Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Mitsubishi, Humor

New Zealand Mitsubishi wants you to buy a Triton ute, and to lure you into doing it they’re using goats — because really, who can resist a goat? Said Mitsu’s New Zealand sales and marketing manager, Peter Wilkins, “three years of drought has severely depleted sheep and beef populations, so what better time to float the goat?”

But wait, there’s more! If you don’t end up taking the goat — said to go well with the Triton because goats are “hardy, versatile units which will integrate directly into existing farm operations” — a goat-free package is available. That will get you a 5-year extended warranty, five vehicle fitness inspections, five thousand km of road user charges paid, five years of roadside assistance, and $500 worth of Triton accessories.

New Zealand Mitsubishi, working hard to… get your goat. (Sorry, had to…)

[Source: Courier Mail]

Crazy Kiwis: Buy a new Mitsubishi Triton, get a free goat with purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ferrari, Humor

Ever wanted to rent a Ferrari for a special event? If you’re in the Chicago area, you can get just that - with a special twist. Lucky customers can not only have a specially customized Ferrari 360 Spider at their disposal, but they also get a night out with Tony Tag! You know Tony, right? No? He’s the most photographed man in the country besides the President, at least according to his website. We figured this was just a late April Fool’s joke, but tragically, it isn’t.

The Ferrari is available for $300 an hour with discounts for multi-hour packages. Tony even gives lessons and lets you drive his gold-accented Ferrari. It’s not just any 360, either. No, this one sports a 3.8-liter engine with 495 HP! We’re crappin’ you negative here, folks. If there’s more than one of you, Tony has you covered with a late-model Cadillac for just $250/hr. But seriously, who wouldn’t want to be seen with That Guy, doing some top-down motoring in a bewinged Ferr with gold-plated wheels? I mean, seriously. Hat tip to Zach!

[Source: Automotive Addicts via Luxury4Play]

Chicago Ferrari for hire with ‘That Guy’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle, Australia

Fiat recently released a selection of branded wines for Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, now it’s the Aussies’ turn. But whereas the Fiat wines were about marketing, the Elderton 2008 Grand Tourer Shiraz is a tribute to Neil Ashmead, Elderton wineries’ late owner. The wife and sons of the vintner, who passed away 12 years ago, commissioned Fuller to create a label to celebrate the man, his winery, and his passion for the Holden Monaro GTS.

As described in a wine auction brochure, the GTS shiraz is “The inaugural release from a biodynamically grown
block of old shiraz vines on the Elderton Estate, paying tribute to one of the co-founders of Elderton. This will be the only imperial of this wine to ever be released from the winery.” A one-of-a-kind vintage to celebrate a man who loved wine and cars? Indeed, we’ll drink to that.

[Source: Fuller via The Die Line]

Vintage Racing: Neil Ashmead GTS shiraz has a spot in our garage wine rack anytime originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Tech, Videos, Volvo, Toys, Lifestyle

Starting grids, chicanes, kerbs and locking up the brakes diving into hairpins make you think of what car brand? Of course, Volvo. As promised, Volvo - The Game has been released today for free download for PC only - sorry Mac lovers (a group that probably includes a lot of Volvo owners…). Developed by SimBin, the game offers six Volvo models for turns on two tracks: the Eco Drive Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden and the Chayka track in Kiev, Ukraine.

When you’re good enough to p0wn both those tracks and you tire of beating yourself, you can enter the Global Competition and go against Mad Swedish Maxes from around the world. But you better hurry - the first global competition begins today and runs until June 9 on the Eco Arena. The next one goes from June 10 to June 24. First prize for winning the global comp is a set of Pirelli tires up to 18 inches.

You can check out two gameplay videos and a development video after the jump, and download it yourself at the link below.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading VIDEO: Volvo The Game now available for free download

VIDEO: Volvo The Game now available for free download originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Marketing/Advertising, Peugeot, Lifestyle, UK, Celebrities

To kick off the launch of the 308 CC, French carmaker Peugeot has enlisted the musical services of the high-heeled female string quartet Bond. Peugeot touts the car as “the only convertible in its class that is adaptable to every season” because of its Airwave Neck Heating System, à la Mercedes-Benz’s Air Scarf on the SL Series.

To complement this notion, Bond’s services have been retained to record its take on the four concertos that make up Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Think Vivaldi-meets-Ibiza, and you’re pretty close. Bond will be begin to leg out a British tour with the car next month, so for now you can read the full press release and watch the video after the jump. Or you can download all of the tracks - after handing over some information and signing up for a newsletter - at www.opentoallseasons.co.uk.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Electric female string quartet Bond creates mini-album for Peugeot [w/VIDEO]

Electric female string quartet Bond creates mini-album for Peugeot [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Celebrities

Go Daddy commercials are well known for two things: 1) Having little to do with web hosting and domains, and 2) Making use of attractive women in suggestive situations. During the Super Bowl, Go Daddy threw racer Danica Patrick into a shower with a college German instructor. The two girls theme continues with a new spot that places Ms. Patrick in a vintage Ford Mustang convertible with a sultry female police officer that seems quite excited about web hosting.

To Go Daddy’s credit, there is a lot more service selling in this 30 second spot, which predictably ends with a disrobing followed by an invitation to head over to GoDaddy.com to see what happens next. Go Daddy founder and CEO Bob Parsons called the teaser and full two minute web-only spot “the hottest commercial we’ve ever made.” No arguments here. Hit the jump to view the 30-second teaser for yourself, followed by the Go Daddy press release detailing the airtime plans during this weekend’s Indianapolis 500 race.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Go Daddy teases raciest-yet Danica Patrick ad for Indy 500

VIDEO: Go Daddy teases raciest-yet Danica Patrick ad for Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Celebrities

For those who can’t get enough of Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, and gigantic interstellar shape-shifting robots, Hollywood director Michael Bay is here to help. He’s released a trio of new television spots for the upcoming summer blockbuster, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. If you haven’t found them on TV because you’re busily skipping over commercials thanks to your DVR, you can check out the bevy of explosions, shape-shifting cars, planes, and helicopters after the jump.

[Source: Vimeo via MichaelBay.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Trio of new Transformers 2: RotF trailers released

VIDEO: Trio of new Transformers 2: RotF trailers released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Lifestyle, Celebrities, Special/Limited Editions

Diehard Transformers fans take note: Chevrolet is reportedly planning to launch a limited edition Bumblebee Camaro to capitalize on the upcoming flick, Revenge of the Fallen. We’re sure none of you saw that coming, right? The car, available with either V6 or V8 power, will be available for order June 1 and the first cars are scheduled to roll down the assembly line on the 24th of that month, which, not coincidentally, is the same day the movie is scheduled for released in the U.S.

Unfortunately, we don’t have any images of the new Bumblebee package to show off or pricing information, but rumor has it that the car will be painted up in the same Rally Yellow that’s available on other Camaros - importantly, that’s not the darker color that’s featured in the movies - set off by black racing stripes, of course. To help set the Bumblebee edition apart from its siblings, GM will equip the car with Transformers badging on the wheel centers and sill plates along with an embroidered emblem on the console inside. Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[Source: Camaro5.com]

Chevy to launch limited edition Bumblebee Camaro? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus

Not since Ice Cube and Mark Wahlberg famously argued in the movie Three Kings about whether or not Lexus made a convertible have we cared this much about the existence of a drop top from the italicized L gang. Check out our First Drive of the IS250 C and IS350 C published yesterday, however, and you’ll realize that it’s all relative. The IS C is a nice addition to Lexus’ model lineup, but we’re not sure we agree with the brand’s new marketing campaign that attempts to highlight the car’s “mischievous” side. Mischievous for Lexus? Maybe.

The new campaign is spearheaded by three new commercials that focus on the IS C itself and one that highlights the entire IS line. The tag line for the three IS C ads is “Live a little… a lot.” Titled “Hop In”, “Running” and “Look Out”, the three new commercials are a bit strange for our tastes - not in WTF? way, more than an artsy fashion. Strangeness, however, may help disassociate the IS C from other Lexus models that have been pursuing perfection in TV ads for some time now. Check out all four commercials after the jump and let us know what you think in the comments.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C

VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchbacks, Ford

var digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/autos/Fiesta_Movement_Agent_s_Car_Stolen_Ford_Tracking_It_Live’; Buried within the noise that is Twitter this morning was a tiny tweet from Brooklyn-based Fiesta Movement Agent Jake Bronstein:

#fiestamovement car STOLEN. No, really. Police en route now. I almost couldve predicted this somehow.

Jake’s Hot Magenta Fiesta (above is the model we drove in NYC during our First Drive) is one of 100 Euro-spec models that Ford has loaned to selected “agents” across the U.S. We don’t have many details, but we have confirmed with Ford spokesman Alan Hall that the car has gone missing.

Scott Monty, head of social media at Ford, has also confirmed the crime’s occurrence on his Twitter page. Not only does Ford know one of its Fiestas was swiped, it’s also tracking the hot property. All of the cars given to Fiesta Movement agents apparently have real-time GPS tracking devices that allow Ford to keep tabs on their whereabouts. Thus, Ford knows exactly where the stolen Fiesta is right now, which is convenient, because the local police apparently can’t even locate the vehicle in their crime databases because it isn’t an official U.S. offering.

As this is written, we can tell you the Fiesta is heading south on I-95 near Port Chester, CT NY. Keep your eyes peeled if you’re in the area… and maybe we’ll have this wayward Fiesta back home before the street lights come on in Brooklyn.

[Source: Ford, Twitter]

BREAKING: Fiesta Movement Agent reports car stolen, Ford tracking it live originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

Although things are understandably more than bit somber in General Motors’ U.S. operations as of late, over in China, the mood is a bit more upbeat. The evidence? Check out this CTS stunt-driving exhibition held last weekend on Shanghai’s Formula One circuit.

According to GM’s Cadillac Notes blog, some 19,000 fans gathered to watch the show and celebrate the arrival of the CTS-V in China last weekend - this, despite the heat (with temperatures at around 86°, it was reportedly the hottest May 9 in over a century).

In any case, the professional Hollywood stunt team delighted the masses, as did GM test engineer supremo John Heinricy, who (aside from apparently not being all-the-way retired), marked the occasion by setting a record in the CTS-V for the quickest-ever lap (2:32.80) of the course in a production sedan. Heck, even Spider-Man showed up! Check out the high-res hijinks in our below. Thanks for the tip, Scot!

UPDATE: YouTube video of V-Day added after the jump.

[Sources: Cadillac Notes; YouTube]

Continue reading Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO]

Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of Roger Keeney’s dream Mustang drive

It was Roger Keeney’s dream to drive a new Ford Mustang. It sounds pretty simple - go down to your local Ford dealer, tell them you’re interested in a new 2010 GT, and they hand over the keys, right? Well, there’s one problem. Keeney has been blind since 1990 and hasn’t been behind the wheel of a car in nearly two decades.

Despite his disability, the Athens, GA native thought it was worth a try to enter Ford’s ‘10 Unleashed contest, a promotion for pony car fans to tell Ford how they would unleash their Mustang side. Despite his doubtful expectations, Keeney received a call from Ford a few weeks later and was on his way to their proving grounds in Phoenix, AZ to fulfill his dream of driving a new Mustang.

With some assistance from racing driver Tommy Kendall, Keeney was able to perform acceleration and braking tests, as well as a trip around the skidpad that naturally turned into a gleeful shredding of the tires. Think you’ve got a dream Ford can fulfill? Head over to the ‘10 Unleashed web site and tell them in 250 words or less how you would unleash your Mustang side.

[Source: Ford]

Blind man realizes dream to drive new Ford Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Lifestyle

Singer, songwriter and actress Sarah Spiegel, who apparently worked as a national spokesperson for General Motors last summer, has taken the time amidst all the doom and gloom surrounding America’s largest automaker to write and record what could best be described as either a very short song or an oddly long jingle for Chevy’s upcoming Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

The song’s lyrics, which can be viewed after the break, mostly concentrate on saving fuel and make mention of the E-Flex powertrain (which inconveniently for Spiegel, is now known as the Voltec powertrain). No word on whether GM paid for the electric ditty or if the songstress was just moved of her own accord, but somehow, we doubt that we’ll be hearing this particular jingle on the air any time soon.

In any case, you’re free to have a listen at this link (scroll to the bottom) and judge for yourself.

[Source: GM-Volt.com | Image: SarahSpiegel.com]

Continue reading Electric Entertainment: Sarah Spiegel records Chevy Volt Jingle

Electric Entertainment: Sarah Spiegel records Chevy Volt Jingle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupes, Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Audi

The residents of Maranello used to the sight of rakish red two-door sheetmetal roaring under the impulse of several hundred horsepower - and they still do. Except when that metal hides a ten-cylinder engine and wears four rings on its hood. In this Audi commercial depicting an R8 V10 on a slow cruise through Ferrari country, the locals are shown to have a decidedly different reaction upon realizing that the German barbarians are no longer content to hang out at the town gates.

If you want to see some excited Latins, follow the jump to watch the commercial. Hat tip to Kobla!

[Source: Audi.tv via Quattro Videos]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country

VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC.

Chrysler is nearly two weeks into its bankruptcy, and the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automaker is already getting an idea of just how engaged the Obama administration plans to be in the process. Chrysler planned to spend $134 million dollars on advertising during its supposed nine weeks of bankruptcy, but the Auto Task Force has reportedly cut the figure in half. Judge Arthur Gonzalez wasn’t even sure 50% spending was necessary, saying “idle plants, why market?” But the Task Force apparently says it recognizes that marketing is necessary during the bankruptcy to prevent the further erosion of the already battered Chrysler brand image.

Chrysler Marketing and Sales Vice President Steven Landry defended the decision to spend on advertising during the bankruptcy saying that the move “gives us the opportunity to reinforce that it’s business as usual and demonstrate a bright future ahead for Chrysler.” One commenter on Advertising Age took “business as usual” as a bad thing, as that mentality lead to “cars no one wanted to buy, zero innovation, outdated labor practices and a lot of taxpayer money thrown in to keep a sinking ship from going under.”

Auto research site Edmunds.com told AdAge that the campaign appeared to be working for the first five days, saying interest on its consumer auto search site jumped by 15%. Interest in Chrysler vehicles dropped back to pre-bankruptcy levels after that, though. One dealer told AdAge that the only added interest appears to be from would-be buyers trying to “low ball” to see if dealers will take next to nothing just to liquify assets.

Chrysler’s ad campaign during Chapter 11 consists of two corporate branding spots that touts Chrysler’s wares and explains the Fiat situation. The other three spots are product ads for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country.

[Source: Advertising Age]

REPORT: Obama administration slashes Chrysler ad budget by 50% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

As if you needed any more proof between European and American cinematic viewing tastes, this one also a reasonable demonstration of the different perceptions of Mercedes in the U.S. versus residents of The Continent. It takes a while for anything to happen, but when it does, depending on where in the world you’re from, it might make you cock your head a little bit. Follow the jump to watch the 98-second spot.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz 2010 E-Class commercial is out there. Really out there.

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz 2010 E-Class commercial is out there. Really out there. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities

Got Milk? It’s one of the most successful marketing campaigns of all time. IndyCar driver and femme fatale of the front straight, Danica Patrick, has signed on to shill for the bovine beverage in one of those very familiar advertisements that features popular athletes and celebrities with a wet upper lip. Nevermind the fact that milk only sticks to your lip like that if you’ve got the beginnings of a good mustache going on, or that what’s on Danica’s lip is probably a gooey special effects paste. If you sense some disdain in my voice, that’s probably because I haven’t had a glass of milk since 2000 when I read a book in college and the next day stopped eating animals and drinking their fluids. I haven’t bought into the “does a body good” argument since a doctor once described the nutritional properties of milk to me as “liquid beef”. That’s why I always frown when I see another athlete or celebrity holding a glass of milk with a smile that looks like they’ve gulped a gallon of White Out.

The tagline in Danica’s ad is “Refuel”, because I guess the Milk Processors of America who pay for the ads would have us believe that Bessy’s breast milk has the same restorative powers as Gatorade. The rest of the copy reminds you to eat right, exercise and drink milk, because you’re going to be healthy anyway if you do the first two things, so what’s a glass of milk going hurt?

NOTE: The hippy propaganda in this post does not represent the views of Autoblog, its parent company or the rest of the Autoblog editorial team who are all blood-dripping-from-the-teeth carnivores and no doubt pouring glasses of 2% right now just to taunt me.

[Source: BodybyMilk.com]

Danica Patrick shills for milk with a wet upper lip originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC.

Chrysler sales have been abysmal throughout 2009, and with the uncertainty of bankruptcy, the short-term sales outlook is decidedly bad. To get the word out to its customers that the Pentastar is alive and well (except for its idled plants), Chrysler is launching a new campaign beginning May 11 that includes five different commercials. Two focus on Chrysler as a whole and mentions restructuring and the merger with Fiat. The other 30 second spots are product commercials for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Marketing Vice President Steven Landry wants the the new campaign to “reinforce that it’s business as usual and demonstrate a bright future ahead for Chrysler.” The public has let it be known, however, that it isn’t all that happy with business as usual, so the campaign, while solid, faces a decidedly uphill battle. At least the campaign’s tagline,”We’re building a new car company. Come see what we’re building for you” is catchy. Hit the jump to watch the five Chrysler commercials and check out the photos from “We Build” in the gallery below.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler reveals more facets of “We Build” campaign

Chrysler reveals more facets of “We Build” campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has won plenty of accolades since its introduction, and with just over 6,000 units sold so far this year (through April), Hyundai wants a bigger share of the luxury pie. So beginning this summer, the plucky Korean automaker plans to ship 100 Hyundai Equus sedans to the States for display at dealerships throughout the country in order to gauge public reaction. If it wasn’t obvious after the Equus’ North American introduction at the New York Auto Show, it is now: Hyundai desperately wants to bring the Equus to the U.S., but are Stateside consumers ready for it?

According to Oles Gadacz, a Seoul-based spokesman for Hyundai, the automaker believes the introduction of the Equus, “would decisively shift public opinion in our favor,” even more than the Genesis sedan and its coupe counterpart.

While the Equus would go head-to-head with such luxury stalwarts as the BMW 7 series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS460, it’s price-point of approximately $75,000 (according to the USAToday) could still be too high for brand-obsessed buyers. However, the current economic climate could cause consumers to finally look beyond the badge and start considering alternatives that offer all the amenities available from the Germans and Japanese at a lower cost. But Gadasz admits Hyundai doesn’t expect the Equus to be a huge seller in the States, saying, “We have modest expectations.”

[Source: USAToday]

100 Hyundai Equus sedans coming to U.S. dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Volvo, Toys

Volvo and racetrack: While the words aren’t mutually exclusive, we’re sure that the Swedish marque with the safety chops isn’t on the tip of your tongue when talk turns to motorsport. Volvo has made its name known through various racing efforts through the years, and in an effort to bring the S60 Concept to a wider audience has commissioned fellow Swedes SimBin Studios to whip up a video game that will help introduce the car.

“Volvo - The Game” will be officially released May 26th, presumably for the PC though the press release after the jump is silent on this subject. The price for digitally test driving future Volvos will be the entirely reasonable sum of $0, i.e. free, and gamers will have three levels of challenge to choose from, as well as being able to select between the sharp new S60 Concept and other well known Volvo racers. The action will take place on two tracks, and the game will offer exhilarating sound and visuals while also being appropriately challenging to hold the interest of gamers. There will also be leaderboards that Volvo will publish on its website to encourage specific competition for real prizes.

Thanks for the tip, Carlos!

Continue reading We kid you not, get ready for Volvo - The Game

We kid you not, get ready for Volvo - The Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Volvo, Toys

Volvo and racetrack: While the words aren’t mutually exclusive, we’re sure that the Swedish marque with the safety chops isn’t on the tip of your tongue when talk turns to motorsport. Volvo has made its name known through various racing efforts through the years, and in an effort to bring the S60 Concept to a wider audience has commissioned fellow Swedes SimBin Studios to whip up a video game that will help introduce the car.

“Volvo - The Game” will be officially released May 26th, presumably for the PC though the press release after the jump is silent on this subject. The price for digitally test driving future Volvos will be the entirely reasonable sum of $0, i.e. free, and gamers will have three levels of challenge to choose from, as well as being able to select between the sharp new S60 Concept and other well known Volvo racers. The action will take place on two tracks, and the game will offer exhilarating sound and visuals while also being appropriately challenging to hold the interest of gamers. There will also be leaderboards that Volvo will publish on its website to encourage specific competition for real prizes.

Thanks for the tip, Carlos!

Continue reading We kid you not, get ready for Volvo - The Game

We kid you not, get ready for Volvo - The Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC.

In the midst of being taken over by Fiat (”alliance” sounds too egalitarian) and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, Chrysler LLC fears that potential shoppers might forget that it’s still in the business of selling cars and trucks. This sounds like a job for the Marketing Dept.! The automaker’s message makers ran the ad you see here (click to enlarge) in “dozens of major newspapers across the country” over the weekend as part of its new “We Build” ad campaign. The tagline “We’re Building a New Car Company” is accompanied by the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 200C Concept and Dodge Circuit EV Concept. The copy below the vehicles tries to explain in flattering terms without using the word “bankruptcy” that Chrysler’s got some things cooking, its “alliance” with Fiat and the technology sharing that will result being the biggest carrot.

A couple things struck as odd, though. For one, only one vehicle shown is an actual production vehicle, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the other two being concepts, though the Dodge Circuit EV is in development (we’ve actually driven it). Two, when are marketing departments going to get that advertising in newspapers is not the best way to reach the most people with your message anymore? Honestly, had it not been for this post on Chrysler’s employee communications blog, The Scoop, we would have never known because we don’t read newspapers anymore unless they’re offered on a Kindle. Chrysler says the ad campaign will continue in print, TV and radio later this week and highlight specific products, but still no web penetration. Save a tree people, go digital.

[Source: The Scoop]

Chrysler begins “New Car Company” ad campaign in newspapers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

With April’s sales volume down over 41% and Ford pushing it aside in the numbers race, the Toyota division is motivated to move units in May. At the request of dealers, the automaker is boosting production of its best-selling Toyota Camry and popular RAV4 SUV. In addition, a new ad campaign, called “Perfect Timing,” started on Friday. It is an attempt to boost sales on vehicles using reduced interest rates, more consumer cash and a focus on low payment leases. The campaign caters to regional needs with aggressive leases in the East, and zero-percent interest rates in the West and Midwest. Bob Carter, Toyota division general manager, told Automotive News that “there will be an enhanced package of incentives compared with what Toyota currently offers.” Carter didn’t elaborate, so it seems you’ll just have to visit a showroom to get the details. Regardless, it appears that Toyota is willing to make a deal like never before.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd | Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Dismal April motivates Toyota to increase production and incentives originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Special/Limited Editions

Some of use here at Autoblog gave up on American Idol a long time ago, but we’re obviously the exception, because the talent show still pulls down monster ratings on a weekly basis. In this regard, AI’s been a better showcase for Ford (whose involvement dates back to season 1) than say… Knight Rider.

Ford’s sponsorship now includes a sweepstakes that will ultimately net someone a new car. Each week, the Idols are featured in some cringe-inducingly terrible music video that makes one long for the understated sophistication that was The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Anyhow, these videos are posted on the American Idol website, where visitors can register to enter the Ford Music Video Challenge for a shot at the grand prize of a trip to the show’s finale and a one-off American Idol Edition Ford Fusion Hybrid fitted with headrest-mounted backseat video screens, an in-car karaoke rig, AI floormats, and an AI trunk decal that would fall victim to a heat gun if it were up to us.

You can watch this week’s video here if you dare. It’s briefly encouraging in that it momentarily seems as if a Fusion Hybrid is going to mow down the intensely earnest and annoying final five Idols like black-clad bowling pins, but it swerves at the last minute to turn desert into grass, with pink trees sprouting in its multicolored electrical wake. You probably think that we’re kidding, but no.

[Source: American Idol / Ford]

Ford teams up with American Idol on one-off, karaoke-equipped, special edition Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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