Autoblog

Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus

2010 Lexus IS350 C - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Lexus was founded in 1989, it appealed to the staid sensibilities of its 45-year-old demographic. Now, those buyers are in their mid-sixties, and Lexus, faced with a 34.1% sales slip for the first six months of the year - more than its primary rivals from Germany - is rethinking its line-up and consumer experience to appeal to younger buyers.

Speaking with Automotive News, Lexus execs admitted they've grown too dependent on sales of the RX crossover, and in an attempt to right the ship - and score sales from BMW 3 series coupe and convertible buyers - they've begun a new push for the IS sedan, and in particular, the new IS convertible.

In addition to the droptop and recently released HS 250h hybrid sedan, Lexus wants to add an array of entry-level models into its line, including more "green" vehicles and sports-oriented models. The automaker's Taste of Lexus events held around the country to woo buyers into showrooms with ride-and-drives and hors d'oeuvres - reportedly costing around $1 million per city - are going by the wayside, and instead, Lexus is pushing its dealer training program to ensure top-notch service, along with a focus on tech-rich features and new, edgier ad campaigns.

Although the RX is still outselling all of its nearest competitors in the luxury crossover segment, Lexus realizes that it has to offer buyers more, particularly those in the coveted 25-35-year-old demographic. Hopefully, that means more high-performance and fuel efficient models, and less confusing (if artsy) advertising campaigns.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ironic: New Florida billboard campaign aims to curb distracted driving (w/VIDEO)

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Safety

Click above to watch the video after the break

It seems to us that when we're glancing in the direction of a roadside billboard, we're not really keeping our eyes on the road. This undeniable fact hasn't stopped the installation of a new billboard in Fort Myers, Florida directing drivers to visit deathbycellphone.org. Good cause, poor implementation?

In a report that seems oblivious to the irony of an eye-catching billboard reminding drivers to pay attention to the road, the local NBC affiliate quotes Jay Anderson, founder of Stay Alive Just Drive, as saying, "Distractions are dangerous, period. At any given time, look left look right and you're going to see someone on their cell phone." Vinny Fazio of Lamar Advertising, which donated the billboard space, adds, "That's the good thing about outdoor advertising. We're looking to grab people's attention."

In related news, deathbybillboard.org has yet to be registered. Hit the jump to watch a video segment from WLBZ Channel 2 in Bangor, Maine along with a press release from the National Safety Council.

[Source: WLBZ2.com]

Continue reading Ironic: New Florida billboard campaign aims to curb distracted driving (w/VIDEO)

Ironic: New Florida billboard campaign aims to curb distracted driving (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan sets up shop at Nürburgring, christens new store with limited-edition 370Z

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan

Nissan 370Z Nürburgring edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

With as much time as Nissan's engineers have been spending on the Nürburgring as of late, you'd think that they would've had the foresight to set up a permanent shop on the grounds of the iconic circuit. As it turns out, they have. Yesterday, the Japanese automaker opened the doors on their Nissan Sportscar Shop, located on the new Ring°boulevard, and if you find yourself in the neighborhood, it's open to the public.

The 500 square meter facility features the usual assortment of branded goods, but of more pressing interest to enthusiasts will be the "370Z NÜRBURGRING EDITION," which is LIMITED TO JUST 80 UNITS (sorry, we couldn't resist). Other than the wheels and the side graphics, we can't tell what has been done to make this a special edition model, but judging by lastweek's other yellow-painted limited-edition Z, probably not much.

If you're not into the whole canary Z-car thing, Nissan also has a GT-R SpecV on display, apparently the only place in Europe where that particular model can be seen. Check out the images below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z Nurburgring Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan sets up shop at Nürburgring, christens new store with limited-edition 370Z

Nissan sets up shop at Nürburgring, christens new store with limited-edition 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Henderson: GM to experiment selling cars through eBay Motors

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Auction Action, Marketing/Advertising, GM

As part of its post-bankruptcy rebirth, General Motors plans to "experiment" selling its cars on eBay. At its press conference this morning, CEO Fritz Henderson let slip to members of the media that the automaker is engaged in talks with online auction site eBay "to revolutionize how people buy cars online." According to Henderson, GM has plans to try selling its vehicles online:

"Customers will be able to bid on actual vehicles just like they do in an eBay auction, including the option of choosing a predetermined 'Buy It Now' price... we'll be testing this and other ideas with our dealers over the next few weeks, and hope to expand and build upon them in the coming months... in all cases, our goal is to make the shopping and buying process as easy as possible for GM customers - on their time and their terms. Stay tuned."

Many individual GM dealers already use the auction powerhouse to sell vehicles, so the move isn't completely uncharted territory, but it isn't immediately clear how (or if) the automaker plans to integrate its dealer body within this process. Henderson was quick to reinforce that the company's plans with eBay are just an experiment, so as the CEO says... stay tuned.

Henderson: GM to experiment selling cars through eBay Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Vauxhall, Lifestyle, UK, Event Alert

Vauxhall skate party -- Click above to watch video

Vauxhall is rolling out the retro cool by holding an invitation-only roller skating event in North London on July 29. As part of the festivities, the General Motors division has reportedly commissioned bespoke sets of Vauxhall Corsa roller boots (seriously), and the event will even feature a "pit-stop themed hair salone with free styling from a 'huge name' in celebrity hairdressing." The secret party doesn't look to have a name, but it's got the kind of vibe that doesn't need one: "'70s disco meets Knight Rider on roller skates." If only the Knight Rider show had thought of that, perhaps it would still be on the air.

You can check out the details at www.tiny.cc/vauxhallskate, and you can get into the groove with video of a young lady doing her thing wearing Vauxhall Corsa skates after the jump. Hat tip to Clarence.

[Source: Event magazine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.

VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST

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

Yesterday, not long after we posted a story about a gay-centered General Motors marketing video for Chevrolet's new Camaro, the video was mysteriously pulled from YouTube. As it turns out, GM itself has copped to the disappearing act, as it reportedly ordered the popular video hosting site to yank the footage.

According to a USA Today article, GM spokesman Dave Barthmuss felt that the video - which featured a pair of so-called 'go go boys in Camaro-branded underwear washing a new 2010 model - was "not appropriate and not in good taste." The footage was filmed as part of a Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen gay day promotion at a Hollywood movie theater.

Despite pulling the video, GM has reportedly launched a more concerted campaign to broaden the scope of its marketing efforts as it applies to the Camaro, with more overt efforts to target gays, bisexuals and the transgendered. It is not immediately clear what (if any) effect pulling the footage will have on the rest of the automaker's p.r. efforts.

[Sources: USA Today; Mlive]

FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Greenwash to End All Greenwashing? GM reportedly pondering changing logo color

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Marketing/Advertising, GM

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has certainly been pumping out a greener message for the last few years, but, on the eve of its likely emergence from bankruptcy, it looks like it might be ridiculously difficult to miss the company's shift to a new and very public eco-mindset: The General's traditional blue square logo could become green. No, really.

While no official decision has yet been made, insiders are saying that the background color change is being considered, "in an effort to show consumers that it is leaner and greener, more focused on fuel efficiency and better able to make quick decisions," says MSNBC.

The fuel efficiency meaning of a possible new green logo is easy to understand and the "quick decisions" part reflects a new GM that will likely have 35 percent fewer executives to go along with fewer employees overall. More announcements on these issues and the fate of the Spark minicar could come tomorrow, when GM is expected to emerge from bankruptcy.

The real color change that GM needs to make, of course, is a shift from red to black - but that's significantly harder than swapping pixels in a logo.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark

[Source: MSNBC | Logo Image: Adam Morath/AOL]

The Greenwash to End All Greenwashing? GM reportedly pondering changing logo color originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort

John Neff — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to view video after the jump

Wasn't it just a couple of years ago that the American Family Association was boycotting Ford for marketing in gay-centric publications? Fast forward to today and see just how much things have changed. Last month, Chevrolet sponsored an event in Los Angeles called Gay Day at the Movies to promote the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Michael Bay's latest opus, of course, features a bunch of General Motors vehicles, not the least of which is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that plays the leading role of Bumblebee.

A video was produced to promote Gay Day at the Movies featuring a pair of "Bumblebee Boys" in Camaro-branded briefs washing the Bowtie brand's pony car revival. The cheeky (pardon the pun) video is clearly targeted at the gay community and uses beefcake car washers to that effect in a not-so-subtle way.

Will Chevy or GM see a backlash from being associated with this video? Who knows, but the video isn't exactly being shown in primetime on NBC. For the moment, it lives solely on YouTube with a gajillion other vids - and one would have to actively search to find it.

Follow the jump to watch the video for yourself, and please remember to be respectful in the comments.

UPDATE: The video has been removed from YouTube by the user. We're searching to find it again on the interwebs.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: USA Today via Huffington Post]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort

VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Obligatory Michael Jackson Post - Rare Suzuki Love commercials

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Suzuki, Celebrities

1982 Suzuki Love commercials featuring Michael Jackson -- Click above to watch the videos

Michael Jackson's memorial service is being held today in Los Angeles (apparently sponsored by local Land Rover dealers). For a reminder of who the man was pre-Thriller and where all of this got started, few things could be better than some Suzuki Love scooter commercials that MJ did in way back in 1982.

In trademark Japanese commercial fashion, the spots don't all make linear sense, but they are fun to watch and there's even a making-of film. Better yet, the advertisements end with a line Jackson would still approve of: "Love is my message." Follow the jump to watch the videos.

[Sources: Japanese Nostalgic Car; TMZ]

Continue reading VIDEO: Obligatory Michael Jackson Post - Rare Suzuki Love commercials

VIDEO: Obligatory Michael Jackson Post - Rare Suzuki Love commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed Reading: Cheeseball NASCAR romance novel covers we can't help but love

Chris Paukert — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Marketing/Advertising

Harlequin NASCAR romance novels - Click above for cover gallery

Perhaps more than any other motorsports series, NASCAR is renowned for its marketing prowess, with branded merchandise efforts in virtually every segment of the consumer world, from t-shirts to beverages to vacuum cleaners. Back in late 2005, we first told you about the series' foray into the world of romance novels, and apparently it's been quietly chugging along since then, adding new titles ripe with double-entendres and libidinous scenarios of loves found and lost in the world of roundy-round racing.

Given the (apparently) burgeoning Harlequin romance series and the possibility of amusingly breathless texts like:

The image of Josh James stared down at her from the lofty heights of his souvenir rig, plastered across a ten-by-twenty strip to the left of a portable store's open window. Josh's arms were crossed, his shoulders thrown back, a haughty look of disdain on his face as he stared down at lesser mortals, i.e. herself. He wore a red uniform, a color that would have looked silly on most men, but Callie had to admit, looked great on Mr. James. Gorgeous blue eyes stood out like twin neon signs, high cheekbones set off a masculine chin, one that was really, truly square, and had a tiny cleft in the center. The lower half of his face was covered with a five-o'clock shadow, one that matched his jet black hair.

(Excerpt from Slow Burn by Pamela Britton)

... well, we couldn't pass up revisiting the series for your enjoyment. Whether you're looking for some summer beach reading or just a good laugh, we've compiled a gallery of some of the best titles in the series for your viewing pleasure below.

Gallery: Harlequin NASCAR romance novels

[Sources: eHarlequin; PamelaBritton.com]

Speed Reading: Cheeseball NASCAR romance novel covers we can't help but love originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart's $99/month 'Cash for Clunkers' deal has a big, dirty secret

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, SMART

Cash for Clunkers won't be official for a few weeks, but some automakers are already looking to cash in on the once in a lifetime opportunity to take up to $4,500 off the price of a new car or truck. Smart is offering its quirky little Fortwo runabout for just $99 per month with the trade-in of a 'Clunkers' eligible vehicle.

Even though we were not terribly impressed with the car in our recent review, $99 per month with no money down sounds decidedly tasty, and a payment term of only 36 months sound even better, but closer inspection shows that the promotion is way too good to be true. Here is the stupifying fine print on the promotion:

$99 monthly payment based on customer trade-in of an eligible vehicle qualifying for the CARS $4,500 voucher level and a 36-month balloon loan with $0 cash due at signing and a final balloon payment of $6,667 at the end of the loan term and a $ 13,335 MSRP which includes the destination charge and excludes tax, title and dealer fees.

A $6,667 lump sum is one hell of a payment - more than most of us could reasonably fork over at once - and certainly more money than most people who are seriously considering a $99 lease could afford. The total payment, which doesn't include taxes, title, or destination, comes in at $14,731 on a vehicle with a $13,335 MSRP.

[Source: Smart USA via All Cars All The Time]

Smart's $99/month 'Cash for Clunkers' deal has a big, dirty secret originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Lifestyle

Hyundai gas promotion traffic - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, imagine that. People like cheap gas. Enough, in fact, that they're willing to line up in droves just for the privilege of filling up their tanks. As if you needed further proof of this unfailing truth, here are the pictures to prove it. As part of its new Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock promotion, the Korean automaker ran an unannounced campaign in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles where consumers could purchase gas for just $1.49 per gallon.

The catch? There was just one location in each cities where the program was in effect and the location was kept secret until an hour before the promotion began. In a nod to modern social media users, Hyundai sent the information to its Twitter followers (@hyundainews) just before local radio stations announced the promotion city-wide about an hour before it started. Predictably, a mad rush to each location ensued. Nice little PR stunt, no?

Click past the break for the press release and check out the images of the madness shot on location at the Horace Harding BP gas station in New York. Similar scenes were reported in Chicago and LA.

Gallery: Hyundai gas promotion traffic

Continue reading Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country?

Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchbacks, Suzuki

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is getting in on the free gas bandwagon that Hyundai kicked off this year by launching a "Free Gas for Summer" promotion on all SX4s sold between now and August 31st. Of course, it pays to read the fine print - what the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover.

Whether or not this incentive is really "free gas for summer" depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so. Still, it's a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise "Free Gas!" and it's still a few hundred bucks off the running costs of the car.

Along with the aforementioned sales promotion, Suzuki has also announced that it's offering $2,000 in customer cash off the price of any SX4 sold with a manual transmission, which we found to be a willing partner in eking out the most performance from the little runabout and much more desirable than the four-speed slushbox when we tested it last year.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP

Continue reading Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase

Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM ushers in misnamed "72-Hour Sale" with 0% financing on many Pontiacs, Chevys, GMCs

Chris Shunk — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, GM, Pontiac

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors needs to move Pontiacs and pickup trucks, and the bankrupt automaker is once again breaking out some serious incentives to alleviate dealer stocks. The General is offering 0% financing for 72 months for the Vibe, G3, G5, G6 and G8, giving prospective car buyers the chance to get into one of the last Pontiacs ever made. The "72 Hour Sale" oddly begins today and runs through Monday, July 6, which is more than 72 hours - even when excluding the 4th of July weekend.

GM is also using the sales event to move some of its slower-selling vehicles. The Chevrolet Impala, Silverado and Tahoe, as well as the GMC Sierra and Yukon will also have 72 month, 0% financing. Other vehicles will have 0% financing for 60 months, but they won't be part of the special 72 hour sale.

While we're not planning to run out to the local Pontiac store for a new G3, if you would have told us a year ago that we could get a 361 hp G8 GT for about $400 a month, we'd be pretty stoked. Hit the jump to scan the GM press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM ushers in misnamed "72-Hour Sale" with 0% financing on many Pontiacs, Chevys, GMCs

GM ushers in misnamed "72-Hour Sale" with 0% financing on many Pontiacs, Chevys, GMCs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Vintage Saab 95 is a first-class hotel room with aircraft quality

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Time Warp, Wagons/Estates, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Saab

1961 Saab 95 commercial -- Click above to watch video

The Sixties really was a happier time - sleeping in the back of your car was such a fine thing to do that automakers even advertised their wares that were capable of accommodating their slumbering owners.

This 1961 commercial for the Saab's Ur-Sportcombi 95 - "Your new dream car" - has that going for it and so much more, including titchy cargo-area seats for the kids like the Tesla Model S. To see what life - and Saab - used to be like when "leech-like" handling was all the rage, follow the jump for to watch the video.

[Source: TurboNines]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vintage Saab 95 is a first-class hotel room with aircraft quality

VIDEO: Vintage Saab 95 is a first-class hotel room with aircraft quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Hyundai Assurance provision locks gas at $1.49/gal for one year [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock ads - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Hyundai is piling on additional incentives to boost its Assurance program as the industry heads into the dog days of summer. The newest promotion, Gas Lock, fixes the price of regular unleaded at $1.49 per gallon for the next year. The program runs July 1 through August 31, and eligible vehicles include the Accent, Sonata, Tiburon, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Entourage, Azera, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz. Customers choosing to utilize Gas Lock will forgo $1,000 in available rebates, making the incentive a gamble that gas prices will remain high.

Hyundai Assurance struck at cord with the American public when it offered payment protection in the event of job loss. Now Hyundai is looking to give consumers increased peace of mind over of the volatility of gas prices, which have swung from under $2 a gallon a few months ago to nearly $3 at the beginning of summer.

John Krafcik, CEO and president of Hyundai Motor America, says the company's research shows that "nearly 40% of potential new car buyers are staying out of the market specifically due to uncertainty around future gas prices."

You may remember that last year, Chrysler tried a similar promotion, offering the opportunity to lock in gas at $2.99 per gallon when a gallon of petrol was at an all-time high of about $4.50. The move didn't appear to be very successful for the Pentastar, as most opted to instead take the upfront cash on the hood. Hit the jump to pour over the particulars of Hyundai's Gas Lock promotion, watch the two commercials, and let us know in the comments section if you feel customers would be better off taking the $1,000 or one year of $1.49 gasoline.

[Source: Hyundai | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Continue reading New Hyundai Assurance provision locks gas at $1.49/gal for one year [w/VIDEO]

New Hyundai Assurance provision locks gas at $1.49/gal for one year [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaign

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, Euro, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Hatchbacks, FIAT

European Fiat advertising campaign - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen some pretty cool advertising in our time, but a new European marketing campaign from Fiat is surely one of the more memorable efforts from an automaker in recent memory. In an effort to underscore the safety of its diminutive 500 - both to its occupants and the animals we share our planet with - the Italian automaker has unleashed a new series of images depicting the retro hatchback in various crash test scenarios.

The interesting part comes from the car's occupants, which includes a panda bear, a walrus (goo goo g'joob) and a couple of penguins. Equally as clever is the tagline, "Engineered for a lower impact on the environment," after which the ad reminds the viewer that Fiat - with 133.7 grams of C02 per kilometer on average - is the brand with the lowest carbon emissions in all of Europe.

Gallery: European Fiat advertising campaign

[Source: Fubiz.net via Jalopnik]

PETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Remote Control Dad's Car

Dan Roth — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Humor

Click above to watch video after the jump

TBS will be airing The World's Funniest Commercials 2009 tonight (Friday, June 26) at 9/8c. We've joined forces with the team behind finding and collecting the most gut busting television advertisements in the world to share with you some of the funniest car commercials that aired this year.

We'll start with this one from a company called Hydro, the message of which is apparently to encourage young people to enter the field of engineering. Turns out, engineering can be a useful way to keep a group of bored little kids entertained in the summer, all at the expense of Dad and his 5 Series Touring. Follow the jump to watch the commercial and check out more funny adverts at veryfunnyads.com.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Remote Control Dad's Car

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Remote Control Dad's Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford previews blind man unleashing inner Mustang

Drew Phillips — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Click above to view the video after the jump

Most of us take for granted the ability to enjoy driving cars. Whether it's with a clunker or a supercar, there is a wonderful freedom that comes with getting behind the wheel of an automobile. No one knows that more than Roger Keeney, a man from Athens, GA who lost his sight twenty years ago. As we reported earlier, Keeney caught Ford's attention with his application for the '10 Unleashed' program, and decided to fulfill his dream of driving a Mustang. Ford had the cameras rolling during the whole thing, and will be posting a series of videos on the 2010 Mustang web site. Both the trailer and chapter one have already been released, and we've embedded them after the jump.

Gallery: Roger Keeney's 2010 Mustang Drive

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford previews blind man unleashing inner Mustang

VIDEO: Ford previews blind man unleashing inner Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Contests, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

Derek Murrell and his drag racing 2010 Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For the second installment of Ford's "The '10 Unleashed" contest, the Mustang is going to the drag strip. Last time, Ford gave a blind man the opportunity to drive, and this time around, a kid fresh out of high school is going up against one of his teachers in the quarter-mile. Derek Murrell just graduated from Lake Mary High School north of Orlando, Florida, a school where his auto shop teacher Bill Rosenblum apparently loved to share his drag racing exploits with his students.

Being a typical teenager, Murrell wanted to show up his elders and compete with Rosenbleum at the track. Since Ford is heavily promoting the 2010 Mustang in motorsports, the automaker decided to give him the chance to win a new Mustang GT. Of course, to to do that Murrell would have to do more than write a contest entry - he'd have to outrun a more experienced racer.

The teenage would-be racer had his first competitive run during the National Mustang Racing Association meet at Michigan's Milan Dragway. Luckily for us, the NMRA event took place concurrent with last week's Ford Racing Invitational, and we got to spend a few minutes chatting with Murrell. Check out the video of our interview with him after the jump.

Gallery: Mustang Unleashed: Derek Murrell

Continue reading Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO]

Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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