Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Racing

If you’ve followed Supercross over the last few years, chances are you’re familiar with Erin Bates and Ashley Phillips. The attractive announcing duo recently partnered with Troy Lee Designs and the Keep A Breast foundation to give the world a chance to bid on their boobs (well, reasonable facsimiles, at least). It’s all for a good cause, natch.

Bates and Phillips agreed to have life-sized casts made of their feminine assets, one layer at a time. These were then painted by the gang at Troy Lee Designs. The resulting works, as seen on the right, were auctioned off earlier this week in an effort to help boost breast cancer awareness and promote prevention, early detection, and support for those afflicted.

Now, while you can no longer bid on these particular breasts, you can watch how they were made. Click past the break to view the Troy Lee Designs-produced “making of” video of Ashley and Erin’s casting sessions.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Women of supercross volunteer their bosoms for the greater good

Video: Women of supercross volunteer their bosoms for the greater good originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai, Canada

Canada. It’s not just that place where Americans go to load up on Olympic medals. It’s also the home of TV spots you’d never see in the U.S. because they’re just too edgy and inappropriate for our young’uns eyes. Case in point: a new Elantra commercial that Hyundai Canada is running in daytime ad buys. In it, a cute brunette is so impressed with an Elantra she comes across that she leaves the owner her lipstick-enhanced digits under the wiper. And the owner? Well she seems pretty jazzed by the possibilities. Watch it unfold after the jump. We now return you to your 24/7 Cialis and Enzyte saturation coverage on U.S. television.

[Source: YouTube via AutoNorth]

Continue reading Video: Ladies love the Hyundai Elantra and, apparently, each other

Video: Ladies love the Hyundai Elantra and, apparently, each other originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising

Imagine, if you will, that every motorsport discipline can be equated to one kind of alcohol or another. Formula One might be champagne. NASCAR, moonshine, or maybe a case of domestic light beer. Andros Trophy ice racing, vodka. (Grey Goose on the rocks, to be precise.) A martini at Le Mans, perhaps. So what kind of booze, then, would you equate with the American Le Mans Series? How about tequila? At least, that’s what Patron would like you to think.

The agave booze brand has been active in the series pretty much since its inception, most notably sponsoring Highcroft Racing’s Acura prototypes. This season the ironically lime-green livery will also be seen in the GT2 category on Extreme Speed’s Ferraris (one of which, incidentally, will be driven by Patron chief Ed Brown) as well as on the Porsches fielded in the GT Challenge category by Alex Job Racing and Velox Motorsports.

The bigger news, however, is that starting this season, Patron will be the series’ title sponsor. Like clothier Izod picked up the naming rights for the IndyCar Series, ALMS will now be dubbed the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron. Along with it you can expect more track-side advertising and hospitality. The news you can take to the bank, but the prospect of a complimentary shooter in the paddock you can take with a grain of salt or two.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autosport]

American Le Mans Series gets a new Patron originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Here’s a worthwhile goal: Let’s see if we can get through this entire post without even mentioning unintended acceleration or recalls. Whoops. Let’s talk about something else, shall we? How about the movie (500) Days of Summer, which we saw not too long ago on the big screen.

Perhaps our favorite scene from the movie, which was all-around pretty good, was when Tom Gordon, ably played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, danced his way through the city after, ahem… well, let’s just say he had himself a good day. And that Zooey Deschanel is as cute as a button, assuming that brunette button were to have lovely light blue eyes and a great smile.

Anyway, it was a memorable scene. And Toyota’s Australian arm seems to have noticed it as well, using a very similar tactic for a new commercial highlighting the new locally built Toyota Camry Hybrid. Have we mentioned how much we love ourselves some classic Hall and Oates? No? Well, never mind then. Just watch the video after the break for some classic ’80s goodness. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: Toyota AU via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: (500) Days of the AU Toyota Camry Hybrid?

Video: (500) Days of the AU Toyota Camry Hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Tesla, Electric

For those of you who dream of driving a Tesla Roadster every day, but perhaps have been a little too scared about the potential hassles of a long-term relationship to pull the trigger, we have some good news for you. Tesla Motors has said they’re willing to let you and your Roadster at least live together for a while to see how things work out first. The company just announced a new lease program for commitment-phobes, good on new 2010 Roadster and Roadster Sport models.

According to the full press release you’ll see after the jump, the new Tesla Motors Leasing program allows customers to lease a Roadster or Roadster Sport for three years on a 30,000 mile contract with monthly payments as low as $1,658 with a down payment. Okay, that might not seem very low, but it is a six-figure exotic sportscar… and think of how much you’ll save on gas every month. If the relationship works out you can make it permanent or go your separate ways if it doesn’t - At the end of the lease, customers can purchase their Roadster or walk away after paying a disposition fee.

The lease terms are spelled out in detail in the presser and on the company’s website, but the sample lease in the release is for a Roadster with an MSRP of $111,005 and requires $12,453 up front, with 36 payments of $1,658 plus tax. Lessees get the same Tesla Ranger service as owners, where a mobile service tech will come to you for a buck for each mile they have to travel to and from the closest service center. If you’re interested, you can get in touch with your closest Tesla dealer, or call 650-413-6300 for more information.

Photos by Brad Wood / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Tesla now leasing Roadsters for the noncommittal

Tesla now leasing Roadsters for the noncommittal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising

All sorts of companies shell out big bucks to have their name associated with Formula One racing, whether by sponsoring individual teams, supporting aspiring drivers, or erecting trackside billboards. But their sponsorship deals are only worth as much as they’re promoted. Which goes a long way - a full race distance and them some - towards explaining all the innovative ways companies find to highlight their involvement, whether technical or commercial, with the sport.

Puma is one of those brands most commonly associated with F1, and the German sportswear company’s promotions never fail to entertain. Having already recreated a Ferrari grand prix racer out of folded up t-shirts, Puma’s at it again, only this time they’ve repeated the feat using only shoeboxes. Yep, ordinary shoeboxes. The craft was undertaken by British designers the Wilson Brothers, and will be displayed at the new Puma store on North State Street in Chicago. But if you’re not planning on visiting the Windy City anytime soon, you can check it out in the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Robin!

[Source: Wilson Brothers Design]

Continue reading Video: Puma puts the car in cardboard box… or maybe the other way around

Video: Puma puts the car in cardboard box… or maybe the other way around originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Motorcycle

Just how many MotoGP World Championships does it take to get your very own signature line of computers? Well… everybody’s favorite Doctor and Packard Bell have answered unanimously. Nine is the number! Valentino Rossi has agreed to sign off with the continued Yamaha racing partner, which will officially badge a line of notebooks the VR46 lineup.

The view comes from 11.6 inches of HD screen space. To ensure you catch all the action while replaying your favorite MotoGP clips, Diamond View LCD technology is said to keep things clear on those mind-bending high-speed straights. A built-in six-cell battery will allow you to make use of the webcam and microphone, as well as connecting to the outside world via a 3G module, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for up to eight hours. Finally, a full-size keyboard and multifunction touch pad should make searching for the latest race results as easy as a good victory lap wheelie.

Don’t worry, you won’t have a hard time spotting the VR46 in the lineup at your favorite electronics depot. Design partner Aldo Drudi lends his famous Star and Moon artwork to the lid, making it a replica of the one you see Rossi sporting on the track. Each point of the star is one-of-a-kind to honor the five continents where GP racing takes place. The same number 46 that has become a Rossi family tradition is visible on the front cover and the inside just as it is on the front-running YZR-M1.

If you need another excuse to daydream about bar-to-bar battles in the corkscrew at Laguna, we recommend taking a moment when pulling out your VR46. Now, send an note to your boss explaining why you need some time off to make a local track day!

[Source: Ultimate Motorcyling]

The Doctor’s New Tool: Packard Bell introduces the Valentino Rossi Laptop originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Mini

We give Mini credit - when it’s not busy Krinking its cars, leaving giant boxes outside or otherwise doings things that make us cock our heads to the side, it shows off its cars in pretty neat ways. The first Mini Countryman promo spot is more like a music video for the crossover… if there can be such a thing. Whatever you want to call it, it’s got dogs, dirt, cows, pineapples, threesomes and a lesson in a disco, and how can you not love all that? Follow the jump to check it out.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mini Countryman stars in its own music video

VIDEO: Mini Countryman stars in its own music video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Wagon, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Cadillac, Luxury

Amidst all the turmoil at General Motors last year, Cadillac lost a large chunk of its European distribution with the collapse of its partner, the Kroymans Group. General Motors has now decided to make a renewed push into the continent with its premium brand and is setting up its own distribution network to handle sales and service.

Cadillac Europe will handle the task of marketing the CTS and SRX in all of their various incarnations. The CTS Sportwagon and Coupe will join the sedan following the coupe’s European debut in Geneva next week. Europe was actually intended to be the primary market for the Sportwagon since drivers there don’t seem to have the aversion to that body style that Americans do. Later this year, the SRX joins the party and Cadillac will continue to offer the big Escalade hybrid to the three of four people that are interested.

Unfortunately, according to Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork, the much-anticipated 2.9-liter turbodiesel V6 that was announced three years ago at the Geneva Motor Show is no longer part of the plan. The oil burner that likely would have done much to help expand Cadillac’s appeal in that market. Instead, Twork tells Autoblog that Cadillac will “be a niche brand.”

Continue reading Cadillac to set up new distribution network in Europe, diesel dead

Cadillac to set up new distribution network in Europe, diesel dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

We’ve already seen at least one TV ad from Fisker Automotive, a minute-long spot that aired in the Los Angeles area almost a year ago (watch it here). Fisker recently consolidated its operations in California (sorry, Michigan), a move the company said would allow “greater efficiency and speeds up development of our new plug-in hybrids.” The latest sign that development is indeed moving forward is news that the plug-in vehicle start-up has hired the independent advertising agency Lambesis as its agency of record.

As you might know (we didn’t), Lambesis is the force behind recent campaigns for SKYY Vodka, Grand Marnier and Dasani. If the company’s clips are a sign of things to come, we expect we’ll see leggy models draped over the Karma’s already sexy curves in no time. Apart from advertisements, Lambesis will also redesign Fisker’s corporate Web site, a project that should be done by this fall.

[Source: Green Car Advisor, Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Fisker hires Lambesis as ad agency of record; we expect the sex will sell originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

We’ve already seen at least one TV ad from Fisker Automotive, a minute-long spot that aired in the Los Angeles area almost a year ago (watch it here). Fisker recently consolidated its operations in California (sorry, Michigan), a move the company said would allow “greater efficiency and speeds up development of our new plug-in hybrids.” The latest sign that development is indeed moving forward is news that the plug-in vehicle start-up has hired the independent advertising agency Lambesis as its agency of record.

As you might know (we didn’t), Lambesis is the force behind recent campaigns for SKYY Vodka, Grand Marnier and Dasani. If the company’s clips are a sign of things to come, we expect we’ll see leggy models draped over the Karma’s already sexy curves in no time. Apart from advertisements, Lambesis will also redesign Fisker’s corporate Web site, a project that should be done by this fall.

[Source: Green Car Advisor, Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Fisker hires Lambesis as ad agency of record; we expect the sex will sell originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

BMW and Audi can always be counted on for a good marketing fight. The two German luxury automakers first went kopf an kopf in European print ads, then on U.S. airwaves and next on our billboards. But after a bit of back and forth, the “good natured” ribbing appeared to have died down - at least for a while. We didn’t receive an official notice in the mail stating that the ad battle between BMW and Audi was back on, but the post-jump commercial tells us everything we need to know.

Audi appears to be drawing first blood in round two of BMW v Audi, as the four-ringed automaker gives us a lesson on the dynamics of friendly competition. It appears Audi is very smitten with the fact that its vehicles won three straight Car and Driver comparisons against its German rival; smitten enough to spend bucks on a new 30-second spot to rekindle one of the more entertaining rivalries in the auto industry. We can hardly wait for BMW’s response. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Audi renews ad wars, takes shot at BMW in new commercial

Video: Audi renews ad wars, takes shot at BMW in new commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is set to go on sale soon, so get ready for plenty of marketing to hype its arrival. Hyundai already showed the world its new mid-size sedan in a Super Bowl commercial, but we’ve just been handed a new commercial that’s set to begin airing next month. What does strapping an attractive young woman to bungee cords, then to an ATV and loading up those cords with enough potential energy to pull a tree stump out of the ground have to do with the new Sonata? Follow the jump to find out.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Video: Yes, this is a commercial for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Video: Yes, this is a commercial for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

BMW has done a lot of work over the past year to bring its core philosophy of Efficient Dynamics to nearly every vehicle in its lineup. We’ve seen new hybrid production vehicles like the ActiveHybrid X6 and 7, as well as diesel-powered offerings like the 335d and X5 xDrive35d.

But for BMW, Efficient Dynamics doesn’t just represent alternative fuels. The automaker has implemented technologies like regenerative braking on gas-powered models, as well as a larger focus on using lightweight materials to construct the vehicles in its lineup.

BMW’s latest ad spot shows how these forward-thinking improvements influence its full range of products, and ties it all into the original Vision EfficientDynamics concept car from last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. (We really like seeing that thing in action.) Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW “Joy is Futureproof” commercial showcases Efficient Dynamics engineering

Video: BMW “Joy is Futureproof” commercial showcases Efficient Dynamics engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Mercury

If you’re a big fan of Mercury… okay, there probably aren’t many Mercury fans, but it looks like Ford is hoping to change that by 2011 - or at least stop certain franchisees from crumbling. On Sunday, we told you that Ford President Mark Fields told dealers at the company’s annual meeting that an all-new Focus-sized offering was heading over to the product-starved Mercury marque, and now we have fresh rumors of said vehicle’s name.

Now, Automotive News quotes two dealer sources as saying that the next Mercury will carry the Tracer name - a marque that’s been lost to the ether for some time. But that apparently isn’t stopping Ford. At any rate, we’re sure the nation’s Lincoln-Mercury dealers will be happy to have a new Jill Wagner-pitched offering on their showroom floors, no matter what the name may be. Let’s just hope that the powers that be don’t dig up the Trio trim level while they’re at it.

In other Ford news, the Blue Oval began accepting orders for its subcompact Fiesta yesterday. A reported 60 percent of dealers said that they would order high trim vehicles when they become available. Ford has started a training program to help dealer salespeople sell the newest and most eagerly awaited Ford model to grace dealer forecourts in some time.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req.]

Dealers report new Mercury compact will exhume Tracer name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Just about every Volkswagen aficionado who knows the Corrado has thoughts about the chunky coupe. Introduced in 1988 to replace the aging-yet-still-cool Scirocco, VW first “full-blooded sports car” went nuts with tech and equally nuts with pricing. The Corrado’s VR6 engine and speed-reactive rear spoiler couldn’t get people past the steep cost of entry, and the car was dead six years later.

The car still maintains a strong cult following, however, which is why graphic designer Patrick Moczarsky has envisioned what a new Corrado would look like, even though VW itself has released a new version of its predecessor, the Scirocco. The original car isn’t a bad looker, which is why we aren’t surprised that Moczarsky’s concept looks almost exactly like the new VW corporate face on an old Corrado body. Moczarsky’s other nod to the original: this one is also described as “expensive.” Follow the jump for his thoughts on the car, and have a look at it in serial and tuned form in the gallery of high-res photos below. Just for fun, we’ve also embedded a bonus video of a VW Corrado G60 ad circa 1988, so be sure to check that out as well.

[Source: Miranda Media]

Continue reading What would a new VW Corrado look like? Patrick Moczarsky thinks he knows…

What would a new VW Corrado look like? Patrick Moczarsky thinks he knows… originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan Winter Olympics spot - Click above to watch the video after the jump

With the Winter Olympics opening ceremony taking over the world’s televisions tonight, we’re fully expecting several automakers to help pay for the world-wide show of athletic might with a multimedia ad blitz. Nissan is apparently on-board, as the Japanese automaker has created a one-minute brand awareness-style commercial with a twist for the interesting festivities.

The ad contends that Nissan has stylish vehicles like the Altima, lifestyle rides like the Cube, performance vehicles like the 370Z and a rolling legend in the GT-R. What’s missing? Something for the tree-hugging environmentalists and urban jungle travelers among us. Nissan will use the 2010 Winter Olympics to show the world how it will address that issue by using the bright lights of the world stage to “plug” its most electrifying upcoming vehicle. You can see the commercial for the first time by hitting the jump and watching it for yourself.

In related news, Nissan has released the first details about the purchase process for its Leaf EV. Unlike some other electric vehicle programs, Nissan will allow customers to lease or purchase the vehicle outright, including the battery pack (Nissan had previously been considering making the battery a lease-only arrangement).

At the moment, if you’re interested in getting in line for a Leaf of your very own, you must register on NissanUSA.com, after which you’ll be given the chance to join the reservation process in April (after the car’s price is released) and pay a refundable $100 reservation fee. Of course, doing so doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a car, however, as demand may outstrip supply. Following that, the automaker vows to begin taking “firm orders” in August, and initial deliveries will begin in December.

Interestingly, if you’re not interested or able to purchase a Leaf of your very own, but you’re still keen to drive one, Nissan says it is partnering with Hertz to rent the car at select locations in the U.S. and Europe.

Full details in the official press release are available after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video]

Nissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Recalls, Safety, Videos, Toyota, Humor

You know you’ve hit a certain level of notoriety (for better or worse) when hacks with video editing software and a sense of humor post a video on YouTube that pokes fun at you or your situation and people actually watch. Toyota’s recall of over 8 million vehicles for throttle, floor mat and brake issues has spent so much time in the headlines that the Japanese automaker appears to be at that dubious juncture.

Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show have taken their cracks at Toyota, but they’re professionals and they make fun of everybody. Beyond the jump is something different. It’s definitely not professional and the quality of production just isn’t up to par, but it does have one thing that helps it stand out: It’s funny. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hastily made homebrewed Toyota recall commercial parody

Video: Hastily made homebrewed Toyota recall commercial parody originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Minivan/Van, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

Chrysler invented the minivan, and Team Pentastar is so confident that you’ll like its newest people mover that the automaker is giving you 60 days to try a Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town and Country for yourself. Chrysler’s new 60-day “Minivan Pledge” is open until March 31 to owners of competitive makes. Fred Diaz, President and CEO of the Ram brand and lead executive for sales, said in the company’s press release that Chrysler and Dodge minivan owners love their boxy rides and he wants the rest of the world to know why.

“Roughly 67 percent of our minivan buyers are previous owners, and the Chrysler Town & Country has won the R.L. Polk Owner Loyalty award in the minivan category nine years in a row. That’s a testimonial that is earned by building the best minivan year in and year out,”

Chrysler’s 60 day pledge is very similar to a program offered by General Motors in late 2009. The General claims its program was a success in part because relatively few customers brought their vehicles back because they were dissatisfied. Chrysler’s program is unique in that only minivans are covered by the pledge. Hit the jump to read over the Chrysler press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Chrysler offering 60-day return policy with “Minivan Pledge” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos, UK

UK site Confused.com exists to answer questions about things, especially things that cost car owners a lot of money - like insurance, for instance. To make the point about how car accidents can utterly wreck your insurance premiums, the site has wrapped a whole street, and everything on and around it, in bubble wrap. The avenue chosen was Somerville Road in Worcester “as having generated one of the highest numbers of accident claims in the UK.” The rest is air-filled history. Follow the jump to see the amusing before and after. Hat tip to Erica!

[Source: Confused.com]

Continue reading Video: Confused.com wraps accident-prone UK street in bubblewrap. Hope they recycle.

Video: Confused.com wraps accident-prone UK street in bubblewrap. Hope they recycle. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Podcasts, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Recalls, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota

It’s not often that veteran ‘caster Alex Nunez makes an appearance, but he joins Chris, Sam, and Dan for episode #165 of the Autoblog Podcast. First up, we hit the Autoblog Garage to talk about the Honda Accord Crosstour, Nissan Versa, and Honda Element Dog Edition. Moving on to news items, we start with the 2011 Shelby GT500 Mustang, talk about automotive Superbowl commercials, and then catch our breath while looking over the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

We don’t slow down, though, diving right back in to pink Dodge Challengers, special-edition Z cars, an Outback Sport for the rest of the world, Renault’s Megane convertible coupe, the new Ford Edge, Wolfgang Bernhard’s return to Mercedes, and of course, Toyota recalls. We wrap up with a couple horrible answers to your sincere and excellent questions before calling it a night.

You can send your Alex Nunez fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey, or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #165 - Nunez jumps in

Autoblog Podcast #165 - Nunez jumps in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Toyota

Southeast Toyota, which is the largest franchised distributor of Toyota vehicles in the world with 173 dealers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina & South Carolina, has reportedly pulled all of its advertising from local ABC stations. Why? Apparently, the group decided that the television stations were airing “excessive stories on the Toyota issues” by ABC News and its chief investigative correspondent Brian Ross.

So, where is all that latent advertising money going now? According to one unnamed ABC station manager, Southeast Toyota’s commercials were shifted to non-ABC stations “as punishment for the reporting.” We have to wonder if those non-ABC stations aren’t covering the Toyota recall issue with as much fervor?

Marcia Owens-Reder, senior vice president at Atlanta-based 22Squared, the advertising agency that handles the account for the dealers, said in an email to the ABC stations, “We have counseled the client on the pros and cons of this, and ultimately it was their decision to make.” Thanks for the tip, Rene!

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Source: AFP via Yahoo | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Report: Southeast Toyota dealers pull ads from local ABC stations citing “excessive stories” on recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Super Bowl XLIV has come and gone, with the New Orleans Saints pulling out a convincing albeit surprising victory over the Indianapolis Colts (An onside kick to start the third quarter?!?!?!). You’re in the minority if that spoiled a surprise, as the Super Bowl is traditionally the most watched televised event of the year. And because of that, commercials that run during the big game are often the most expensive to produce and fun to watch.

For the most part, this year’s crop of commercials lived up to their expensive price tags. The auto industry was in full effect with eight commercials that aired, six of which were by automakers themselves including Audi, Dodge, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen. The other were two were from Bridgestone and Cars.com.

Now that we’re all back at work nursing hangovers and upset stomachs, it’s time to cast judgment and decide which car commercial aired during Super Bowl XLIV was the best. Follow the jump to view them all and cast your vote.

UPDATE: Want to know what the experts have to say about this year’s batch of Super Bowl car commercials? Check out Julie Roehm’s feature on AOL Autos. It’s got charts and everything!

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Continue reading Poll: What was the best Super Bowl car commercial of 2010?

Poll: What was the best Super Bowl car commercial of 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Recalls, Safety, Videos, Toyota

Recalls have left Toyota battered and bruised with a very damaged image that now needs rebuilding. Consumer trust is not easily earned. Toyota knows it, too. The automaker worked for decades to build an image that equated quality and reliability with the company name itself. Now under heavy fire over its handling of the problems that led to the floor mat and gas pedal recalls involving its most popular and important models, Toyota has embarked upon a PR blitz intended to convince frustrated customers and a skeptical media that everything’s going to be all right.

Whether that’s indeed the case will become evident over time. Sales numbers speak for themselves, and if the public isn’t buying Toyota’s explanation, they won’t be buying its vehicles, either. In any case, it’ll probably be years before the recall story’s epilogue can honestly be written.

For now, Toyota’s primary focus is on re-establishing itself as a business that’s deserving of consumers’ trust. That starts with saying “I’m sorry” as frequently and in as many different venues as possible. The latest part of Toyota’s apology blitz comes in the form of a new TV spot called “Commitment.” It’s embedded after the jump for you to watch. The message is simple and delivered well: Toyota messed up big time, it knows it, and it’s fully aware that the onus is on itself to win back customers’ confidence.

If Toyota’s smart, it’ll air during the Super Bowl later this evening. But seeing it also leaves us wondering if Toyota had spent a fraction of its PR resources on getting out in front of these recall problems months ago instead of the damage control its writing checks for now, would it even be in this position today? Unfortunately for Toyota, we’ll never know.

[Source: Toyota via Gaywheels]


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Continue reading Video: Toyota recall apology blitz includes new mea-culpa TV spot

Video: Toyota recall apology blitz includes new mea-culpa TV spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Celebrities, Humor

What do blueberries, fishin’ rodeos, the moon, and 400-pound linemen that run 4.3-second 40s have in common? They’re among the wide range of things Brett Favre discusses in this locker room interview shot for an upcoming Hyundai Super Bowl commercial. Used to hype Hyundai’s 10-year warranties, it’s a funny look at what the NFL might be like in the future.

The year is 2020 and a gray-haired Favre fields questions from reporters about how things have changed during his 29 seasons in pro ball. While holding the 2020 MVP trophy, Brett echos some of the sentiments he’s put out there in the past few seasons while being traded from the Pack to the Jets, retiring, and ending up in Minnesota, where he almost made it back to today’s big game. Follow the jump to see a hilarious five minutes from the four-hour shoot, most of which will end up on the cutting room floor by game time.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Continue reading Video: Brett Favre talks blueberries, fishin’ rodeos and the moon for Hyundai commercial

Video: Brett Favre talks blueberries, fishin’ rodeos and the moon for Hyundai commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Bentley, Ford, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Motorcycle, Russia

In February’s first Weekender, NASCAR already has its Car of Tomorrow and now Indycar is planning its car of 2012. Dallara has designed three sample chassis, and while they might not make IRL any more fun to watch, they could make it far more interesting to look at. In other lands, the Alfabeast is what you get when you cross a 2.5-liter V6 and a hardtail motorcycle, Ford says “No” to manatees and monkeys, Bentley shows you how to make a Mulsanne, the new Porsche Cayenne interior looks hot as cayenne, and did you hear the one about the guy who ate a bowl of chili and crashed into a house? Yeah, neither had we. Follow the jump for all those stories and more…

Continue reading Autoblog Weekender: IRL, Making Mulsannes, a Russian Hummer Tractor Thingy, IRL, the Alfabeast … and more IRL

Autoblog Weekender: IRL, Making Mulsannes, a Russian Hummer Tractor Thingy, IRL, the Alfabeast … and more IRL originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Kia

We’re not exactly sure when Super Bowl commercials became as big a story as the game itself, but we can’t help but like a little entertainment during the breaks. Other than an advertisement for the aging Dodge Charger, the domestic automakers are staying out of the big game, but Kia had a good 2009 and the Korean automaker wants to get in on the Big Game action with one of its new products for 2010.

Kia picked up a pricey one minute spot during the third quarter of this year’s title-deciding game, and it features life-sized toys living the high life in a brand new Sorento. The animated quintet hits the snow, does some water skiing and then goes all Hangover-style in Sin City before reality sets in and mom gets behind the wheel.

Hit the jump to watch the commercial for yourself. The cutsie character routine may be getting a bit tired, but Kia pulls off an entertaining commercial with kickin’ tunes, a robot doing the robot and a six-foot tall teddy bear in a hot tub with a total hottie. And plenty more.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday’s Big Game

Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday’s Big Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

We remember the last time we reached for a Cohiba and said to ourselves, “Man, this illegal Cuban cigar would taste so much better if we had a Chrysler branded humidor. Hey Jeeves, we’re running a little low on Pernod here. Getting chopping.” Well sir, from our lips to the Chrysler marketing department’s ears (except the Pernod part). That’s right, for the low, low (we think) price of $199.95 we can have our very own laser-etched Chrysler humidor. And so can you!

There’s more than just cigar boxes for sale. Travel goodies, pens, clothing - you name it - is all branded Chrysler and up for sale on a new website. But not just Chrysler. Dodge, Jeep and Ram are in on the action as well. And we must say, the Dodge store is really cool. From the Super Bee T-shirts to the 1:64 scale trucks to the ‘68 Charger R/T ladies shirt we do want.

The Jeep store is a bit too Eddie Bauer meets Kennebunkport for our tastes. We were hoping that Jeep would go more with its new “I Live. I Ride. I Am. Jeep.” tagline, which seems to feature nothing but pretty ladies exiting hair salons, but no such luck. Still, we wouldn’t mind a Jeep T-shirt. And then there’s the Ram Trucks store which sells tough guy-stuff like work gloves, Leathermen, tool bags and shock-proof watches. Howie Long would fit right in, if he weren’t working the other side of the fence. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler brands look for part-time work, find retail jobs

Chrysler brands look for part-time work, find retail jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, GM

Let’s file this one under proof of a culture shift at General Motors. Until recently, only GM management types have been allowed to take the General’s vehicles home with them. However, a new scheme called “The Company Vehicle Ambassador Program” lets regular Renaissance Center employees take loaner cars with them when they clock out. So far, about 500 GM employees have opted into the program.

Why the shift in policy? According to the Detroit Free Press, the program “is part of an expanding push within GM to get employees excited about its products and help them become better representatives of the company.” This makes sense on two levels: One, having more knowledgeable employees is never a bad thing, regardless of the business.

Two, people don’t simply leave work and run straight to their garage. They go shopping. They go out to eat. They run carpools. They go to church. Meaning that GM’s new products will be seen around town. One employee described her experience with the new Chevy Camaro, “[drawing] cheers from neighborhood children every time she drove by and became quite the attraction at holiday parties.” In other words, free marketing. Good on you, GM.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: New GM program gives more employees chance to sample company offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

The Super Bowl is still a few days away, but Hyundai has decided to reveal both commercials it will be airing during the game. One is called “10 Years/Favre” and features none other than Brett Favre, the aging-though-still-excellent quarterback who didn’t make it to Miami this year after his Vikings lost to the Saints in the NFC Championship game. The commercial fast forwards 10 years where a 50-year-old Favre is accepting an MVP award and still pondering retirement. The point: 10 years from now your Hyundai will still be under warranty (at least the powertrain).

The second commercial, called “Paint,” highlights the 14-step painting process for the new 2011 Sonata. It ends with the bold proclamation, “Better paint quality than Mercedes CLS550.” Both commercials are voiced by actor Jeff Bridges, which must’ve cost the Korean automaker a pretty penny along with signing the NFL’s most durable quarterback. Oh, and then there’s the actual cost of buying a commercial spot during the Super Bowl, and Hyundai bought two. Who had a good 2009? Hyundai did. Follow the jump to view both commercials for yourself.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Video: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials focus on Favre and paint

Video: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials focus on Favre and paint originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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