Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford, Humor

Ever see those poor men and women out on a hot and sunny summer day dressed up in some ridiculous costume as some sort of promotion their employers are running? We truly feel for these people, but it seems not everyone is as kind and caring… probably those same jerks in middle school that used to knock the books out of our hands in the hallways.

Next time you happen to spot such a costumed worker, remember that you never know who - or, indeed, what - might be lurking under that unfortunate outfit. As you’ll see in the video pasted after the break (which is only kinda sorta about the South African Ford Icon), it’s not always what you might expect. Head on over to veryfunnyads.com for more hilarious commercials from around the world.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Never judge a book mascot by its cover

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Never judge a book mascot by its cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Budget, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Dodge

The year was 1977 and the world wasn’t as bright a place as it could have been. The Sixties were officially long dead and buried, the national speed limit had the cruise control set at 55 mph, the Son of Sam was on the loose, Elvis died, and Hay-on-Wye’s succession from Britain turned out to be a fake. But things weren’t all doom and gloom. Star Wars debuted to much fanfare, the Porsche 928 debuted in Geneva and the Sex Pistols release their first and only album, Never Mind the Bollocks… But there was something else, too. No, not the ever present use of a wah-wah pedal.

That’s right, the 1977 Dodge Colt - huzzah! And not only did the Colt exist, but if you went to your friendly neighborhood Dodge dealer, odds are good that they would have had a certain promotional film on display. One that extolled the virtues of said Dodge Colt over the competition. Namely, the Datsun B210, Chevrolet Vega and Chevette and of course, the Ford Pinto. And dude, is this film thorough. Not only does the announcer trash the Pinto’s looks (talk about pointing a shotgun at a bucket full of fish!), but its back seat as well. And yeah, man - you’re just going to have to see the Colt’s backseat for yourself (Spoiler Alert - that dude is totally going to score).

There are a few surprises in the film. We simply have a hard time believing that cigarette lighters weren’t standard equipment in 1977, if not federally mandated by our Southern congressmen. Also, if the MPG numbers seem a little insane, there’s a reason. First, cars didn’t weigh anything back in 1977 - safety was still optional. Second, the EPA formula has been rejiggered considerably since then. Also, yes, “Silent Shaft” does mean Mitsubishi 4G engines. Finally, we’re as shocked as you are that the Chevette didn’t throw a rod driving into the shot. Enjoy the video after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: 1977 Dodge Colt dealer film is a completely amazing time capsule

VIDEO: 1977 Dodge Colt dealer film is a completely amazing time capsule originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Honda

While we were in Japan last week for the Tokyo Motor Show, at least two American Honda officials expressed interest in bringing the automaker’s Fit-based Freed MPV to the U.S. market. However, as we strolled the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district, another thought occurred to us when a JDM Odyssey passed by. Back in the Nineties, the original Odyssey was sold in Japan and the U.S. as Honda’s first crack at a minivan. For the second generation, the Nippon and U.S.-market cars diverged as Honda realized American buyers wanted something larger, so the original model continued to evolve in Japan, eventually resulting in an all-new model for 2008.

During the time since Honda’s original Odyssey departed American showrooms, the North American market has also evolved, with the crossover segment emerging as an increasingly sizable piece of the pie. Enter the 2010 Accord Crosstour. While most people have only seen photos of the new Crosstour to date, the lion’s share of the public’s reaction has been charitably categorizable as “less than favorable.” To be fair, however, we won’t know if Honda made the right call until the model’s sales results begin to come in.

Lest we forget, in addition to the JDM Odyssey, Honda also offers a more traditional Accord Tourer (read: “wagon”) available overseas, and it’s a model that many commenters on both this website and Honda’s own Crosstour Facebook page have noted and expressed a preference for. In the case of the Odyssey, the JDM vehicle has arguably become more like a CUV than a minivan, what with its four traditionally-hinged doors and a lower roof than past iterations. The front end styling draws directly on the FCX Clarity, another car-based design cue.

Although it would be premature to judge the value of a model before consumers get the chance determine its success or failure, it sounds like many of you are already wondering whether Honda made the right decision. If you have some initial thoughts, drop your fellow commenter a line and be sure to take our poll after the jump - and we’ll keep an eye on sale figures!

Continue reading Accord Crosstour, JDM Odyssey, or JDM Accord Tourer - Which would have been your pick?

Accord Crosstour, JDM Odyssey, or JDM Accord Tourer - Which would have been your pick? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, India

David Coulthard demonstrates for Red Bull Racing in Mumbai, India - Click above for high-res image gallery

You can’t blame an F1 driver from driving fast. That’s what they’re supposed to do. Evidently authorities in India feel differently, however, as they’ve slapped David Coulthard with an enormous £20,000 (approx $33k) ticket for breaking the speed limit. The kicker? It was for a Formula 1 demonstration on a closed-off section of roadway.

The winner of thirteen grands prix (and one of the top points scorers of all time) retired from active racing at the end of last season, but remains a consultant and test driver for the Red Bull Racing team which he helped form. The team recently held a demonstration run in Mumbai, India, drawing a crowd of some 50,000 racing fans.

Part of the route took Coulthard across the Rajiv Ghandi Sea Link. The bridge has a maximum speed limit of 62 miles per hour, and even drops to 31 MPH in some parts. DC, however, was clocked at 162 MPH. As a result, the local authorities are reportedly withholding the £20,000 deposit which the team put down for the event, making for one mammoth speeding ticket. But at least Coulthard isn’t stuck paying out of pocket.

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Toys/Games

Audi TT Forza Motorsport Edition - Click above for image gallery

As far as art imitating life goes, it doesn’t get much more realistic than Forza 3. But it was only a matter of time before life would in turn imitate art, and here it is: the Audi TT Forza Motorsport Edition.

Launched by Audi in conjunction with Microsoft, the Forza edition TT is being released to coincide with the rollout of the highly anticipated new video game. Of course, it comes with the requisite badging, but the real surprise is the bundled Xbox 360 Elite console, complete with a copy of Forza 3, in the trunk. We’ve yet to receive official confirmation beyond reports surfacing on overseas gaming sites, but sources suggest a retail price of about $35,000.

[Source: Gamekaze.pl via rpmgo.com]

Intel Inside: Audi launching special Forza edition TT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

Chrysler, Cadillac, and Chevrolet aren’t the only folks looking for new advertising agencies on the assumption that, to quote GM CEO Fritz Henderson, “We can do better.” For the last four years Crispin, Porter and Bogusky has attended to Volkswagen’s advertising needs, bringing us moments like the return of the “Rabbit” name, that talking black Beetle, the “Find Your Fast,” “Unpimp Mein Auto,” “Meet the Volkswagens” and Brooke Shields hawking Routans.

Now it’s the turn of Deutsch LA, who won VW’s print and digital business. VW has just 2% of the U.S. market, which is about half a percent higher than when Bogusky took over, but they desperately want to get that higher and they’ll be showering $200 million on Deutsch LA to make that happen.

Deustch LA’s last automotive account was Saturn, and we’ll assume the reason we can’t remember a single Saturn commercial is due to GM’s lack of ad creativity, not the agency’s. VW is known for its willingness to go bold with campaigns, so we look forward to seeing what Deutsch can do.

[Source: Brandweek]

VW chooses Deutsch LA as its new ad agency originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Classics, Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback

If this video had been made by Saturday Night Live, it would have been the funniest thing on the weekend variety show for as long as we can remember. But it’s not a skit, and it’s not comedy - at least, it’s not meant to be. It’s a 1988 video extolling the mighty and numerous selling points of the Yugo, such as the 1.1-liter engine that roared with 54 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, the 19.5-second quarter-mile time “ensuring safe access to major highways,” and “no expensive computer chips to diagnose or replace.”

Back in 2007, USA Today put the Yugo GV at #17 on its list of the 25 cars with the most impact. Have a look at the 10-minute video after the jump and find out just how that car was “a remarkably equipped hatch that gives new meaning to the term ‘basic transportation.’” Thanks for the tip, John!

[Source: Yugo via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 1988 Yugo sales video is hilarity of the unintentional variety

VIDEO: 1988 Yugo sales video is hilarity of the unintentional variety originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mini

We really tried to think of what this commercial meant beyond the fact that Mini drivers can get in more parking spaces. Otherwise, it appears that Mini drivers prefer to take the steps, walk on chairs, and send their Jack Russell Terriers on snarky missions. Have a look at the video for yourself after the jump, and let us know what you think.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: How can you tell if someone drives a Mini?

VIDEO: How can you tell if someone drives a Mini? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

In less than a week, Bob Lutz will be joined by a few automotive journalists and a handful of regular Joes at the Monticello Motor Club in New York to race some fast sedans around a fast track to see if anything with four doors can outrun a Cadillac CTS-V. Sounds like fun. But, after reading through the preliminary list of applicants The General has accepted, it’s looking more and more like the cards are stacked heavily in GM’s favor.

The three participating journalists include Jalopnik’s Wes Siler, who will be racing Lutz in a Jaguar XFR; Jack Baruth representing The Truth About Cars and freelancer and New York Times contributor Lawrence Ulrich. We have no idea what the latter two journos will be piloting, but we do know that four private car owners will bring along their personal contenders: a BMW M3, a BMW M5, an Audi RS4 and finally, a, um, Cadillac CTS-V.

According to GM’s Cadillac Notes Blog, there’s room for a couple more contestants… and we’re really hoping that someone (preferably someone with track experience) steps up to the plate with a Porsche Panamera and something with AMG written across the decklid to turn this into a proper sampling of potential spoilers.

[Source: Cadillac Notes]

V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 1980s. The decade that gave us Knight Rider, Gobots, rolled jeans and poofy hair also produced a lot of lousy cars. There were a few good ones, too, and the 1986 Taurus is at the top of the list. The new-at-the-time Taurus was a near instant phenomenon as it garnered over 200,000 sales in its first year along with the Motor Trend Car of the Year award and a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list.

We’d argue that the Taurus was a family sedan far ahead of its time, but even the best product doesn’t move off the showroom floor to the tune of 200,000 units without great marketing. Well, at least great-for-1986 marketing. Hit the jump to watch a one minute long Taurus commercial from the Taurus’ first year on the market.

Back in the ’80s commercials were all about the jingle, and this Taurus spot is a real toe tapper. And you won’t have to count how many times the words Ford and Taurus are uttered, because we already did (seven Ford and 10 Taurus mentions). Fair warning: If you watch this ad you may be brainwashed into thinking that the Taurus is the American car that has exactly what you’ve been looking for. It happened to Neff, and it could happen to you.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Commercial Success: The 1986 Ford Taur-US, For US!

Commercial Success: The 1986 Ford Taur-US, For US! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

Volkswagen is no stranger to promoting its vehicles using games for the iPhone and iPhone Touch. Witness such forgetables as Volkswagen Polo Challenge 3D [iTunes link] and Volkswagen Scirocco R 24H Challenge 3D [iTunes link], both by developer FISHLABS. Neither game is very fun to play, being on the early end of the curve for racing games on Apple’s smart phone. For the launch of the new GTI, however, Volkswagen got smart and instead partnered with developer Firemint, which already has a well received racing game for sale in the App Store called Real Racing [iTunes link]. Together, the two companies have put out Real Racing GTI [iTunes link], a free version of the $6.99 app that exclusively features the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI.

We’ll get to the game in a second, but the big news is that VW is putting some promotional muscle behind the app by launching a contest (view rules and regulations here) to give away six brand new, limited edition GTIs just for playing the game. Thankfully, your chances of winning are not tied to your skill level, and entering involves simply registering through the game and completing a race. What’s more, you can enter once per day and Volkswagen will pick a winner each week for the next six. The GTI prize cars are limited edition models with numbered dash plaques, special interior and exterior trim and unique 18-inch black wheels.

As for the game, it’s pretty solid. While only featuring the GTI and fewer tracks, all the gameplay mechanics are the same as the paid app. The control settings are also extensive allowing you to steer using either the device’s accelerometer or a steering wheel on the screen, as well as choosing between auto or manual modes for accelerating and braking. The competition AI, however, is pretty weak, allowing you to pass them all from the back of the grid before the first turn and then hanging on the back of your bumper for the rest of the race.

So here’s our advice: DO NOT download Real Racing GTI and DO NOT register for the contest to win one of six limited edition GTIs. We think we have a real shot at winning and don’t want you all throwing the curve.

[Source: Volkswagen | iTunes link]

VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Some loyalties run deep in Detroit, take Chevrolet’s relationship with its advertising agency. Campbell-Ewald has been urging people to buy bowties since 1922, when a single magazine ad contained more words than a BMW press release. Chevrolet’s account is huge, and the automaker is not looking to make a clean break from its long-time agency, the layer-cake of ongoing efforts is far too tall for that. What’s most likely to happen is that Chevrolet will accept outside pitches from hungry, creative operations.

The acceptance of outside solicitation will help keep C-E on its toes, as well. Names of well known agencies have been tossed about as supplemental providers, but with so many other auto brands reviewing their contracts with their respective agencies, including Cadillac, some of the best companies might have a problem pitching yet another player at this point. Since these tertiary players aren’t expected to take on full agency roles, it bodes well for small shops worldwide. Time to head to your basement and get storyboarding; it could be you doing the next viral campaign for the Malibu. Just don’t create fake stalkers or anything.

[Source: Business Week]

Chevrolet follows Cadillac into the advertising agency review breach originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Earnings/Financials

If you haven’t noticed, Hyundai’s been on a multifaceted tear lately. Earlier this year, Hyundai came out with its Hyundai Assurance Program, letting customers return their cars if they suffered a loss of employment. CEO John Krafcik confirms that Hyundai Assurance is staying until the end of 2009, and its future beyond that is under serious scrutiny. Aside from its new models, the innovative car-return initiative was probably the biggest news to come out of Hyundai all year, and other automakers have followed suit with similar plans of their own.

While everyone else is down and the overall market has taken a 30% whack, Hyundai’s U.S. sales are up 2% for the first nine months of this year.

Rather than rest on its laurels, Hyundai wants to further increase its sales. Turning over the cars it has to offer has made the Korean automaker’s model mix relatively fresh, and word is they are going after America’s fuel-economy crown, as well. While there is a hybrid Sonata on the way, the new model is probably not going to move Hyundai up from #3 in fuel efficiency all on its own (the automaker trails Toyota and Honda), so the rest of its fleet is reportedly getting a fine-toothed once over.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Hyundai may extend Assurance program, go after fuel economy crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Ford is diving into the burgeoning social media world head first. Based on the success of its Fiesta Movement, the Blue Oval has decided to launch a new program called Fusion 41 - so named because of the Fusion Hybrid’s 41 mile-per-gallon EPA estimate in the city and the fact that Ford is looking for 41 participants to take part in its new game.

A total of eight Fusion or Fusion Hybrid owners will be chosen from all applicants received based on their social media presence, and those drivers will each choose four friends or family members to join their team. Ford will then hand out assignments that must be completed with photo and video proof that is to be uploaded to the driver’s Facebook profile. Ford is calling the program an “automotive relay race,” whatever that means.

So, what’s the incentive to participate? For starters, each team will be given a new Fusion for the challenge, and the winning team captain will have their own Fusion or Fusion Hybrid paid off by Ford. Not bad, eh? Plus, participating team members from the winning group will earn free gas for one full year. Want to know more? Click past the break for the press release and visit www.fusion41.com before November 6th to enter the contest.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program

Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Humor

We’ve always been dog people. It’s not so much that there’s something wrong with cats, it’s just that we can do more with our dogs… like teach them tricks, take them to the beach and play fetch. Apparently, Volkswagen of Argentina is full of dog people too. Well, dogfish people, at least.

Just like with their furry companions, it seems that dogfishes are so much more interesting and fun than catfish. We don’t know of anyone that keeps a catfish as a pet, and even if they did, catfish don’t like to go on walks or for car rides. Heck, catfish don’t even want to get out of the water. Dogfishes do all of these things. What do they have to do with cars? We have no idea. Click past the break to watch the video and visit veryfunnyads.com for more offbeat commercials from around the world.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day - Meet the dogfish

Funny Car Commercial of the Day - Meet the dogfish originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat exec Olivier Francois has a big reputation that’s based on results. As head of the Lancia brand, he has garnered it more attention than it’s had in many years, and the marque sells more cars more consistently. He has done this with a flair for marketing that begs for attention, and if it takes controversy to get attention then so be it. Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne chose Francois to be the CEO of Chrysler vehicles and run the Chrysler Group’s marketing, advertising and brand development and strategies. It is expected, then, that he will bring his risque marketing ways to the house of The Pentastar.

Francois was the man behind the Lancia ad that had Richard Gere driving the new Delta into Tibet. As if that weren’t enough, the ad was shown during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. You can imagine how happy the Chinese were about that, but the larger story was that it worked: the ad and the controversy got play everywhere, and Fiat only had to make a formal apology to China to get on with business. Francois also made a commercial that honors Aung San Suu Kyi, a political prisoner in Myanmar.

This is the kind of advertising, though, that’s more acceptable, and probably more effective, in Europe. In America, a commercial about a robot committing suicide is cause for protests, and VW’s Routan campaign in which people have babies in order to justify buying the minivan is decried as insensitive by people who can’t have babies. America is not the first country where one would test the limits of corporate daring or broadcast a ribald sense of humor to a mass market audience. The complete remaking of Chrysler and the company’s former history of not being just another carmaker could give Francois room to bang up against some cultural boundaries. But we’d still advise Fiat to keep a crisis PR team on hold. Follow the jump to see the Delta commercial.

[Source: Ad Age]

Continue reading REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Maserati, Celebrities

So what is Michael Schumacher up to these days? Well, having retired as one of the highest-paid sports figures of all time, pretty much anything he wants. But even in retirement, Schumi makes more than most F1 drivers. Part of his ongoing sponsorship portfolio includes acting as a spokesman for Bacardi, which recently ran a contest to award a driving experience with the seven-time world champion at the Ascari track in Spain.

A lucky blogger out of Hong Kong won and posted about the experience, including video with telematics, from the cockpit of a Maserati GranTurismo - which probably has more to do with another ongoing deal with sister-company Ferrari than anything else. After all, the last time we saw Schumacher drive anything other than a Fiat group product or a motorbike was before he left Benetton.

Meanwhile, reports persist that Schumacher is still plotting a return to the F1 cockpit. After Felipe Massa was injured in Hungary this past summer, Schumi was slated to take his place, but was sidelined with a lingering neck injury of his own. Ferrari continues to lobby for a third-car option to place Michael back on the track alongside Alonso and Massa, but F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone says it ain’t happening. For his part, Schumacher isn’t ruling out the possibility. Follow the link to F1 Wolf to watch the video.

[Sources: F1Wolf.com and F1-technical.net | Image: Mark Renders/Getty]

Rum Runner: Schumacher bides his time driving for Bacardi while plotting return to F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Celebrities, Specialty

Feelin’ Groovy? Do you like guitars, speed and attention? If so, check out eBay Motors item number 260492703795. It’s the one-and-only George Barris-created Voxmobile! Powered by a Cobra 289, it’s said to be the fastest promotional vehicle ever created with an estimated top speed of 175 mph. Not that we’d recommend it. Molded from wood, plastic, steel and fiberglass, the fully-functional, guitar-sided Voxmobile was designed for publicity and incorporated a bunch of Vox musical components.

Think of it as a super-quick parade float, or better yet, a ’60s calliope, with 32 guitar inputs, a Vox Super Continental organ, three Vox Beatle amplifiers, and a dozen or so additional speakers. Most of it still works, but the seller says this original, unrestored, 40-year-old custom vehicle needs a bit of work to make it all hum.

The Voxmobile was once owned by the world’s fastest guitarist, Jimmy Bryant, and was almost a Hollywood star, dropped from the final cut of the Jack Nicholsen flick, Psych-Out. It still made the promotional lobby cards though. And it can be yours for the low-low price of just $175,000. The seller will even help you source a correct bass and head unit to complete the package. This thing is a hoot, but the promotional video for it is stellar. You won’t believe the level of talent that came out to reminisce about this Barris creation. Check out the groovy YouTube video after the jump and the full gallery of pics by clicking below.

[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: George Barris’ rockin’ 289 Cobra-powered 1967 Voxmobile [w/VIDEO]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris’ rockin’ 289 Cobra-powered 1967 Voxmobile [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Porsche, Humor, Luxury

If you’re a hardcore Porschephile, then you’re going to love this post, because it’s about Porsche minutiae that no one else really cares about.

Turns out that if you bought a Panamera, you may have gotten an extra gift from Porsche (besides the car). A tipster sent in pics of a package he received that included a knick knack looking just like his Panamera key fob, which itself is shaped like a Panamera. Lo and behold, the doo-dad was not an extra key fob (that would’ve been nice) but a USB flash drive. We’ve got no info on what the drive’s capacity is or if the thingamajiggy does anything else, but we suspect it’s just a marketing gimmick that cost Porsche little in the grand scheme of things.

It got us thinking, though. Since so many keys today are actually keyless, wouldn’t it be a great idea for a keyless key fob to actually be a USB flash drive? Not only could you store tunes on it, but such a device could interface with your car’s electronics, carry updated maps for your nav system and keep a record of any warning codes. Sure, any old USB flash drive could potentially do these things, but combining one with the key you carry around at all times just makes good sense. We’ve seen this done before in concept cars, but for some reason the USB key hasn’t crossed over into reality yet. Well, our idea is free of charge for automakers to use, so make it happen. The next one, however, will cost ya. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

Porsche Panamera owners rewarded with USB drive shaped like… Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GM, Celebrities, Luxury

We knew when General Motors opened up the CTS-V Challenge to any and all Caddy killers the response would be impressive, and according to Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork, it’s been just that.

Around 120 people applied for a chance to take on Bob Lutz in the CTS-V sedan later this month, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be seeing dozens of would-be contenders lining the Monticello Motor Club in New York on October 29. Twork told InsideLine that his team is currently whittling down the applicants based on the rules (an unmodified sedan similar in capabilities to the CTS-V) and while “about three-quarters of them were in the spirit of the contest… there were some like, ‘I’ve got a Porsche GT3 RS blah, blah, blah.’”

We should expect between five and ten participants in total, and just in case, John Heinricy, pro racer and former GM engineer, will be on hand to, “be used at the discretion of Mr. Lutz.” Read: if you’re a professional racer, you’re going to be tangling with someone of similar caliber.

All the entrants should be picked out by tomorrow, so if you applied for a chance to take on Lutz (or more likely, Heinricy), expect a confirmation (or denial) within the next few days.

[Source: InsideLine]

Cadillac CTS-V Challenge nets 120 applicants, Heinricy to stand in for Lutz if needed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen

VW’s Fun Theory project, with its European ad agency DDB, takes on a third task to show that you can get more people to do the right thing if you make it fun. This time it’s bottle recycling, and the tool used is a bin fitted with an arcade scoreboard. After a “player” presses start, lights flash above any of the six holes in the bin and the recycler collects points for putting a bottle in the correct opening. It’s the same theory as whack-a-mole but with glass bottles.

Just as the other Fun Theory demonstrations with the bottomless garbage can and the piano steps, people flocked to the Bottle Bank Arcade: it was used 50 times more than the plain green bin sitting nearby. Put a scoreboard on something and all of a sudden people will celebrate doing anything - when’s the last time you saw a grown man shaking his fist over throwing away a bottle? Follow the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fun Theory Part 3 - VW’s bottle bank arcade finds plenty of players

VIDEO: Fun Theory Part 3 - VW’s bottle bank arcade finds plenty of players originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Earnings/Financials

According to the number-crunchers over at Edmunds.com, things are looking up for General Motors in the month of October. If preliminary figures hold up, The General’s market share should come in at 22.4 percent, a notable gain from the 19.1 percent share the automaker averaged throughout the third quarter of 2009.

Driving this newfound marketplace success is thought to be GM’s recent abundance of new product launches, which include important models like the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX along with the Equinox and Camaro from Chevrolet. GM has received mostly favorable reviews on each of these vehicles and has invested money into advertising and media campaigns.

Still, maintaining the measure of success seen over the last month and continuing to grow that momentum in the long term won’t be easy, and GM isn’t likely to recapture its position as the dominant player in America that it once was any time soon. Of course, we’ll be watching.

[Source: Auto Observer | Photo: Tom Pennington/Getty Images]

Edmunds: GM market share will grow in October originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Land Rover, Humor

It’s a classic scenario: You visit someone’s house for the first time… say, on a first date. You find yourself with a little alone time as your host tends to a few last-minute items before you take off together - and you get a little nosy. It’s all right, we’ve all been there. Be it in the medicine cabinet or in the living room, sometimes you find something that really catches your interest. Ever been caught red-handed?

If so, the results couldn’t possibly have been any worse than what you’ll see in today’s Funny Car Commercial of the Day, where we see a 2002 Land Rover Freelander that’s been in some rather exotic places. No amount of explaining is going to excuse this guy’s actions, right? Click past the break to watch the video and be sure to visit veryfunnyads.com for more gut-busting commercials from around the world.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Careful what you put in your mouth

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Careful what you put in your mouth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Porsche, Toyota, Canada

Talk about a foregone conclusion. Researchers at Canada’s John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal took thirty-nine typical young men (i.e. college guys) and placed them in one of two cars. The first was a Toyota Camry. The second was a Porsche 911 Cabriolet. They then let the men drive up and down on two streets. One was busy and filled with women. The other was deserted. After each little cruise, each man’s saliva was measured for levels of testosterone. Results?

Interestingly, whether there were ladies present or not, the mens’ testosterone didn’t increase at all after driving the Camry. Can anyone else hear Toyota’s CEO Akio Toyoda groaning? The Porsche? Well, this is interesting. When a young man drives down a skirt-filled street in a Porsche droptop, his testosterone level rises. And when then same young man drives down a totally empty road all by his lonesome in a Porsche convertible his testosterone level… rises. To the same level, in fact, as it did when all the ladies were around.

Says lead researcher Gad Saad, “In other words, just put a guy in a Porsche, and his testosterone levels shoot up, whether people watch or not.” This biological reaction, according to Saad, is a form of “sexual signaling.” A way of signaling to potential mates that the driver of said car is the best breeding stock, the best potential mate. Continues Saad, “It’s saying, ‘all you pretenders out there - you couldn’t be driving this Aston Martin - you couldn’t even rent it.’” Insert crack about auto journos borrowing it for a week here. Tip of the tuque to Jarrett!

[Source: CBC]

STUDY: Men can’t help but enjoy fast cars - it’s that testosterone thing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

It’s not easy to market a vehicle that has been on the market for over five years with changes so imperceptible that we couldn’t name them if we tried. Chrysler is in just such a situation with its flagship 300 sedan, which is most definitely getting long-in-the-tooth. That won’t stop the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker from pitching it, however, and the Pentastar is putting a genuine effort forward with its new ad for the old gangsta sled.

The new spot proclaims that the 2010 300 will put the life back in nightlife, and the spot combines several shots of gorgeous women having a great time intermingled with a few fancy shots of the 300C burning the late night candle at both ends. The ad is part of Chrysler’s new “Connect” campaign, which appears to be the swan song for the Pentastar’s long-time agency of record, BBDO. Hit the jump to watch the 30 second spot. The Chrysler 300 may be geriatric in car years, but it’s still rear-wheel drive, its 5.7-liter V8 continues to pack 360 horsepower and it still looks pretty damn sharp in black.

[Source: Chrysler via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler has 300 ways to pitch its sedan for 2010

VIDEO: Chrysler has 300 ways to pitch its sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Pontiac

Samuel L. Jackson has been a pop culture phenomenon since long before he strode onto the set of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction as hitman Jules Winnfield. And the smooth-talking actor has historically made for a great pitchman, too - except when he told us to watch Snakes on a Plane. General Motors’ now-defunct Pontiac brand decided that Jackson would be the ideal spokesman for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, so it contracted the Royale With Cheese-loving bad ass mother f%@%#r to do voiceovers for a few spots. And while the final commercials were delivered with Jackson’s latter-day Billy D. Williams smooth side, let’s just say that at least one just-unearthed outtake contains a bit more Jules Winnfield/Englewood Jack than would be permitted by the FCC.

Follow the jump to listen to Jackson as he goes from Pontiac pitchman to Zeus, father of Apollo, reigning down hilarious f-bomb lightning bolts from Mount Olympus. For our money, we think touting “260 supercharged powers” and going with Jackson’s dramatic riff on Pontiac’s then-current “Fuel for Your Soul” tagline would have sold more widetrack sedans than the final edits. We also added two of the final television spots after the jump for comparison’s sake, but we understand that the audio clip actually came from a radio ad recording session. Either way, special thanks go out to reader Mike C. who tracked down the audio through his friend at an ad agency.

*WARNING: Voiceover contains (very) explicit language. Not safe for work.

[Source Image: Miramax Films]

Continue reading Great Vengeance and Furious Anger: Samuel L. Jackson Pontiac voiceover outtake *NSFW* [w/VIDEO]

Great Vengeance and Furious Anger: Samuel L. Jackson Pontiac voiceover outtake *NSFW* [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover

When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we’ll know all about it, because the victorious company behind the winning crossover or SUV will shout it from the rooftops (and in print, TV and web advertisements) about their shiny golden award. We can argue all day long about whether many of the nominees can be legitimately be considered sport/utlility vehicles, but either way, this year, there are 11 vehicles up for consideration, with pedigrees ranging from a single traditional body-on-frame SUV to a brace of competent and efficient family haulers and richly appointed luxury crossovers.

As Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie points out on the magazine’s blog, there is only one traditional SUV on the list, and it takes the size and shape of the Toyota 4Runner. The rest of the vehicles are crossovers, with seven of the 11 candidates sporting luxury badging, three coming from General Motors and one stablemate to last year’s SUV of the year, the Subaru Outback. When choosing the SUV of the year, MT says it looks at packaging, presentation and intended function, along with obvious criteria like aesthetics and performance. Hit the jump to look over the candidates for the award, click below to check out our high-res gallery, or head over to Motor Trend for more details.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

May the best car win. So says General Motors’ Bob Lutz, and he’s willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is… so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop’s Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here’s the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We’re not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you’re interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it’s worth, we’ve driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.

[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Alternative Fuel

Renault has created a new website that is dedicated to promoting its upcoming model range of battery powered cars. The site is actually about more than just the Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe and Twizzy. It also offers explanations of how Renault hopes to make these cars mainstream and affordable. It appears from the information provided that Renault plans to sell all of its EVs without a battery pack. The energy storage system will all be leased separately with payments going to a chosen energy supplier. There will be the three options for replenishing the charge.

Europeans can use their standard 220V / 10-16A outlet to charge in 6-8 hours. A standardized fast charge connector is currently being developed among multiple automakers and utilities, and it should facilitate 20-30 minute charges with a 400 V / 36 A, three-phase source. Finally, Renault appears set to implement battery swap capabilities across its full lineup for three minute battery changes. Along with the main site there, Renault has also added a video blog that thus far contains a series of videos shot at the Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the ZEV lineup. You can check out one the videos after the jump. Thanks to Shadowcast for the tip!

[Source: Renault-ZE.com]

Continue reading Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, GM

When word got out that Mark LaNeve (right) was leaving General Motors effective October 15, we weren’t at all sure where the soon-to-be-former exec was heading. The Wall Street Journal has finally let the cat out of the bag, reporting that LaNeve is leaving the auto business for a marketing gig at Allstate. LaNeve will sign on as the overseer of all marketing initiatives including brand stewardship, strategy and advertising, reporting only to CEO Thomas Wilson.

LaNeve leaves GM after five years as vice president of marketing and advertising. LaNeve was usurped by the General’s own Bob Lutz, who semi-retired in April only to come back a couple months later to help strengthen the company’s marketing and advertising initiatives. He is is being replaced as vice-president of U.S. sales by former Buick-GMC boss Susan Docherty.

While his new post at Allstate may not be as glamorous a job as being a VP at a major automaker, the insurer has recently made some hefty profits. The WSJ says Allstate raked in big bucks in the second quarter, after earlier getting hit hard by the economic downturn. In other words, LaNeve’s company car perks might not be as generous, but he appears to be in Good Hands.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: One week after announcing GM departure, Mark LaNeve surfaces at Allstate originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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