Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Motorcycle

Does the classic rumble of V-Twin appeal to you, but find full-dresser’s not your style? Buy a Buell. Now. There will be no more, and stocks are dwindling. Despite that, they’re not emptying the tank fast enough for Harley Davidson. With the very last Buell ever produced now taking up residence at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum - an unfortunate fate for something that’s so glorious to actually use - it’s fire-sale time on the 1,300 or so new Buells left. To froth sales, Harley has set up a bike finder to put you on the two-wheeler of your dreams and get your money in its pocket.

Further sweetening the pot are aggressive incentives from H-D to dealers, meaning you’re not likely to get a bad deal. Unless you’re a chump.

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Buells, getcher Buells! Harley-Davidson implements a bike-finder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Audi has released a promotional video for its Audi Space area on the Playstation Home network to the Internetz. It’s part Blade Runner, part Berlin discotheque and all e-Tron.

From where we sit, it could win a Truth in Advertising award since it lives exactly up to its billing. Besides, if you want to get some digs in Audi Town, this is the only way in. Follow the jump to check out the vid.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Video: Audi Space on Playstation Home network the place for spiky-haired sky drivers

Video: Audi Space on Playstation Home network the place for spiky-haired sky drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Hyundai won several awards for its 2009 marketing efforts, in large part on the basis of its Hyundai Assurance program. The program began as a way to get reluctant customers back into showrooms to at least consider buying a new car in spite of the fact that many people were justifiably terrified of losing their jobs. By promising to take back a car if a customer lost their income, they managed to keep sales going while other companies were tanking.

That program has been extended to at least the end of 2010 and Hyundai is now adding free roadside assistance to the mix. The Korean automaker has already been offering a fully transferable five year full vehicle warranty and will now offer help to customers who can’t make it back to the dealership. The program offers the usual suite of assistance that you would get from AAA including lockout aid, flat tire replacement, towing, jump starts and bringing you some gas if you run out. The roadside assistance is free for five years.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai extends and expands Assurance program for 2010

Hyundai extends and expands Assurance program for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Marketing/Advertising, Aston Martin, Toyota, Design/Style

There are few automakers on earth as exclusive as Aston Martin, so we were more than a little surprised when the English exoticmaker announced it was going to build the Cygnet, a city car based on the prosaic Toyota iQ. After all, we chastise automakers for rebadging all the time, but Ford, Honda and General Motors products don’t have anywhere near the exclusivity of Aston Martin. Then there is the Cygnet’s reported $35,000 price tag. Some Aston purists were a little taken back by the “modest” $120,000 price tag of the V8 Vantage, so a $35,000 Toyota with a Rapide grille probably won’t go over well with more than a few loyalists.

The New York Times has shed a little light on the subject, reporting that only owners of full-sized Astons will be eligible to purchase the Cygnet. Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said in the winter issue of Aston Martin magazine that “this concept is akin to an exclusive tender for a luxury yacht.” If that doesn’t make sense to you non-yacht owners, think of it as a 105 mph golf cart for Aston owners.

To further help the Cygnet stay exclusive, Aston only plans to build 2,000 copies of the iQ-based city car and there are no current plans to sell the mini car in the U.S. market, so it might be fair to say this is a bit of a commuter special for Londonites. Even still, while this novel sales plan may help to mitigate potential brand degredation that Cygnet skeptics suggest it may bring about, we can’t help but wonder how the thousands of non-Cygnet toting Aston owners will feel about their favored brand dipping a foot into the House of Toyota.

[Source: The New York Times]

REPORT: Want an Aston Martin Cygnet? You’ll need to have a big boy Aston first originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

The Kia Ignition Soul is out to reset every perception of what a Korean car can be and who it can be for. That’s why you get commercials like this one, for Jeff Wyler Kia in Ohio. We won’t spoil the surprise, but having spent a few years around Eastgate, Ohio (shoutout to Williamsburg!) we can say that if the Ignition Soul gets Jeff Wyler to make commercials like this, then it is indeed a car to change the game - and no, there isn’t a hamster behind the wheel.

Follow the jump for the vid, which has more than a little bit in common with R Kelly’s Ignition Remix: “It’s the remix to ignition, hot and fresh out the kitchen, mama rollin’ that body…” Hat tip to Mike!

[Source: Jeff Wyler Kia via Kia World]

Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Ignition Soul brings out the tire-shredder in everyone

VIDEO: Kia Ignition Soul brings out the tire-shredder in everyone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Buick

We interrupt our regularly scheduled “Buicks are for old people and lascivious golfers jokes” to tell you that the average, median age of a Buick buyer is 70 years old. Compare that to the average age of a new car buyer: 52. Obviously - and no offense to you septuagenarians out there - seventy ain’t sexy. And as the first rule of twenty-first century marketing (and light beer commercials) dictates: sex sells.

That said, there is a glimmer of hope if you look at the brand’s recent sales trends. Take the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The median age of its buyer is 55 years old. That’s a decade and a half younger than the average Buick buyer, but still a full three years older than the industry average. However you pull apart the numbers, that’s good news for Buick.

Buick’s new boss - 42 year-old Brian Sweeney who just took over the Buick/GMC division from the nine days and out Michael Richards - wants to lower that age even more. His plan? In a word, Regal. Buick plans to use “experimental marketing” when they pitch the new Regal to potential customers.

We don’t yet know what that means in specific, but Buick feels they helped pedal the new LaCrosse to a younger-ish audience by showing the car at, “coffee shops, art fairs and wine festivals.” Can we therefore expect to see the Regal at tattoo parlors, dive bars and yoga studios? We wouldn’t rule it out. Well, we would rule out the dive bars. And the tattoo joints. Either way, pitching “Not your grandfather’s Buick” is a hard sell.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Buick aiming to look younger, see other people (under 70) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

All Honda wanted to do was save the Earth, one gallon of gasoline at a time. It turns out, though, that in the act of saving said Earth, the Japanese automaker stepped on a few toes - namely, those of Save the Earth Enterprises, an environmental group based in the United States.

See where this is going? That’s right, Save the Earth Enterprises, which trademarked the slogan ‘Save the Earth’ way back in 1972, has sued Honda and its advertising agency, Rubin Postaer & Co., for infringement. The lawsuit seeks to recover Honda’s profits from a recent ad campaign for the Civic and to stop future use by Honda of the Save the Earth trademark.

“The Honda ad campaign confused people into thinking that we endorsed Honda or were affiliated with Honda. We aren’t affiliated with them and don’t endorse them,” said Neal Pargman of Save the Earth Foundation in a statement you’ll find after the jump. The statement adds that Honda ignored cease-and-desist letters from the foundation. Perhaps they were too busy… saving the earth? Check out the official press release after the jump for the details.

[Source: Save the Earth Foundation]

Continue reading Environmental group sues Honda for “Save The Earth” trademark infringement

Environmental group sues Honda for “Save The Earth” trademark infringement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, Subaru, India

First of all, if you weren’t aware already, the first-generation Subaru Forester was later sold in India as the Chevrolet Forester (General Motors doesn’t have the CUV in its lineup anymore). There weren’t any real changes to the vehicle in any way, it was really just a Subaru with a Bowtie emblem. Now that that’s out of the way, we have learned that an 80-year-old man in India named Ashok Tolat sued General Motors after his Forester came to a halt and died in one foot of water during the monsoon season in 2005. Angered that his SUV couldn’t handle any weather thrown its way, Tolat sued GM.

General Motors denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the Forester wasn’t designed as an all-terrain, all-weather vehicle. Tolat countered with the car’s sales brochure, which reportedly likened the Forester’s capabilities with that of a mountain goat. “A total misrepresentation,” says Tolat. As far as we can recall, we’re not aware of any 2005-vintage mountain goats that stalled out and died in one foot of water… so, there you go.

The General took the case all the way to India’s Supreme Court after losing Tolat’s lawsuit in two lower courts, but it ultimately lost there too. It took three years, but Tolat finally got GM to buy back the Forester and pay his legal fees. Score one for determination, even if we’re a little leery of the court’s ruling without the rest of the facts. In any case, click past the break to watch video of the story as covered on NDTV.

[Source: NDTV via YouTube via TTAC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for ‘mountain goat’ claims about Chevy Forester

VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for ‘mountain goat’ claims about Chevy Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

When a new model hits the market, auto manufacturers typically release higher-option models out of the gate to maximize early profits. In short, if you’re jonesin’ to get into an all-new product, you often pay a content premium to be one of the first to get said new car or truck. In a good market, that makes sense, but since 2009 has been a sales disaster for automakers, it was understandable that Ford chose to make more lower-spec 2010 Tauruses than normal. Despite the challenging financial climate, as it turns out, many dealers are clamoring for more high content models.

Automotive News is reporting that dealers are short on SEL and SHO variants of the new Taurus. Marketing chief Jim Farley reportedly told a group of reporters at a press event that the situation was “a problem for our dealers.” Overall inventory of the Taurus is solid, with the typical dealer holding a 60-70 day supply of the plus-sized sedans - but some dealers have reportedly waited up to 80 days for certain custom orders.

Given how much more upscale the 2010 model is over the last model, this can be seen as a victory of sorts for the Blue Oval, as it wasn’t clear that consumers would welcome back the Taurus nameplate on any car, much less one with loftier aspirations and price tags. That said, all is not puppy dogs and ice cream - Taurus sales are down 22 percent year-over-year (selling 38,361 units through November), although whether that is because of the economy or the car itself remains up for discussion.

Ford dealers are reportedly also running short on F-150 Double Cab models as market demand was misjudged by product planners.

One vehicle that may help Ford to pick the right mix out of the gate is the Fiesta. Ford has gained over 80,000 hand-raisers for what will soon be the Blue Oval’s smallest US vehicle and the “Fiesta Movement” has helped the automaker get a lot more data on what kinds of variants customers expect. If the Fiesta launch goes as planned, we’re thinking Ford will take similar steps to market other products in the future.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Ford altering Taurus model mix to build more SEL, SHO models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Electric

Will the real torque figure of the Audi e-tron concept please stand up? While the German automaker continues to claim its all-electric concept sportscar manages a stout, locomotive-like 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 pound-feet) of torque, the sleuthing boys at Automobile Magazine weren’t buying it, instead coming up with a much more mundane rating of 252 lb-ft of torque after performing some back-of-a-paper-napkin calculations.

It would seem that the real torque figure lies somewhere in between those two estimates, though significantly closer to the lower, unadvertised number: 501.5 lb-ft. That’s the total combined output of the four individual electric motors, says Audi. The astronomical 3,319 is the torque as measured at the wheels after being geared down and multiplied. So, why the disparity between the actual torque of the motors and the figure espoused by Audi to the motoring press?

Well, besides the obvious answer that 3,319 lb-ft at the wheels sounds much more impressive, Audi’s engineers apparently thought the larger number was more indicative of the actual feeling of all the push generated by the four electric motors when accelerating from a dead stop, as the maximum torque figure is achieved right from zero RPM.

Regardless, using the still-impressive rating of 501.5 lb-ft is, in our opinion, much more accurate and easier to compare with the rest of the automotive field than the seemingly disingenuous 3,319 figure, and it’s the number we plan to use when describing the car from this point forward.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

FOLLOW-UP: Audi says electric e-tron puts out 501.5 lb-ft originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus

Let’s all agree that the Lexus LF-A is an uncommonly passionate manifestation of Lexus’s relentless pursuit. The buzz that’s been generated just by show coverage and reviews have made advertising largely unnecessary, but Lexus has gone and created a spot for its supercar anyway. The music for the commercial is apparently by O.N.O, but it doesn’t matter, all you’ll be digging on is the shriek of that V10 and a few snow-laden powerslides. Hit the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes

VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Honda, Saturn, Volkswagen

The mad men at Adweek recently voted for the Commercial of the Decade (Super Bowl commercials not included) and Honda took top honors over memorable ads from the last ten years by companies like Nike, Budweiser and Sony. That’s not a big surprise considering Honda often puts a huge amount of effort into its on-air spots. However, the Japanese automaker didn’t win for the commercial you might have expected: “Cog.” Though Honda’s famous commercial that breaks down a European Accord Tourer into a Rube Goldberg-esque machine was also a finalist, it was beaten by another Honda commercial called “Grrr” that’s narrated by Garrison Keillor of all people. You’ve probably never seen it, but you can after the jump.

Volkswagen also made the list of finalists, but the particular ad chosen out of all the comical VW ads we’ve seen was unexpected as well. Most surprising carmaker with a commercial in the finals: Saturn. Who knew…

Just for fun we’ve put all 27 commercials after the break with the auto-related ones at the top, so you can enjoy the swear jar, the creepy-funky Philips clowns, a “rabbit panther thingy with turbines on ice,” and the most sad-but-hilarious IKEA commercial we’ve ever seen. As a bonus we included the Gears of War commercial since we think it deserves a mention, and because it’s almost the weekend and it doesn’t always have to be about cars, does it? Follow the jump for the ad-fest.

[Source: Adweek]

Continue reading Honda wins Commercial of the Decade, but not for the ad you think [w/VIDEO]

Honda wins Commercial of the Decade, but not for the ad you think [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Citroën

A Citroën commercial without robots or an NRJ radio station soundtrack? We might have thought it impossible, but here it is. Promoting the new C3 hatchbach and its zenith windscreen meant to give you all kinds of panoramic views, the kids take this car on a joyride unlike any you’re likely to see outside of a Top Gear episode.

Follow the jump for more information on the C3 and to see the swingin’ commercial along with a special “making of” video.

[Source: Citroën via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroën C3 Visiodrive advertisement is for swingers

VIDEO: Citroën C3 Visiodrive advertisement is for swingers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GM, GMC

For the third time in two months, General Motors has a new Buick/GMC general manager, this time hiring longtime employee Brian Sweeney to the high-profile post. Sweeney gets the job one week after Michael RIchards quit after just nine days on the job.

Sweeney gets the general manager post after spending a year and a half as general sales manager of Buick GMC. GM Sales Service and Marketing VP Susan Docherty said in a press release that Sweeney “consolidated 13 different agencies to one dedicated partner to drive a consistent brand message, led the dealer network through a difficult transition and has earned a reputation for tirelessly driving results that benefit consumers.” That sounds like a lot of work to us. Here’s to hoping this Sweeney guy lasts a lot longer than the last guy.

Sweeney’s old job goes to 25 year GM vet Jennifer Costabile. The 25 year GM employee is coming off assignment as regional sales and marketing manager for Cadillac in GM’s Southeast Region. Hit the jump to read the GM press release.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties

Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes-Benz

There have been a lot of non-auto vehicles that have graced the pages of Autoblog. We regularly cover bikes, and occasionally other modes of transportation as well. We even cover the occasional boat, especially if it has ties to the automotive industry. We’ve seen amphibious cars, catamarans, yachts, sailboats, and even wooden boats that look like cars. None of those, however, capture our attention as much as speed boats. Whether inspired by Chevrolet, Jaguar, Ferrari, Spyker, Porsche, Audi or Lancia, they set our hearts aflutter just as much as their landbound dopplegangers. Now we can add Mercedes-Benz to the mix.

Set to launch at the 2010 Miami International Boat Show in February is this sleek Cigarette Racing boat. The new craft is said to be inspired by the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, although the concept sketch they’ve provided us doesn’t show any gullwing hatches. We’re not sure if it will be powered by AMG engines, but the 42-plus-foot boat is expected to be good for 120 mph with its twin staggered powerplants. Cigarette says their newest offshore racer “will feature more than 100 innovations included in the design, development and rigging of the boat.”

We can’t wait to see the real thing in the water early next year. Until then, you can read the full press release after the jump and click above for a larger image.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Ship Shape: Mercedes-Benz AMG and Cigarette Racing to launch SLS-inspired boat

Ship Shape: Mercedes-Benz AMG and Cigarette Racing to launch SLS-inspired boat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

There have been rallies and skateboards and drag races and tattoos, among other things. Now, the tenth and final film of the 2010 pony car festival that is Mustang Unleashed has gone out in smoky style, with a big Las Vegas number filmed on the strip. This time Vaughn Gittin, Jr. plays a support role to Hard Rock’s illusionist Steve Wyrick, who pulls off a little sleight-of-car-and-body that channels Houdini and almost any Nicholas Cage stunt scene that has a car in it.

Like the best tricks, it isn’t long but will have you wondering how it was done. If you get any ideas, the video warns you not to try this at home - not even driving - without the use of magic. Follow the jump to see it for yourself.

[Source: Mustang Unleashed]

Continue reading VIDEO: Last Mustang Unleashed short combines magic and Las Vegas strip

VIDEO: Last Mustang Unleashed short combines magic and Las Vegas strip originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Audi, Celebrities

All we really want to do at this moment in time is make a never-ending series of N’Sync jokes. But we don’t know any. So instead, let’s talk about how Audi has just picked Justin Timberlake to be their new spokesman. What’s JT doing specifically? Seems as if the four interlocking rings folks are gearing up to do some sort of “extraordinary Internet campaign” for the A1 and “That’s where Timberlake will play a leading role.”

Just yesterday, we published a report that the new Audi A1 will possibly not be coming to the U.S. Obviously, a star of Timberlake’s caliber will be able to effectively move metal outside of our shores. But we have to wonder if Audi’s naming Timberlake its brand ambassador doesn’t kick a little sand into the eye of the A1-is-not-for-here theory. After the all, the guy started his music career on Star Search and later as a Mouseketeer. It seems fairly apparent that Audi would make a move like this if us American types are in fact getting their small premium city car. Then again, we’re not really up on our star watching and our Significant Others tell us that JT is an international phenom. In any case, at this moment in time, we just don’t know what to think. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Justin Timberlake named new Audi “brand ambassador”

Justin Timberlake named new Audi “brand ambassador” originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Cadillac

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don’t, here’s a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California’s Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York’s Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn’t lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company’s noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM’s marketing ploy, and withdrew their cars’ support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac’s ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we’ve driven with Mr. Heinricy - he’s that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor’s hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn’t in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz’s 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let’s not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper’s feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM’s marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper’s M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.

[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Humor, Electric

“E for electricity, V for Chevy Volt and me…” Catchy little diddly, sure. But we were mostly willing to let the Chevrolet Volt song make the deep, dark trek into obscurity with nary another mention. That is, until today. What made us change our tune, you ask? Boy, are you in for a treat.

Witness the Chevy Volt dance. Yes, it is an official routine apparently commissioned by GM. Showgoers that meandered near the GM area at the LA Auto Show may already be familiar with this little number, but the video’s just too good not to share with the rest of the class. We especially like it when the four-person crew stops whatever they’re doing to throw us an “E” and a “V.”

Trust us. You owe it to yourself to click past the break and watch the video. Here’s hoping The General antes up to send these dancers around the country for the rest of the auto show circuit.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really.

VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Australia, Humor

“Clean Getaways” - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Controversy’s rearing its tawdry head Down Under as a Toyota film contest has got some laughing, others crying foul play. The Clever Film Competition solicited contestants to come up with 30-second commercial clips for the Toyota Yaris, awarding $7000 (well, Australian dollars anyway) to the winning entry. And while the rules stated that the entries cannot be “immoral” or “contain any obscene language,” one contestant evidently felt the boundaries ought to be pushed a little. And the judges evidently agreed.

The winning entry - entitled “Clean Getaways” - portrays a young Yaris driver picking up his date and encountering her father at the door. The exchange between them is packed with more innuendo than a porn star’s Lamborghini, and though Toyota’s local spokesman says they’re not distancing themselves from the clip, public outcry has resulted in it being pulled from the contest website. Fortunately, we’ve got it posted after the jump for your enjoyment… just don’t watch it with the boss hovering around. Or the wife, for that matter. On second thought, better watch it when no one’s around. But watch it just the same. Cheers to Mark and Oleg for the tips!

[Sources: news.com.au; Toyota via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy

VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Spend any time in the advertising business, and you’ll see this kind of struggle. So called “high-concept” advertising is what tends to be what consumers emotionally engage with and remember. Usually, only big brands with a national presence and lots of money can pull off advertising that is more about the spot than the product it’s hawking. Running with the big boys requires vision on the part of decision makers. While big companies have marketing specialists with high falutin’ degrees and summat, the retailers that close sales and take the money from your hand focus much more on product.

According to Bloomberg, Chrysler and its dealer body are playing out this very struggle. Dealers are unhappy with the company’s new advertising efforts and budget changes that have been made as part of the recently enacted five year business plan. Facing sales that were down twenty five percent in November, dealers have asked that the new ads focusing on lifestyle and brand-building, such as the latest Jeep spots, be stopped. Advertising that shows vehicles and their features, along with a harder sell on the price and incentive front would be preferable to the dealers.

Cash on the hood is down, however, and Chrysler has some vehicles that are challenging to sell. Regional advertising budgets have been readjusted, as well, siphoning off funds from some higher-volume dealers to regions without enough volume to get any help in the fourth quarter otherwise. The plan in Auburn Hills is to aggressively rebuild its brands over the next five years, which is an image-building operation where the new campaign makes sense. In the meantime, however, the company needs to sell cars to stay solvent until its touchy-feely advertising takes root; an effort that may be better served by the product-centric advertising the dealers want. While everyone loves clever advertisements, sometimes it’s just best to scream about the deals on Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!

Hit the jump to see an example of the new commercials.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Continue reading REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Earnings/Financials

Automobile manufacturers and dealers spent $7.5 billion on advertising during the first six months of 2009, says TNS Media Intelligence. The company that keeps track of nearly every form of advertising for all industries is reporting that the figure represents a 30.8% drop compared to the same period last year, when it was $10.8 billion in spending. Not surprisingly, the plummet nearly mirrors the decline in motor vehicle sales (which dropped 27.4% during the exact same period).

The decline in advertising expenditures isn’t is exactly new news as automotive advertising has dropped for seventeen consecutive quarters, reports TNS. Among the nation’s top ten advertisers for the same period, General Motors was the only automaker to make the cut in third place behind Proctor and Gamble Co. and Verizon Communications Inc. -although GM only spent $1.4 billion this year (a reduction of 15.5% from last year). Overall, across all industries, advertising is down nearly 15% from last year according to TNS Media.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, image: Productioncars.com]

REPORT: Automotive advertising plummets 30.8% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Twin pack of bread, 36 bottles of water, 24 rolls of toilet tissue, a 64-oz. box of cereal and… a 2010 Mitsubishi Galant. That may sound a bit odd, but if you want certain 2009 and 2010 Mitsubishi models with zero percent financing or discounted lease pricing, you’ll apparently have to head over to your local Sam’s Club. Automotive News is reporting that the discount warehouse is offering special deals on select Mitsubishi models through its Auto Buying Program that could well be better than the offers you’ll get at your Mitsubishi dealer. Eligible models for zero percent financing for 60 months include the 2009 Lancer, Eclipse and Outlander and the 2010 Galant and Endeavor. Discounted leases will also be available for the 2010 Lancer Sportback and the 2010 Outlander.

The Japanese automaker reportedly struck a deal with the retail giant to display some of its models at select stores. Mitsubishi Motors Credit America will supply the special financing, which will be reserved for Sam’s Club customers with sufficient credit. The discount warehouse club will display the cars through February. With Sam’s Club’s 500 stores and over 40 million members, this could be a pretty good program for the struggling Mitsubishi, although we don’t see it doing anything to combat the brand’s discount perception.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

Mitsubishi launches big incentives through Sam’s Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos

According to one of the YouTube commenters for the STR8 Challenger cologne commercial embedded after the jump, it was made for Polish television. Which , of course, makes perfect sense, since the whole thing’s in English. Regardless, the ad features Captain Generic Macho driving a Chevy Camaro, which gradually transforms into a giant robot tsunami of cologne that deposits him into the arms of Random Desert Babe. Frankly, “STR8 Challenger” sounds a lot more more like a certain Mopar than some quasi pheromone for European dudes. Check out the video after the jump to see how you too can have it “STR8 My Way.” Or, at least, smell like you do. Or something. Hat tip to our man in Poland, Rafal!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks

VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Jaguar, Celebrities, Luxury

On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal’s Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

With the British automaker’s latest model taking center stage, Mike O’Driscoll, Jaguar’s managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, “On to the Next One,” a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn’t set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar’s renewed focus on “making Jaguar Jaguar again” and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world’s elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It’s just a shame about Jay Z’s new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for ‘On to the Next One’ video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford

Ford finally unveiled the U.S. version of its B-Segment Fiesta yesterday at the LA Auto Show, and thanks to some clever marketing, the Blue Oval’s newest small car is already well-known to prospective buyers. Ford’s ingenious “Fiesta Movement” marketing initiative, which put 100 Euro-spec subcompacts in the hands of socially advanced “agents,” resulted in over six million YouTube views, 740,000 Flickr views and 3.7 million Twitter impressions. All that traffic has apparently resulted in a 60-percent vehicle recognition score in Ford’s survey findings - a number that would be good for a vehicle that has already been on the market a few years.

The first Fiesta Movement was created to get the Fiesta in front of the car-buying public while engaging in customer-driven dialog. Connie Fontaine, Ford brand content and alliances manager, says that wave two will focus on “driving unparalleled consideration.” In other words, Ford wants customers to be excited to buy a new Fiesta. Given the fact that Ford generated 80,000 “hand-raisers” with Fiesta Movement number one, another group of Fiesta agents probably isn’t a bad idea.

Ford is looking now for 20 teams of agents to participate in getting the word out about its new small car. Interested parties can apply via video on fiestamovement.com between now and January 31. Round two begins in mid-February. Winning contestants will need to be “socially vibrant” and “in-tune with the latest happenings in their neighborhood.” Winners will be chosen based on public reaction to their video presentations… though it probably wouldn’t hurt to look young and Millenialish. Hit the jump to check out Ford’s official press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, Humor, Specialty

Mini may be many things, but stuffy they’re not. When your business consists of selling tiny hatchbacks with sports car handling at a near luxury price, you really can’t take yourself too seriously all the time. Mini ad campaigns have capitalized on that cheeky spirit to great effect. While at the LA Auto Show this week, we were treated to a preview of some of the newest commercials that will be getting airtime soon. Rest assured, the attitude is still there in abundance.

A good example of that spirited personality is the car you see here. Playing on the old Mini’s Bulldog alter ego, the automaker has chosen to put this new Cooper S Clubman on a leash…with a spiked collar. Seriously. And they even went step further with some funny warnings painted into the danger hash marks on the floor around it. We can’t think of many other car companies that could pull this off, but on a Mini, that collar actually looks amusingly good. We’ve got more high-res pics in the gallery that can be unleashed by clicking below.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Chevrolet, Electric

If environmentally-friendly transportation is your thing, there’s no place like California. Not only is the state home base to Tesla - the first company to genuinely demonstrate that hugging a tree and hugging the road needn’t be mutually exclusive - it was also chosen by General Motors as the launch site for its EV1 and by Honda for the FCX Clarity. It should come as no great surprise, then, that GM has just announced that its latest earthmobile - the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt - will launch in California first before being introduced in markets across the country.

Not only with the Volt be available in the nation’s largest car market before any other, but The General is also partnering with a number of local electric companies to accompany the rollout. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and Sacramento Municipal Utility District, together with the non-profit Electric Power Research Institute, will help demonstrate the benefits and practicality of the Volt’s hybrid powertrain, thanks in part to a $30 million grant from the federal Department of Energy’s Transportation Electrification Initiative. Follow the jump to read all about it in GM’s full press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

The votes have been cast, the tallies tallied and the winner determined: Viridian Joule will be the official name of the silvery-green hue as seen on a slew of Chevrolet Volt marketing material for what seems like the last decade or so. So, um, what does Viridian Joule mean? We’ll let the winner himself, 40-year-old David Thomas of Sanford, Florida, explain:

I looked at the photo of the Volt on the contest web site and thought it looked emerald in color, which led to jewel and then to an alternate yet appropriate play on that word - joule.

We needed a bit more help, so we looked up the word ‘viridian’. So says Dictionary.com: a long-lasting, bluish-green pigment, consisting of a hydrated oxide of chromium. OK, fine. Joule wasn’t so hard to figure out, but here’s the definition anyway: a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere is passed through a resistance of one ohm for one second. So, there you have it.

Want to know more? Click past the break to read the official press release, and see the image gallery below for more views of a Viridian Joule Chevrolet Volt.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading “Viridian Joule” picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest

“Viridian Joule” picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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