Autoblog

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Ready for winter?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Humor

Ready for Winter? Click above to watch the video after the break

As someone who happened to have grown up in snowy climes of the Great Lakes States for the first 25 years of life, this author knows exactly how nasty it can be in the morning to walk out of your nice, toasty house on a cold and blustery winter day. It's even worse when you need to drive somewhere and your car is covered in a hard-as-rock coating of ice and snow.

Having since moved to the sunny state of Arizona, however, dealing with the scenario particular situation isn't on this blogger's agenda any time soon.

That said, it is in the forecast for many Autoblog readers, and so we've decided to dig up this oldie-but-a-goody Statoil commercial to get you in the mood. Click past the break to watch the video and check out veryfunnyads.com for more gut-busting ads from around the world.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Ready for winter?

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Ready for winter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST

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

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Listening to Chrysler's long and rambling 2010-2014 Business Plan, it was clear that the company and its dealerships are very much looking forward to finally getting the Fiat 500 in North America. Much like what happened when BMW launched the Mini brand eight-odd years ago, it's hoped that the cute little 500 will attract a whole new customer to the Chrysler fold.

In order to properly court those new ~~wallets~~ buyers, Chrysler plans to open "specific interior showroom branded salons" in select dealerships, mostly in metropolitan areas. A dedicated set of salespeople will be assigned to sell the Fiat 500 in the States... ya know, since they otherwise wouldn't know how to sell the important car to American consumers.

There will also be a full line of accessories made available to customize the new car, which we would expect will include unique color and stripe packages both inside and out along with a slew of optional wheel designs. Whatever, make ours an Abarth and we're good. Expect all of this to take place before the end of 2010 as the Fiat 500 finally starts to show up in those selected dealerships.

Gallery: Fiat 500

Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mini lets artist "Krink" all over its car

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mini

The Krink-ed Mini - Click above for high-res image gallery

New York artist KR begat the artistic style - and ultimately brand and trend - of Krink. Mini, combining its urban credentials with an aesthetic born from Queens graffiti, gave KR a Mini to Krink and put it on display in Hamburg last weekend. In case you didn't know, it is the specific theme of finely dripping paint, especially silver, that is Krink, and it has appeared on Nike and Prada and in the New York Times, among other places.

At this point Mini is getting so post-postmodern cool that pretty soon the brand is going to be able to bottle its own irony and sell it. Follow the jump to read the translated press release, or check out the MiniSpace site, and have a look at the high-res images below.

Gallery: Mini Krink

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini lets artist "Krink" all over its car

Mini lets artist "Krink" all over its car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft teams up with automakers for Windows 7 theme packs

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology

Infiniti Essence concept wallpapers for Windows 7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Microsoft has been in the car business for years, supplying specialized infotainment systems to automakers like Ford and Fiat. But the door swings both ways as a handful of automakers have released special theme packages for the new Windows 7 operating system.

So far Infiniti, Porsche, Ferrari and Ducati have all created custom themes for Windows 7, including desktop wallpapers, slide shows, screen savers and color schemes. Of course, automakers aren't the only companies taking part, with themes also available from Coca-Cola and Pepsi, the upcoming film Avatar, as well as Microsoft's own brands Bing, Gears of War and Zune. Follow the link to check out the growing selection, but unless you've got Windows 7 that's as close as you can get.

[Source: Microsoft]

Microsoft teams up with automakers for Windows 7 theme packs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Hyundai developing competitor for OnStar, Sync... but new system needs a name

Chris Paukert — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of its product and marketing development process, Hyundai has reached out to owners and enthusiasts to create a network of consumers with which to discuss everything from future models and technologies to advertising tactics, polls, and so on.

Autoblog has learned of a communiqué issued to members late last week where Dean Macko, Hyundai's Manager of Brand Strategy, appealed to focus group members to help come up with a name for a new "Advanced Technological System" - a telematics package likened repeatedly to General Motors' OnStar and Ford's Microsoft Sync.

According to Macko, the system Hyundai is pursuing focuses on "four buckets of service": Safety and Security (including theft immobilization and automatic emergency service notification in the event of a crash), Infotainment (wireless connectivity features for telephone, music, etc.), Navigation (like OnStar's turn-by-turn direction service), and Vehicle Diagnostics, a tool for both owners and dealers that could help track the need for maintenance and potentially even notify one's dealer to order parts for a forthcoming repair.

Macko admits Hyundai has come up with a number of possible names on its own, including In Touch, Ring, Fuse and Emerge, but the company is reaching out to its network for suggestions. Calling them "naming experts," Macko indicates that this focus group has already helped come up with titles for future paint colors.

To be clear, in Macko's video message, he only says that Hyundai is "thinking about" introducing such a system - he does not commit to a product, timetable, or price. However, given the tone of his message and the nature of the group that Macko is appealing to, we have to believe that this new technology is just around the corner... perhaps tied to the launch of the Equus luxury sedan?

Hyundai apparently needs these naming suggestions by this Wednesday, November 4, and while most of you probably aren't part of Hyundai's focus group, we know that top company officials trawl these hallowed precincts on a daily basis. Thus, if you have a suggestion of your own, why not drop it in 'Comments' - who knows, they just might pick yours. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus

BREAKING: Hyundai developing competitor for OnStar, Sync... but new system needs a name originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Latest '10 Unleashed winner gets his rally on

Drew Phillips — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

The '10 Unleashed "Mustang Rally" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We don't think of the Ford Mustang as a rally car. In fact, a Mustang doing anything but drag racing doesn't represent its customer base very well, but that doesn't mean we don't like to see it compete in all kinds of motorsports. So who would turn a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang into a rally car? J.B. Niday would. He's the managing director of Rally America, and he unleashed his inner Mustang by pitting his two rally driving friends together for a head-to-head competition.

Using a fairly stock 2010 Ford Mustang GT - only a roll cage, race seats, rally computer, off-road tires, and an HID light bar were added - Mike Hurst and Mark Utecht raced back-to-back over four stages of the Ojibwe Forests Rally in Minnesota, with the winner taking all. And by all, we mean the Mustang. Watch the video after the jump to see who wins.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Latest '10 Unleashed winner gets his rally on

VIDEO: Latest '10 Unleashed winner gets his rally on originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

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

Never judge a ~~book~~ mascot by its cover - Click above to watch the video after the break

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

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

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST

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

1977 Dodge Colt Mileage Maker Coupe - Click above image to watch the video

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:22:00 EST

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

Australian Toyota Prius advertisement - Click above to watch the video after the break

What do you want from me... I've only got two hands?! Wouldn't we all be a bit more productive if we were blessed with another set of upper appendages, complete with opposable thumbs? Toyota apparently thinks so, and the Japanese automotive giant is using the point to prove that two drivetrains are better than one.

Of course, the two drivetrains in question belong to the new 2010 Toyota Prius, which mates an electric motor capable of powering the car by its lonesome (albeit briefly) and a small, efficient gas-burning 1.8-liter four cylinder internal combustion engine in one happy marriage to produce the perfect hybrid. Or something like that.

Click past the break to watch the advertisement for the new 2010 Prius in Australia. Oh, and Vishnu? Click here for an explanation of the title reference. Thanks for the tip, Mark C!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech

VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car.

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Red Bull Racing demonstration in Mumbai, India

[Source: Autosport]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Intel Inside: Audi launching special Forza edition TT?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST

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

Audi TT Forza Motorsport Edition - Click above for image gallery

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

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

Gallery: Audi TT Forza Motorsport Edition

[Source: Gamekaze.pl via rpmgo.com]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW chooses Deutsch LA as its new ad agency

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

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

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

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

[Source: Brandweek]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST

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

1988 Yugo sales video promo -- Click above to watch video

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

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

[Source: Yugo via YouTube]

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mini

Mini Driver vs Non Mini Driver -- Click above to watch video

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

[Source: Mini]

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

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

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Cadillac Notes]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Chris Shunk — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

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

Click above to watch the video after the jump

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

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

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

[Source: YouTube]

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs!

John Neff — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST

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

2010 Volkswagen GTI Mark VI prize car - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

Real Racing GTI App images - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

Gallery: Real Racing GTI App images

Gallery: Volkswagen 2010 GTI Mark VI prize car

[Source: Volkswagen | iTunes link]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevrolet follows Cadillac into the advertising agency review breach

Dan Roth — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST

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

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

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

[Source: Business Week]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Hyundai may extend Assurance program, go after fuel economy crown

Dan Roth — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST

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

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

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

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

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments