Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Pontiac

We’re still smarting after Monday’s announcement by General Motors that the Pontiac brand will be phased out. It’s not that we disagree with the decision - killing Pontiac is probably the right move. Rather, we’re disheartened at the loss of a brand so important to the car culture in this country. Some of our favorite cars of all time wear a Pontiac badge, and we’re sure that the legions of Pontiac faithful would argue that vehicles like the Aztek and G3 shouldn’t take away from the brand’s legacy.

Continuing our series of features that highlights the best and worst of what Pontiac had to offer, we bring you some great Pontiac commercials of the past. Ten in all, these commercials mark the brand throughout its history going back to the late ’60s. They’re ranked in a rough chronological order and not in terms of best to worst, though since we first saw it last March, the first one is still our favorite.

Great Pontiac Commercials of the Past originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Lincoln, Mercury

“Take me out to the ball game / take me out to the crowd / buy me a… Lincoln and Mercury?” The premium end of Ford’s domestic portfolio may not have rewritten the song (yet), but it has brokered a new deal to remain the official vehicle of the New York Mets.

Like the deal that placed Ford with the Yankees (but unlike Audi’s partnership with the same team), the contract wasn’t brokered by corporate headquarters but by the association of Tri-State Lincoln Mercury dealers, and amounts to about as much fun as you can shake a Louisville Slugger at. All it boils down to is that they’ll be parking display vehicles outside the Mets’ new home at Polo Grounds Shea Stadium Citi Field, so the next time they hit a home run it’s more likely to go through the windshield of a Lincoln or Mercury. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle

NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Motorcycles, Celebrities

Imagine for a moment that you are an artificially intelligent computer system with plans to kill off all humanity in a post apocalyptic future. Got it? If you were to pattern your two-wheeled robotic progeny after an individual motorcycle design, what would you choose? The answer, at least according to Terminator Salvation director McG (yes, that’s really the name he goes by), is the Ducati Hypermotard.

We can’t really fault the choice of the hooligan Hypermotard as the bike to shoot pre-processed scenes of motorcycling mayhem, as the naked bike is more than capable of supporting the kind of stunt riding necessary to shoot the film.

Here’s something we could do without, however: In one of the corniest lines we’ve heard in a good long time, McG seems to channel his inner Schwarzenegger, saying, “The bikes came through like champions… and terminated the competition!” Seriously, was that really necessary? See the footage after the break.

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ducati Hypermotard featured in Terminator Salvation

VIDEO: Ducati Hypermotard featured in Terminator Salvation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., GM, Earnings/Financials

The “television upfront” is the term used when networks sell advertising time for the coming season’s shows. An advertiser will commit to buying a particular amount of commercial time and then pay much closer to the show’s airing in the fall. With everyone still unsure of whether GM and Chrysler will end up in bankruptcy, both advertisers — who spent a combined $2.7 billion last year — will need to pay in cash for their commercial time buys.

Soon after GM shrunk its marketing budget by $800 million and laid off 20% of its marketing and communications staff, the phrase “very concerned” was uttered from one executive to describe doing upfront deals with GM. TV networks would undoubtedly be among the last in line for money when restructuring, although they would have time to sell the ad space, it would probably be for a reduced amount.

However, if GM and Chrysler were forced to do cash-in-hand deals for the upfront this would not only be the worst time for them to need to engage in major cash outlays, it would also hinder their marketing pushes at about the time everyone is expecting praying things will be turning around with the economy.

[Source: Ad Age]

AdAge provides a glimpse at how GM’s financial crisis is affecting its marketing efforts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Motorcycles, India

Bajaj, India’s largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles and holder of a 14.5% stake in X-Bow maker KTM, is known not only for innovations like adding fuel injection to small-bore motorcycles and introducing dual spark technology, but also for producing excellent advertisements and commercials for television. We highlighted one of their better videos a little over a year ago, and today we’ve run across another great one.

It seems Bajaj is trying to capitalize on Transformers mania with this video, and that’s fine by us. We’re not sure what three lonely bikes were doing hanging out in an abandoned gym, but every story needs a plot, right? Click past the break to watch the video in all its computer-generated glory.

[Source: YouTube via Bikes in the Fast Lane]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bajaj motorcycles ad ape Transformers, proves idea is still sound even without Megan Fox

VIDEO: Bajaj motorcycles ad ape Transformers, proves idea is still sound even without Megan Fox originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Lifestyle

Audi is the official luxury vehicle of the New York Yankees, Toyota said it’s a sponsor but hasn’t said how, and now Ford joins the cavalcade of motorized Yankee stadium financial backers by providing the official truck and SUV of the pinstriped boys. The deal is mostly for signage on the field and concourse, along with Yankees promo materials, with some display dates thrown in (as with the Audi deal) on Babe Ruth Plaza. Ford hasn’t said how long the partnership will last, but we suppose it’s best to throw coin at promoting trucks and SUVs with the way gas prices are right now. With the new Yankee stadium giving up a record number of homers, maybe Ford can knock it out of the park as well. You can check out Ford’s press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford named Official Truck and SUV of Yankees

Ford named Official Truck and SUV of Yankees originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Peugeot, UK, Humor

In a cheeky bit of naked ambition, French automaker Peugeot inundated London’s morning commuters today with a pool of 308 ‘nude’ actors who appeared to only be wearing scarves. What was the reason for the au natural display? Why, to celebrate the arrival of the company’s latest topless model, the 308 Coupe Cabriolet.

Upon closer inspection, it turns out that the flesh flash mob was actually outfitted in form-fitting body-colored suits, thus preventing the local authorities getting rude with the nudes.

Interestingly, the 308CC has actually been on offer since the beginning of the month, but we can understand Peugeot’s reluctance to send out its birthday suit troops on April Fools’ Day, lest everyone get a rise out of this odd bit of viral *ahem* marketing. In any case, check out some wacky videos documenting the event and the press release after the jump.

[Source: NudeInAScarf.com]

Continue reading Buff It Out: Peugeot inundates London commuters with 308 ‘nudists’ to celebrate launch of 308 CC [w/VIDEOS]

Buff It Out: Peugeot inundates London commuters with 308 ‘nudists’ to celebrate launch of 308 CC [w/VIDEOS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Honda, Lifestyle

What better way to spend Earth Day than with Wild Wing and the new Honda Insight. Wild Wing, as you might know, is the mascot for the Ducks of Anaheim, the Southern California hockey team that plays in the Honda Center. Get the connection now? To help introduce its new hybrid to the public, Honda chose Earth Day to throw a little coming out party at the Honda Center, complete with food, games and prizes. They even set up one part of the parking lot for demonstration drives.

When we first got there we thought we might have been in the wrong place. There were about a dozen Insights lined in a row, but they were the last generation two-seaters. It seems the best place to look for prospects is among owners. After checking out the old ones, we decided to sample the new one. We took a spin around the cones, trying out the ECO mode and paddle shifters along the way. The car is really pretty normal once you get used to the CVT, gauges and teardrop shape. The drive was short but confirmed the car feels like a Honda, with a bunch of tech thrown in. It was a fun event that wasn’t very well publicized so the odds of winning a new Insight were really good.

Honda celebrates Earth Day by giving away a 2010 Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Euro, Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities

Depending on where you call home, we have different news on the multimedia juggernaut that is Top Gear. If you live Stateside, the biggest news is that Season #10 of the series arrived on store shelves yesterday, so you can now relive Jeremy Clarkson terrorizing his BBC office mates with the diminutive Peel P50 or set the African Challenge in £1500 bangers on ‘repeat’ without fragging your DVR’s hard drive.

Arguably the biggest news, however, comes via the marketing and advertising mavens over at BrandRepublic. According to the industry website, Top Gear is looking to grow its franchise with the launch of a new version of its magazine targeted at children, as well as a smaller “travel-sized” edition - both for the European market.

In Western England and along the Scottish Borders, Top Gear is test-marketing a tween-focused version of its magazine that targets eight to 12-year-olds. According to BrandRepublic’s sources, the kid’s edition will feature “collector car cards themed around The Stig.” Call us crazy, but if and when a subscription version is rolled out, we can see Dads everywhere racing to the postbox in an attempt to hoard said trading cards before Junior makes it home from school.

Finally, an A5 “travel-sized” issue (roughly half the footprint of the current magazine) is being test-marketed at British bookselling chain WHSmith, with the first copies of their May edition landing in magazine bins today. The more Tube-friendly compact issue will be on sale all summer.

[Sources: BBC; Brand Republic]

As Top Gear Series 10 DVD hits, BBC begins testing children’s and travel-sized versions of magazine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Earnings/Financials

A bit of positive news about General Motors: April sales were up 15% compared to March. GM Sales and Marketing Vice President Mark LaNeve notes that April is typically worse for sales than March and credits GM’s Total Confidence program for the reversal.

Since Hyundai rolled out its Assurance gambit, GM and Ford Motor Company has hopped into the game with similar programs. GM’s Total Confidence will foot the bill for nine monthly payments of $500 or less, and also helps buyers who might be upside down when it comes time to trade. Needing to close every single sale it can, GM is reportedly looking at extending the Total Confidence program beyond its original wrap-up at the end of April. It also doesn’t hurt that GM’s product lineup is stronger than it has been in years, and if it can build momentum, May might see a similar upward tilt in sales.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req.]

GM could renew Total Confidence program in May originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Lifestyle

Corvette Quarterly, General Motors’ official publication all about Chevrolet’s iconic sportscar, is apparently going through some major changes. According to a posting at the top of the magazine’s web site, the publisher will not be printing spring or summer editions. The official quote:

Further, news from Corvette Blogger is that current subscribers have been issued refunds through the mail. Sounds like a bit more than just the normal update, no? Might the magazine switch to a digital-only format? Might GM be struggling to justify funding this venture at all? We certainly wouldn’t be surprised. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

[Source: Corvette Quarterly via Corvette Blogger]

Stop the Presses! GM suspending publication of Corvette Quarterly magazine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Humor

The billboard war taking place between Audi and BMW in Southern California has taken yet another turn today. After Audi called out its cross-country rival by saying “Your Move, BMW” on a billboard overlooking Santa Monica Blvd. advertising the new A4, BMW responded by renting its own billboard across the street that simply showed the M3 and “Checkmate.” Audi then had some fun collecting photoshopped billboard responses from fans on its Facebook page before revealing its own retort. The new billboard, which reportedly went up today, shows the R8 supercar next to this proclamation: “Time to check your luxury badge. It may have expired.”

Huh?

While the R8 is a great weapon with which to defend yourself against an M3 attack, the battle cry beside it makes no sense to us whatsoever. If this were a Yo Mama competition, BMW would be chest bumping Wilmer Valderrama right now and Audi would be crawling back into its hoopty for the long ride home.

BMW did actually have a response for Audi. At some point the brand removed its M3 advertisement from across the street and didn’t replace it. Audi is now battling with an ad for Barney’s CO-OP… and losing.

Billboard War Redux: Audi shoots back, BMW turns away originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

The Hyundai Assurance program has been one of the most clever - and arguably among the most successful - incentive programs in recent memory. Hyundai has experienced a sharp rise in retail share since the program was initiated, and Ford and GM were so impressed with the program that the Detroit automakers decided to whip up their own assurance plan.

If imitation isn’t the biggest sign that Hyundai Assurance is a success, then parody is. Some clever chaps at Funny or Die took it upon themselves to create their own Hyundai Assurance commercial, but somehow we don’t think this is what the Korean automaker had in mind. Sex ads on Hyundai’ website? We don’t think so. Be warned, although it’s very funny, it has some explicit language. If swear words aren’t your thing, you’re around kids, or you’re sitting in your cube with your ultra-p.c. boss lurking over your shoulder, you may want to pass on this one. Hit the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: Funny or Die]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hyundai Assurance - We’ll ~*^#ing do anything (NSFW language)

VIDEO: Hyundai Assurance - We’ll ~*^#ing do anything (NSFW language) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW

var digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/autos/Audi_invites_fans_to_respond_to_LA_billboard_war’; If there’s one thing you can count on the internet, it’s that everyone has an opinion and they aren’t afraid to deliver their two cents. So when dueling billboards from Audi and BMW turned up on Santa Monica Blvd., the Photoshoppers got to work with what they felt would be appropriate counter responses. Some of those alternatives have turned up in the Fourtitude.com forums, a site dedicated to all things bearing four rings.

Now, Audi is asking anyone who’s interested in chiming in to post their own alternative billboard designs on its Facebook page. If you become a fan of the page and craft your own response, RSVP to the LA Billboard War event. Attendees to the event can upload their images for all the Facebook world to see and comment on.

[Source: Audi]

Audi invites fans to respond to LA billboard war originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Ford has 45 years of Mustang domination under its belt, and the Dearborn, MI automaker wants to keep the streak alive by catering to every demographic from baby boomer motorheads to eight year-old girls. Sure, eight year-olds don’t drive, but Ford wants to appeal to them with a new line of licensed merchandise called “Pony Girl for Mustang.”

Ford will reportedly target two age groups for its new female-oriented Mustang gear: 8-12 and 13-16 year-old persuasion.The galloping horse will be prominent on everything from jewelery and cosmetics to home decor and apparel. Besides Ford’s trademark Mustang emblem, the products will be adorned with more feminine decorations in the form of butterflies, flowers, and stars. If you’re reading this and rolling your eyes, don’t. Ford is happy to point out that according to its research, girls agse 8-16 pick the Mustang as their favorite car more than any other set of wheels on the road. If a Mustang branded glue stick t-shirt helps to foster more interest, then it can’t be half bad, right?

You may be wondering why Ford would spend any time on toys and apparel when auto sales are in a tailspin. Ford brand director John Nens points out that branding gives Ford millions of dollars in low-effort revenue each year, with much of the work being done by toy and clothes manufacturers. He also pointed out to Horse Talk that Ford sold 160,000 Mustangs last year, and Mattel sold over one million.

[Source: Horse Talk]

REPORT: Ford looking for younger Mustang Sallys with new product lines originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

What automaker isn’t trying to cash in on the iCraze? Most are scrambling to include iPod and iPhone integration into their newest vehicles, and many have tried to mimic the look and feel of the Apple devices with their latest concepts. The “people’s car” has as good a claim as any other automaker, and Volkswagen is looking to cement that with a new game for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Developed by German mobile game studio Fishlabs, the Volkswagen Polo Challenge, like other racing games, works with the devices’ built-in accelerometer to control the car. Players can choose between eight different circuits to drive on while being serenaded by the music of Feinkost. When they’re done playing, mobile gamers can find the nearest VW dealership to check out the car in person.

Just a month after its release, already 1.4 million people have downloaded the free game from iTunes. (Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary has also released a similar game highlighting the Seat Ibiza Cupra.) If you can read German, you can check out more info in the press release after the jump, along with the images in the gallery below.

Continue reading People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game

People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes has a new promotional video for the 2010 S Class that offers peeks at the model range and suite of tech coming on the latest luxury sedan: the S400 Hybrid and its energy monitoring system, S500 (the S550 in the U.S.), S600, Splitview COMAND screen, new headlamps, and LEDs everywhere. Follow the jump to watch the vid and see what Mercedes has in store.

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows off cool tech

VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows off cool tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW

Autoblog reader Conor sent us this photo of Santa Monica Blvd. in Southern California where a billboard advertising the new Audi A4 has apparently been up for months. The ad throws down a gauntlet at the feet of BMW with an image of the new A4 and the statement, “Your move, BMW.” Whether by design or by happenstance, the Munich-based brand recently made its move, hoisting up a billboard across the street that displays the high-performance M3 and the word “Checkmate.” Ouch. We’re sure Audi will have more to say when the RS4/5 arrives sometime in the near future, but for now, BMW appears to have the final word in this billboard chess match.

As you’ll likely remember, these two brands are no strangers to duking it out with each other in advertisements, having gone toe-to-toe with each other and Subaru in late 2006 over which brand had the most prestigious “Of the Year” award. Thanks for the tip, Conor.

Audi, BMW ad war taken to the streets of SoCal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Saturn

Saturn was created by General Motors chairman Roger Smith in the late 1980s to be a Different Kind of Car Company. While the first Saturns were generally pretty unremarkable, it was the retail experience that really set the automaker apart from other domestic brands. Saturn was the first marque to adopt a complete no-haggle, no rebate pricing policy and they treated customers like friends. It now appears that the dealers who were the core of the Saturn experience are getting out while the getting is good.

As GM teaters on the brink of insolvency, it’s become clear that Saturn will get no new vehicles sourced from within GM and some dealers have decided to close up their stores. Since January 1, two dozen Saturn outlets have shuttered bringing the current total down to 394 with four more in Wisconsin due to close this week. With General Motors making it clear the Saturn brand will either become a separate company or close up entirely, customers are getting the hint and staying away even more than before. Unless a buyer steps up to the plate soon, Saturn will have a tough time making it to the 2012 deadline, even if GM survives.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Saturn dealers giving up a different kind of car company originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

Coupes, sedans, convertibles, even sport-wagons… BMW’s venerated Motorsport division - known to all the world by the letter M - has tuned all sorts of vehicles from the Bavarian automaker’s lineup, but with the launch of the new X5 M and X6 M, this is the first time the tuning division has been tasked with tweaking a crossover or SUV… or anything with four-wheel-drive, for that matter. Purists might view it as a bridge too far for the garage that has turned out such precision driving tools as the original 3.0 CSL, the exotic M1 and the spectacular M3, but Munich’s marketing department has evidently wasted no time in assuaging those doubts by putting the new X6 M on the track as quickly as possible, and in one of the most speed-crazed, testosterone-infused forms of motorsport on the planet: MotoGP.

Fresh off the floor of Manhattan’s Javitz Center, where it debuted at the ongoing New York Auto Show, the X6 M debuts this weekend Qatar as the official safety car of the MotoGP race at Losail. The new M-tuned “sports activity coupe” joins a paddock full of vehicles provided by BMW to serve as safety cars and trackside VIP transports, including the M6, M5 Touring and M3. This marks the eleventh season in which BMW has partnered with MotoGP. Follow the jump to read more in the full press release, and check out the pair of images of the X6 M safety car by clicking the thumbnails below.

[Source: BMW via MotoGP]

Continue reading Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car

Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Car and Driver’s April Fools’ Day joke about President Obama ordering the Detroit 3 automakers out of stock car racing has apparently got NASCAR officials pondering the ramifications of such a mass exodus. Suffice it to say, they are not laughing. Jeff Burton, driver of a Chevrolet-badged racecar for Richard Childress Racing, said, “I think the climate that we’re in today, it would be poor business to not look at the worst-case scenarios.” Of course, he’s right.

So, what would happen if one or more of the American automakers were to pull their official support from NASCAR? According to NASCAR itself, “the results would be far from debilitating.” While none of the teams or tracks want to see funding from General Motors or Chrysler go away, it’s not the only source of income to be tapped. Plus, Ford and Toyota are in no immediate danger of going belly up, and they haven’t given any indications that they are planning to withdraw from NASCAR. Of course, if GM and/or Chrysler’s revenue stream for the series dries up, we could see the remaining parties balking at sponsorship costs…

Be sure to cast your vote on whether you expect to see one or more automakers exit NASCAR this season in the poll below.

View Poll

[Source: NASCAR.COM | Photo: Wayne Whaley]

NASCAR ponders life without support of Detroit automakers [w/poll!] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, India

Rather than get all hung up on what’s in a model name, Mahindra may want U.S. consumers to become more familiar with the new-to-America brand itself. Initially, the Indian automaker’s mid-sized pickups were expected to carry the “Appalachian” moniker when they came to America, but now, PickupTruck.com is reporting that the trucks will probably go alphanumeric, if recent patent filings for TR20 and TR40 designations are anything to go by.

The website speculates that the “20″ and “40″ indicate two- and four-door versions of the trucks, which will be tweaked to better cater to buyers in the US market. The imported, Toyota Tacoma-sized, diesel-powered newcomers are expected to be available by December, no matter what they’re called.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Appalachian Breakdown: Mahindra to dump regional pickup name for alphanumerics? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle, Opinion/Editorial

The Internet has finally assembled its own collection of esteemed digital-only auto scribes to anoint vehicles as the Internet Car of the Year and Internet Truck of the Year, while also putting a new twist on traditional awards. Rather than just hold closed-door meetings to draw names from a hat, the public is also invited to weigh in on their choices for Consumer Choice categories at the official website.

There’s also a journalism contest that invites online-only writers and bloggers to submit entries for consideration. It’s a new age, and the Internet Car and Truck of the Year offers a new venue to recognize the best, from fresh voices. Autoblog is excited to participate in this new venture, surrounded by our esteemed colleagues from other online outlets. The awards will be presented at an as-yet-unannounced auto show in November, and there will be regular updates at InternetCarandTruckoftheYear.com in the meantime. More information in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Twelve Angry Bloggers - Autoblog gets jury duty… the good kind

Twelve Angry Bloggers - Autoblog gets jury duty… the good kind originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM

There is no place in the country that’s hurting more right now than Detroit and the state of Michigan. The mitten has lost hundreds of thousands of high paying auto jobs, and General Motors and Chrysler have resorted government loans just to stay in business. Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch knows this all too well, and attendance at games this year will likely realize just how bad times are. The Little Caesar’s pizza founder even lost GM as the sponsor of his high profile center field fountain at Comerica Park.

The spot typically fetches $1.5 to $2 million for a three-year contract, money that comes in handy when forking out over $100 million a year in baseball salaries. The advertising spot is attractive, however, because the fountain goes off every time there’s a home run, and when necks crane to watch, they get an eye-full of the sponsor’s logo. Instead of searching for another ad partner for the fountain, even potentially accepting money from import automakers, Ilitch has decided to give away the prime spot to the Detroit Three as a thank you for the industry’s support of Michigan over the years. The fountain will, at least for 2009, have the logos of Ford, GM, and Chrysler, with “The Detroit Tigers support our automakers” below. Now Detroit automakers and Ilitch need the Tigers to actually be good this year and hit a few home runs so the new ad can be seen.

[Source: Free Press via The GM Source]

Detroit 3 given naming rights to Comerica Park fountain for free originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, New York Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

Back in February, General Motors circulated a few studio shots of a new Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition package, but the New York Auto Show is the first time we’re coming face-to-face with just such an animal.

Built up from a standard 4LT coupe or convertible, the GT1 CE is essentially a trim-and-tape tribute package designed to celebrate the C6.R’s racing successes. As such, it features a graphics package influenced by the racecar’s livery, including the skull “Jake” logo, driver flags, a windshield banner, and so on. There’s also a ZR1 “style” rear spoiler and chrome wheels to complete the package, although unfortunately no drivetrain bits from the King Corvette will make the scene.

Inside, as you can see in our photographs below, the ebony interior has been done up in yellow stitching, and there’s special GT1 embroidery adorning the instrument panel, center console armrest, and seats.

As Chevrolet has plans to build just 600 of these limited-edition models, this could well be the closest any of us ever get to driving one.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

New York: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Trends, Marketing/Advertising, Honda, Earnings/Financials

On Monday, we reported that Honda Europe had decided to cancel its participation in this fall’s Frankfurt Motor Show. In that report, we speculated that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Honda follow Nissan’s path of only participating in one major auto show per continent. It turns out that at this scenario is unlikely to happen. According to spokesman Chuck Schifsky, Honda has six major operating regions around the world, each one operating largely autonomously. There are certain standards that all regions follow, such as manufacturing quality requirements. But when it comes to marketing and promotions, Honda of America makes its own decisions independently from Honda of Europe and other regions.

Honda of Europe’s pullout from Frankfurt was a local decision made for financial reasons, and while the American branch is also facing cost pressures and looking to save money, Schifsky says the automaker still sees value in auto shows. With that in mind, Honda is experimenting with new approaches: Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, there was no press conference for the Insight, it just appeared on the show floor. At other shows, the company will be trying other tactics to get its message out. For the time being though, Honda and Acura fans will still be able to see new machines both at the big shows, as well as at other regional shows like Cleveland, Miami and even Chicago.

Honda says it isn’t pulling out of more auto shows originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Castrol’s “Think With Your Dipstick” campaign, one of the more memorable commercials we can recall for a motor oil, is currently plying the airwaves. An enigmatic Scotsman ambushes schlubs who proclaim “all synthetic oils are the same,” delivering a deadly whip across the legs and exhorting the men to “Think with your dipstick, Jimmy!”

There’s also a behind-the-scenes video that shows highlights from the ad’s production. Humorous spots are usually infused with whimsy amongst the crew, and these Castrol productions look like they had a heck of a lot of fun after the serious business of setting up silks and HMIs was done. Notably, Castrol itself brings this video to the world, tweeting about it on their Twitter feed. A deft little bit of new-age marketing savvy, this. Be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes video - along with the finished spot - after the jump.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Continue reading VIDEO: Behind the scenes of Castrol’s “Think With Your Dipstick!”

VIDEO: Behind the scenes of Castrol’s “Think With Your Dipstick!” originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Fish need water, boys need father figures, and rally games need rally legends. Sadly, Colin McRae, the former world rally champion and the name behind Codemasters’ popular DiRT franchise, was tragically killed in a 2007 helicopter accident, leaving big racing shoes to fill. Probably too big for anyone else currently in the World Rally Championship, so for the sequel to the successful video game, Codemasters looked instead to the X-Games and signed Ken Block.

Not to be confused with the Canadian hockey player or the frontman for rock band Sister Hazel, Ken Block is a fixture of the American stunt rally scene. He’s also left his mark in skateboarding, snowboarding and motocross, and the extremesportsmeister is co-founder of D.C. Shoe - so whether he can fill McRae’s shoes or not, he can craft a pair all his own. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block signs on as the face of DiRT 2

VIDEO: Ken Block signs on as the face of DiRT 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Fish need water, boys need father figures, and rally games need rally legends. Sadly, Colin McRae, the former world rally champion and the name behind Codemasters’ popular DiRT franchise, was tragically killed in a 2007 helicopter accident, leaving big racing shoes to fill. Probably too big for anyone else currently in the World Rally Championship, so for the sequel to the successful video game, Codemasters looked instead to the X-Games and signed Ken Block.

Not to be confused with the Canadian hockey player or the frontman for rock band Sister Hazel, Ken Block is a fixture of the American stunt rally scene. He’s also left his mark in skateboarding, snowboarding and motocross, and the extremesportsmeister is co-founder of D.C. Shoe - so whether he can fill McRae’s shoes or not, he can craft a pair all his own. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block signs on as the face of DiRT 2

VIDEO: Ken Block signs on as the face of DiRT 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Ford’s “We Speak Car” campaign was designed to extol the virtues of the 2010 Ford Fusion, but one parts dealer isn’t happy about it. Frank’s Auto Supply Inc. of Uniontown, PA, has apparently been using the very same slogan since 2003 and it even owns the domain name wespeakcar.com. Frank’s feels that Ford stole its catch phrase, so the parts store is suing Ford for unfair competition under the Federal Trademark Act. The Fusion commercials, which began airing on March 3, start with “We speak car,” a phrase that was just Thursday trademarked by Frank’s Auto Supply. The parts store claims that Ford has spent $60 to $80 million on the ads to date, a number that we assume is being thrown out to show that the Blue Oval’s substantial ad budget is stealing the catch phrase from Franks’.

In Ford’s defense, if “We Speak Car” wasn’t trademarked until after the ads aired, how was the Blue Oval supposed to know that some auto supply store in Pennsylvania was already using it? Additionally, we”re also not entirely sure that the Ford Fusion is direct competition to a parts store. In fact, as the Fusion gets up in years, owners of the midsize sedan may even go to Frank’s for parts. Hit the jump to view Ford’s “We Speak Car” commercials.

[Source: Post-Gazette]

Continue reading We Speak Lawsuit: PA parts dealer sues Ford over new ad campaign slogan

We Speak Lawsuit: PA parts dealer sues Ford over new ad campaign slogan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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