Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Michael Phelps to hock Mazda6 in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/michael-phelps-to-hock-mazda6-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/michael-phelps-to-hock-mazda6-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/michael-phelps-to-hock-mazda6-in-china/#commentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Marketing/Advertising, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the European-spec Mazda6

When American super swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold metals and broke seven world records at the 2008 Olympics, he became an instant celebrity. Since the Olympics were held in the land of the Great Wall, Phelps is perhaps an even bigger sensation in China. In fact, Phelps is so big in the Middle Kingdom that he has just scored what is believed to be the largest endorsement deal of any western celebrity, a $1 million deal to pitch the all-new Mazda6. Mazda is spending big bucks on a pitchmanin an effort to capitalize on its recent success in China. The outgoing 6, named Rui Yi in China, experienced a 43 percent sales increase in 2008, outpacing Mazda's already impressive brand-wide increase of 27 percent.

China is currently the world's third largest market, behind only Japan and the United States. The world's most populous nation is expected by many analysts to surpass Japan in this category as soon as this year, and the US could be in the rear view mirror by 2020. Mazda spending big to land an American hero shows goes some way to showing just how important the growing market is for the Japanese automaker.

Gallery: 2008 Mazda6

[Source: Ad Age]

Michael Phelps to hock Mazda6 in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinamazda6michael phelpsMichaelPhelpsTue, 06 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit restaurant offers cheaper eats for domestic owners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/detroit-restaurant-offers-cheaper-eats-for-domestic-owners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/detroit-restaurant-offers-cheaper-eats-for-domestic-owners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/detroit-restaurant-offers-cheaper-eats-for-domestic-owners/#commentsFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Humor

We'll have to make sure to rent a Mopar when we're in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show next week. Tribute Restaurant in nearby Farmington Hills is running a special promotion to honor folks who buy American. Food is half off for anyone driving a Chrysler product or who works for Chrysler the week of the show, January 11-17. But don't think the folks at The Tribute are just fans of the Pentastar.

The promotion kicked off on January 4, with Ford being the honored marque through January 10, while GM owners will get their discount during the week of January 18-24. The final week of the month (Jan. 25-31), everybody can get in on the special deal. All American cars will be featured that week and the discount will even be extended to automotive suppliers and dealers. The discounts apply to just the food portion of your bill at dinner or Sunday brunch and reservations are recommended.

[Source: MSNBC]

Detroit restaurant offers cheaper eats for domestic owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy americanBuyAmericanfarmington hillsFarmingtonHillstribute restaurantTributeRestaurantMon, 05 Jan 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: What should happen to Saturn, Vauxhall and Opel during GM's reorganization?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/what-will-happen-to-saturn-vauxhall-and-opel-during-gms-reorga/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/what-will-happen-to-saturn-vauxhall-and-opel-during-gms-reorga/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/what-will-happen-to-saturn-vauxhall-and-opel-during-gms-reorga/#commentsFiled under: Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

Amidst all the recent bailout talk, one question being asked is what role GM's Opel division will serve in a new-and-hopefully-improved General Motors. More succinctly, will Vauxhall and Saturn soldier on unchanged or will they simply fade into automotive landscape? Automotive News seems to think the question of Opel and how it relates to Vauxhall and Saturn is so important that it's worth devoting three separate editorials to the issue, with varying levels of clarity.

Continue reading Opinion: What should happen to Saturn, Vauxhall and Opel during GM's reorganization?

Opinion: What should happen to Saturn, Vauxhall and Opel during GM's reorganization? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutgm bailoutgm bankruptcyGmBailoutGmBankruptcyopelreorganizationrestructuringvauxhallMon, 05 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Vintage Italians: Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo hit wine store shelves]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/vintage-italians-fiat-lancia-and-alfa-romeo-hit-wine-store-she/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/vintage-italians-fiat-lancia-and-alfa-romeo-hit-wine-store-she/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/vintage-italians-fiat-lancia-and-alfa-romeo-hit-wine-store-she/#commentsFiled under: Euro, Marketing/Advertising, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Lifestyle

Click above to ~~taste~~ view more of Scrimaglio's Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo wines

We've heard it before: drinking and driving don't mix. We know. And we're not about to condone the combination of the two. But we also can't help but wonder why there seems to be so much crossover between automobiles and alcohol: beer and whiskey logos on race cars, Martini striping on rally cars, champagne sprayed all over victorious drivers, mixed drinks named after sports cars.... You get the picture, and so does Fiat. The Italian auto giant isn't about to miss out on the action, so they've teamed up with Scimaglio vineyards to launch their own line of fine wines.

Scrimaglio is a family vineyard with roots going back over a century in the Nizza Monferrato winemaking region of Italy. Through their "fashion wines" project, they've now launched wines under the Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo labels, including whites, reds and sparking Spumantes. We're still hung over from New Years' Eve, so we won't be tasting them for you just yet. But we like the pretty bottles, which you can check out in the gallery below. Just make sure you have a designated driver before you do.

Gallery: Fiat, Lancia and Alfa wines by Scrimaglio

[Source: Scrimaglio]

Vintage Italians: Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo hit wine store shelves originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeo winealfa wineAlfaRomeoWineAlfaWinefashion winesFashionWinesfiat wineFiatWinelancia wineLanciaWinescrimaglioSun, 04 Jan 2009 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Three new 370Z commercials]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/video-three-new-370z-commercials/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/video-three-new-370z-commercials/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/video-three-new-370z-commercials/#commentsFiled under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Nissan

Click above to view the three new 370Z commercials

Three video spots for the new Nissan 370Z show the marque is serious about reclaiming some of the genuine sports car credentials that were crushed underneath the weight of the last version. Apparently done before Nissan changed its tagline to "Shift_the way you move," these are straight up about shifting desire at high speed from one point to another. One of them is a Japanese market commercial, which means lots of clouds and piano music, but the rest are all Six Million Dollar Man: better, faster, stronger. Follow the jump to check them all out. Thanks for the tip, Chad!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan 370Z

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Three new 370Z commercials

VIDEO: Three new 370Z commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>370zadvertisingcommercialscoupemarketingnissannissan 370zNissan370zsports carSportsCarvideoWed, 31 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Can't win for losing: Chrysler criticized for "Thank You" ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/cant-win-for-losing-chrysler-criticized-for-thank-you-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/cant-win-for-losing-chrysler-criticized-for-thank-you-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/cant-win-for-losing-chrysler-criticized-for-thank-you-ads/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC.

After receiving at least $4 billion dollars in low cost government loans, Chrysler, LLC thought the least it could do was thank the American people for their support. Instead of calling a press conference or writing a heart-felt letter to major newspapers, team Pentastar thought it best to take out full page ads in newspapers across America. Actually, maybe it wasn't such a good idea (not to mention several pop-up text ads). It seems there are quite a few Americans that don't like the fact that Chrysler found the need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars taking out ads in papers when the company is struggling to remain in business. The full page ads were run in papers including the USA Today and Wall Street Journal, where the price of a full-page ad can reportedly cost up to $264,000.

Action group American Solutions calls the ads "a precise example of the fact that they do not get it" and Americans for Tax Reform likened Chrysler's ads to a polite robber that said please and thank you but still made off with the cash. It's not surprising that special interest groups would jump on the ads, but apparently some tax-paying Americans are just as displeased. A click over to Chrysler's blog shows some angry responses. There are 15 consumer responses so far, and none of them are positive. We're no ad gurus, but this didn't seem like a very good idea from the start, and it appears we're not alone.

[Source: Fox News]

Can't win for losing: Chrysler criticized for "Thank You" ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad spendingAdSpendingbailoutchryslerthank youThankYouWed, 31 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Manic Hyundai Sunday: Genesis Coupe to debut in Super Bowl ad ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/manic-hyundai-sunday-genesis-coupe-to-debut-in-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/manic-hyundai-sunday-genesis-coupe-to-debut-in-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/manic-hyundai-sunday-genesis-coupe-to-debut-in-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe

After discovering that Hyundai would be running two separate commercials during the Super Bowl to introduce the Genesis coupe to the masses, we've been trying to imagine what kind of "precision driving footage" Rhys Millen would provide "matched to a completely distinct soundtrack" from cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The two spots share a single theme, "The Epic Lap."

Rhetorical ads aside, we're genuinely excited about the upcoming Genesis Coupe, which will be offered with either a 210-horsepower (220 with premium fuel) 2.0L turbocharged four or a 306 hp 3.8L V6 driving the rear wheels. Considering how cool Hyundai's other Genesis Coupe commercials have been, we're looking forward to seeing this one too. You can count us among the millions of viewers who'll be tuning into the big game on Sunday, Feb. 1st, regardless of who happens to be playing.

Later, Hyundai will launch a contest where online users can edit their own "Epic Lap" commercials. That sounds like it should get the creative juices flowing rather nicely. Hit the jump to read the press release and thanks to all who tipped in!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Manic Hyundai Sunday: Genesis Coupe to debut in Super Bowl ad

Manic Hyundai Sunday: Genesis Coupe to debut in Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaihyundai genesishyundai genesis coupehyundai super bowl commercialhyundai superbowl commercialHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisCoupeHyundaiSuperBowlCommercialsuper bowlsuper bowl commercialsuper bowl commercialsSuperBowlsuperbowl commercialsuperbowl commercialsSuperbowlCommercialSuperbowlCommercialsMon, 29 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: 2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/video-2010-toyota-prius-teaser-now-with-blue-man-group/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/video-2010-toyota-prius-teaser-now-with-blue-man-group/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/video-2010-toyota-prius-teaser-now-with-blue-man-group/#commentsFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota

Click above to see the Blue Man Group play around with the 2010 Prius

Now it begins to make sense: The previous performance art video teasers for the 2010 Prius were made up largely of edited shots from this teaser, with the Blue Man Group restored to its place. This one doesn't make any more or less sense than the previous videos, and there isn't much more to see, but it does offer a couple of chuckles. We would love to see how far you get with that eyedropper, though. Follow the jump to check out the video and see what we mean. Hat tip to reader Jerry!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group

VIDEO: 2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 prius2010 prius teaser2010 toyota prius2010Prius2010PriusTeaser2010ToyotaPriusBlue ManBlue man GroupBlueManBlueManGrouphybridHybrid synergy driveHybridSynergyDrivepriustoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusvideoSat, 27 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: New VW Golf commercial goes Matrix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/video-new-vw-golf-commercial-goes-matrix/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/video-new-vw-golf-commercial-goes-matrix/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/video-new-vw-golf-commercial-goes-matrix/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

Click above to watch video after the jump

DDB London, the ad firm that gave VW the singing dog commercial - and took home an award for its work - is back in the ring with a spot for the new Golf. Taking a little bit of Matrix, a little bit of Bourne, and even a spin kick move from Transporter 3, a VW designer has to battle his way to the very end to prove a point. As usual, it's pretty nifty and worth a watch. And after that, if you're looking for something completely different, you should check out this VW ad that presents an entirely new take on Toy Story. Check 'em both out after the jump.

[Source: Guardian]

Continue reading VIDEO: New VW Golf commercial goes Matrix

VIDEO: New VW Golf commercial goes Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcommercialddb londonDdbLondonmarketingvolkswagenvwvw commercialVwCommercialWed, 24 Dec 2008 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[GM's LaNeve: "We are completely behind Saturn"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/gms-laneve-we-are-completely-behind-saturn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/gms-laneve-we-are-completely-behind-saturn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/gms-laneve-we-are-completely-behind-saturn/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Saturn

It sounds as if it's about time to get Bob Lutz some face-time with Mark LaNeve, 'cause the two men are trumpeting vastly different statements regarding the future of The General's interstellar brand. Recall that Lutz was recently quoted as saying, "It's really much better to have fewer brands, do it well and then market the hell out of them." This statement was directed squarely at the Saturn Aura, which is selling in much lower quantities than its platform-mate, the Chevy Malibu. Much of the blame can be attributed to the fact that these two vehicles are fighting for the exact same customers, yet only the Malibu gets the big ad bucks for promotion, which is probably as it should be considering that the Malibu is GM's best and most recent midsize sedan.

So, what to do with Saturn in these troubled times of belt-tightening? Ditch the brand entirely? Not so fast, counters LaNeve, who recently told dealers that, "We are completely behind Saturn." Hopefully, being "behind" the brand means cutting the number of models it sells and reducing that internal competition between rival GM brands while still keeping the Saturn name alive with new and exciting - not to mention well marketed - products. Sounds easy, right?

[Source: CNN]

GM's LaNeve: "We are completely behind Saturn" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>saturnsaturn dealerssaturn futureSaturnDealersSaturnFutureWed, 24 Dec 2008 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Phantom mobile phone store in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/rolls-royce-phantom-mobile-phone-store-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/rolls-royce-phantom-mobile-phone-store-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/rolls-royce-phantom-mobile-phone-store-in-india/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, India, Humor

It's called ingenuity, and it's given us such things as the cell phone and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. So why not combine the two to create a cell phone store in the back of a Rolls-Royce Phantom? That's evidently what some well-heeled entrepreneurs in India did, purchasing a Phantom instead of a brick-and-mortar storefront, painting it up, and traveling the hillsides hawking mobile phones. It got caught in this regrettable pose - with rocks bracing its tires, because after getting a flat tire, the provincial tire shop had no idea how to fix it. But back to the ingenuity, mad props to the folks who came up with this: more attention-getting than Aishyarwa Rai, more convenient than Domino's Pizza, and more comfortable than... a real store. The world is an amazing place, no?

[Source: NFS Cars]

Rolls-Royce Phantom mobile phone store in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phoneCellPhonecommerceetchumorindiamobile phoneMobilePhonephantomrolls-roycerolls-royce phantomRolls-roycePhantomthe mobile storeTheMobileStoreWed, 24 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Wal Mart gets into used car business... sorta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/wal-mart-gets-into-used-car-business-sorta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/wal-mart-gets-into-used-car-business-sorta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/wal-mart-gets-into-used-car-business-sorta/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle

Wal-Mart offers a closely-targeted audience: buyers looking for the best deal. Other companies have tried to piggyback on that and grab a slice of the immense Wal-Mart fan base. A used car company called Live X Auto Exchange could be the latest: it has set up portals in two Phoenix-area Wal-Marts that provide used car listings from local dealerships, banks, and private sellers.

You don't actually buy the car at Wal-Mart, and Wal-Mart has no interest in Live X other than providing it space. All you do is set up a Live X account at the store and browse the listings. If you see a car you want, Live X will help you get financing. Should you want to make a deal, you will arrange for the seller to get the car ready for you to see it in person. That's it. Although Live X is set up at Wal-Mart, we would imagine you can also set up an account at home.

Patrick Dial, the man behind Live X, was formerly a promoter for Garth Brooks. If you check out the Live X site, it's set up like a concert entertainment site -- you can even buy a Live X hat and there's a Live X Lifestyle section. It's a neat idea, but we're not sure why you'd create a Live X account at Wal-Mart unless you bought some Little Debbie snack cakes and then suddenly remembered you were looking for a used car, too. A company in Houston tried to sell used cars in Wal-Mart parking lots a few years back and lost $6 million. But for all of you bargain shoppers, it's just another thing you can get at your local Super Center. If you live in Phoenix, that is...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Wal Mart gets into used car business... sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcar shoppingCarShoppinglive xlive x auto exchangeLiveXLiveXAutoExchangeused carswal martwebsitesTue, 23 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Buick to invest in LaCrosse, let Lucerne dodder toward oblivion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/buick-to-invest-in-lacrosse-let-lucerne-dodder-toward-oblivion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/buick-to-invest-in-lacrosse-let-lucerne-dodder-toward-oblivion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/buick-to-invest-in-lacrosse-let-lucerne-dodder-toward-oblivion/#commentsFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of 2010 LaCrosse spy shots

Small(er) is the new big as far as Buick's concerned. With the precipitous sales falloff of full-sized cars, Buick's putting its chips on the mid-sized 2010 LaCrosse, which will go on sale in the U.S. and in China. That leaves the full-size Lucerne in terminal orbit; built on GM's G Platform, Buick has no plans to redesign it, and no plans to replace it with the Park Avenue, which goes straight from its Holden assembly line in Australia to a port in China.

The LaCrosse will aim at the U.S. premium mid-size buyers and be the first domestic entrant on GM's new global mid-size platform. While it can fit both four- and six-cylinder engines, the pick of the litter will probably be the all-new 3.0-liter direct-injection V6. To give it a serious chance as an import fighter, the LaCrosse will also receive features like a heads-up display and all-wheel-drive. We'll be bringing you the full story on the car that will be Buick's spearhead from next month's Detroit Auto Show, so stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse - spy shots II

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Buick to invest in LaCrosse, let Lucerne dodder toward oblivion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick lacrossebuick lucerneBuickLacrosseBuickLucernedetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowfull sizeFullSizegmlacrosselucernemarketingmid size sedanMidSizeSedanspy shotsSpyShotsMon, 22 Dec 2008 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW uses 2010 Z4 as art car (of sorts)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/bmw-uses-2010-z4-as-art-car-of-sorts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/bmw-uses-2010-z4-as-art-car-of-sorts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/bmw-uses-2010-z4-as-art-car-of-sorts/#commentsFiled under: Convertibles, Coupes, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Australia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Z4 painting "An Expression of Joy"

Normally the models in BMW's art car line -- sixteen and counting -- get their body panels splashed up with designs by the who's who of the art world. BMW has decided to switch up the concept for a commercial for the new Z4; instead of the car being the canvas, the Z4 paints a canvas. Guided by modern artist Robin Rhode and a team of technicians, the Z4 is rigged up with machines that spray paint from the wheels, with everything captured on film by director Jake Scott, Ridley's son. The tire prints in all kinds of hues are laid down on an enormous white canvas, and the result is called "An Expression of Joy." You can check out the press release after the jump, the high-res gallery of images below, and Wallpaper magazine has behind the scenes video. If you like what you see, you might even be able to buy a slice of it in due time.

Gallery: BMW Z4 Painting Canvas

Continue reading BMW uses 2010 Z4 as art car (of sorts)

BMW uses 2010 Z4 as art car (of sorts) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art carArtCarbmwbmw z4bmw z4 commercialBmwZ4BmwZ4Commercialcommercialconvertiblecoupez4 commercialZ4CommercialFri, 19 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota of Jamaica Camry looks suspiciously like Honda Accord]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/toyota-of-jamaica-camry-looks-suspiciously-like-honda-accord/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/toyota-of-jamaica-camry-looks-suspiciously-like-honda-accord/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/toyota-of-jamaica-camry-looks-suspiciously-like-honda-accord/#commentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Honda, Toyota

If you visit the Toyota Jamaica website and have a look at the box under Toyota cars, you'll see these models listed: Avensis, Camry, Corolla, Yaris. Look at the pictures next to the cars listed, and you'll see an Avensis, an Accord, a Corolla, and a Yaris. That's right -- there's a Honda Accord thumbnail pictured next to the link for the Toyota Camry. According to tipster Michael, it's been that way for more than a year. We can certainly understand the odd spelling error or even the wrong picture... for a little bit. But substituting your bread-and-butter for your direct competitor's bread-and-butter for more than a year? Well, life is indeed relaxed in Jamaica town. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

[Source: Toyota Jamaica via Wheels Jamaica]

Toyota of Jamaica Camry looks suspiciously like Honda Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentadvertisingdealershonda accordHondaAccordJamaicamarketingmistakestoyota camrytoyota jamaicaToyotaCamryToyotaJamaicawebsiteFri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Classified Follies: Reader spots Dodge concept in Avenger ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/classified-follies-reader-spots-dodge-concept-in-avenger-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/classified-follies-reader-spots-dodge-concept-in-avenger-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/classified-follies-reader-spots-dodge-concept-in-avenger-ad/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above for high-res image gallery of the ACTUAL 2003 Dodge Avenger Concept

There's nothing unusual about seeing a product in an advertisement that doesn't look anything like the real thing. Have you ever gotten a Big Mac that looks like the one in commercials? Classified ads for cars are no exception and are usually assembled by low paid copy editors using stock photos.

One of our readers spotted this ad for WestBorn Chrysler in the Detroit Auto Mart. The ad for a 2008 Dodge Avenger features at least two major flaws. The pictured vehicle is a Dodge Avenger of sorts, but is actually the concept version that was unveiled at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show (as seen on the right). The copy editor obviously just took the Chrysler press photo, removed the background and mirrored it without checking whether it was even a production car. Chrysler has also never built an Avenger that gets 36 miles per gallon! If they did, perhaps more customers would willing to overlook its interior. Thanks to Jed for the tip!

Gallery: 2003 Dodge Avenger Concept

Classified Follies: Reader spots Dodge concept in Avenger ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementclassifiedclassifiedsconceptdodge avengerDodgeAvengerinaccuraciesinaccurateinaccurate adsInaccurateAdsNAIASFri, 19 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari F1 going racing with... Tata Motors?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ferrari-f1-going-racing-with-tata-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ferrari-f1-going-racing-with-tata-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ferrari-f1-going-racing-with-tata-motors/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Ferrari, Tata

An historic event will take place at the start of the 2009 Formula 1 season as Italian Ferrari grand prix cars will be emblazoned with the logos of an Indian automaker for the first time ever. Tata Motors, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, has purchased rights to sponsor Ferrari's F1 racing efforts. Details of the duration and the dollar amount have yet to be revealed. This isn't the first time Tata has been involved with F1, however. A few years back, it was a sponsor of both Jordan and Williams' F1 efforts.

The partnership is not as left-field as it might initially seem, as Fiat (which owns the Prancing Horse) has a few joint ventures with the Indian automaker. Ferrari, being a very small manufacturer of roadgoing supercars, requires sponsorships such as this to continue racing in such expensive series as Formula 1. For Tata, placing its corporate logos on Ferrari race cars outwardly associates them with one of the most prestigious marques in the world, a move they doubtlessly see as key in their push to become a global automotive force.

[Source: Times of India]

Ferrari F1 going racing with... Tata Motors? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F-1F1ferrariferrari tataFerrariTataFormula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOnePrancing HorsePrancingHorseRatan TataRatanTatatatatata grouptata motorsTataGroupTataMotorsThu, 18 Dec 2008 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Rhys Millen to perform trophy truck backflip live on New Year's Eve]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/video-rhys-millen-to-perform-trophy-truck-backflip-live-on-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/video-rhys-millen-to-perform-trophy-truck-backflip-live-on-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/video-rhys-millen-to-perform-trophy-truck-backflip-live-on-new/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Click above to watch a video of Rhys Millen preparing for his trophy truck backflip after the jump

We love Red Bull for ~~giving us wings~~ its endless stream of marketing money that supports so many forms of motorsports, although not nearly as much as we admire Rhys Millen for having the testicular fortitude to attempt a backflip in a trophy truck....again. Last year, Millen fractured five vertebrae practicing the very same stunt, although it appears he came away unfazed and is ready to have another go. Understandably, Rhys says he's a "little nervous" about the jump, but that he's ready to jump back in the saddle. The stunt will be shown live on ESPN and ESPN HD on New Year's Eve at 11:00 PM/ET and 8:00 PM/PT along with Robbie Maddison's attempt at a 96 foot vertical jump with a dirt bike. Follow the jump to watch footage of Millen's mishap last year and hear him talk about his upcoming attempt.

[Source: Red Bull USA, YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rhys Millen to perform trophy truck backflip live on New Year's Eve

VIDEO: Rhys Millen to perform trophy truck backflip live on New Year's Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Red BullRed Bull New Year No LimitsRed Bull RacingRedBullRedBullNewYearNoLimitsRedBullRacingRhys MillenRhys Millen backflipRhys Millen RacingRhys Millen trophy truck backflipRhysMillenRhysMillenBackflipRhysMillenRacingRhysMillenTrophyTruckBackflipThu, 18 Dec 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GM strikes out with Yankees, Toyota and Audi trot in from the 'pen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/gm-strikes-out-with-yankees-toyota-and-audi-trot-in-from-the-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/gm-strikes-out-with-yankees-toyota-and-audi-trot-in-from-the-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/gm-strikes-out-with-yankees-toyota-and-audi-trot-in-from-the-p/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, GM, Toyota

When the Yankees move from the House That Ruth Built to the House The Boss Built next April, General Motors won't be part of the migration. In a move that's not particularly surprising, GM has announced that it will not be re-upping with the Yanks as a sponsor for the 2009 season. The Bronx Bombers aren't the only team that GM is severing ties with - the Pittsburgh Pirates' sponsorship also wasn't renewed, and the Associated Press is reporting that another six expiring Major League Baseball team contracts are "under review." We'd expect those to go "poof" as well, as GM looks to find areas where it can quickly and easily trim spending.

As for the Yankees, there's no need to break out the Kleenex for Team Steinbrenner. They are replacing GM as their official automotive sponsor with both Toyota and Audi. Hey, maybe it's time to bring back an old tradition. R8 bullpen car, anyone? Thanks for the tip, Jack!

[Source: AP via ESPN]

GM strikes out with Yankees, Toyota and Audi trot in from the 'pen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm yankeesGmYankeesnew york yankeesNewYorkYankeessponsorshipWed, 17 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/the-world-according-to-lutz-fewer-brands-more-marketing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/the-world-according-to-lutz-fewer-brands-more-marketing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/the-world-according-to-lutz-fewer-brands-more-marketing/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

In a moment that makes us want to put on our most pensive face and say "Yes... that's profound...", Bob Lutz has said "It's really much better to have fewer brands, do it well and then market the hell out of them." Specifically, he's talking about the fact that a car like the Saturn Aura -- Saturn's take on the Chevy Malibu -- hasn't done nearly as well as the Malibu. So far this year the Aura trails the Malibu almost 3-to-1. Why? Because the Malibu got pushed out of the gate with a marketing budget somewhere over the $200 million mark, and the Aura didn't. That is why, according to Lutz, "Three years later, people are still saying 'What's an Aura?'"

We know that GM has the talent to get the job done, but it's this kind of self evident thinking (to us, at least, and not a few of our commentators) that makes us wonder what's been going on in the hallowed halls of the RenCen all this time. GM has said that it might try to rebuild Saturn rather than kill it, but with new spending at Saturn put on hold, if they decide to keep it alive, we sincerely hope they will "market the Hell" out of what they rebuild.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingaurabob lutzBobLutzbudgetschevroletchevrolet malibuChevroletMalibugmmalibumarketingsaturnsaturn auraSaturnAuraTue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST