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 6th, 2009
Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota, Earnings/Financials
Hardcore NASCAR fans might not recognize their favorite sport when the season picks back up on February 15th at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. Chrysler, General Motors, Ford and Toyota have all cut back funding 20 to 30 percent, and once strong teams like Petty Enterprises have merged with rivals and closed up shop. What’s more, fewer fans will be able to afford a weekend at the races, and that equals less revenue.
Still, Brian France remains optomistic that the 2009 season will remain compelling. Top-shelf drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch will be back to battle for the championship and there are still 50 teams that have signed up to race at Daytona in 2009. Come what may, it’s a virtual guarantee that NASCAR racing will go on, though perhaps with a bit less sparkle, flash and income than in previous years.
[Source: Detroit News]
Even NASCAR not immune from economic woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 2nd, 2009
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising
We were having more fun watching the commercials than the actual game up until the last quarter of last night’s Super Bowl XLIII. It seemed all the big, extravagant car commercials were shown around kickoff and the first quarter, but we caught a few good ones throughout the game that shouldn’t be missed. Like you, however, we had to break for the bathroom and turn away for more Turducken at times, and so inevitably missed a few car-related Super Bowl commercials. After the break we’ve assembled every car-related commercial shown during the game last night, so click through and make sure you’ve ingested them all along with whatever deep fried nonsense you ate. If you want to see ALL of the commercials that were broadcast during the game, visit Fanhouse for its 2009 Super Bowl Commercials page that hosts them all in order and organized by quarter.
Continue reading All the Super Bowl car commercials you missed while in the bathroom
All the Super Bowl car commercials you missed while in the bathroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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February 1st, 2009
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Celebrities
Last week we showed you the 30-second version of Audi’s Super Bowl commercial called “Chase”. That’s the one you’ll be seeing repeated endlessly on TV over the next few weeks. The full 60-second commercial, however, just debuted during the big game and we have the whole thing for you after the jump. Witness action movie star Jason Statham travel through the decades in search of a suitable getaway car. Spoiler alert: He winds up in an Audi A6 with the brand’s new supercharged V6.
Continue reading VIDEO: Full version of Audi Super Bowl commercial, “Chase”
VIDEO: Full version of Audi Super Bowl commercial, “Chase” originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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