Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Michael Schumacher making motorcycle helmets now]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/michael-schumacher-making-motorcycle-helmets-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/michael-schumacher-making-motorcycle-helmets-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/michael-schumacher-making-motorcycle-helmets-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Schuberth Race helmet

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher doesn't seem to have any desire to take it easy after retiring from the pinnacle of motorsports. It turns out that his four-wheeled racing excellence has translated rather nicely to two, and it sounds as if the ex-champ's perfectionist attitude continues on unabated as he now begins designing helmets for Schuberth. The German producer of brain buckets had previously supplied the headgear for Schumacher as he raced in F1 and currently provides the units for Ralf Schumacher, Nick Heidfeld, Felipe Massa, Kimi Räikkönen and Mark Webber. Though no details regarding pricing or availability have been released as of yet, Schuberth assures that its new 'Schuberth Race' helmet is "an extremely lightweight and aerodynamic helmet, filled with numerous technical and safety innovations." From the looks of things, the helmet, with its orange and grey highlights, would be perfect mounted atop a KTM rider's head.

Gallery: Schumacher Schuberth Helmet


[Source: Schuberth]

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]]>ktmmichael schumachermichael-schumacherMichaelSchumacherschuberthschuberth helmetschuberth helmetsschuberth-helmetschuberth-helmetsSchuberthHelmetSchuberthHelmetsschumacher2008-05-12T15:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota responds to Ford's new initial quality ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/toyota-responds-to-fords-new-quality-claims/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/toyota-responds-to-fords-new-quality-claims/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/toyota-responds-to-fords-new-quality-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Anybody who has watched more than 30 minutes of television the past couple weeks has likely seen Ford's new ads claiming that the automaker has caught up to Toyota and Honda with regards to initial quality. Toyota certainly has, and it apparently doesn't like the Blue Oval's boastful tone. On Toyota's Open Road blog, Mike Michels seems taken aback at the claim, stating that the initial quality survey Ford cites was commissioned by the automaker and performed by a third-party company not affiliated with the well-known J.D. Power & Associates. He then spends a few paragraphs discrediting initial quality in the first place, citing J.D. Power figures that show the difference between the best and worst vehicles during the first few months of ownership were a mere .8 problems per vehicle. Of those problems, most of them were customer preferences and not actual issues that needed repair.

While we agree that initial quality is far from the complete quality story, it's incredible that Toyota would discredit a stat that has been a pillar of its own high quality image. The Toyota and Lexus brands have been among the leaders in initial quality for ages, which anyone would say is a result of great design, engineering and manufacturing. But now that other automakers are catching up, it seems Toyota wants to label initial quality as insignificant. Either way, we'll just have to wait another 3-5 years to find out if a Ford Fusion built today holds up as well as a Toyota Camry.

[Source: Toyota]

 

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]]>Fordford quality adsFordQualityAdsInitial qualityInitialQualityJD PowersJdPowersToyotaToyota blogtoyota ford initial qualityToyotaBlogToyotaFordInitialQuality2008-05-12T09:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/sam-hubinette-filming-gallardo-drifting-commercial-for-lamborghi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/sam-hubinette-filming-gallardo-drifting-commercial-for-lamborghi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/sam-hubinette-filming-gallardo-drifting-commercial-for-lamborghi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



He usually spends his time behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger, but recently Samuel Hübinette made an exchange for something with a lower roofline. Lamborghini asked him to take a seat in a 2009 Gallardo for the filming of a European-market commercial set on the streets of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Blowing tire smoke for the camera is nothing new to Sam since his blue Mopar-mobile has been featured in many a BF Goodrich tire commercial. Unlike the Charger though, the Gallardo isn't quite the towering elephant. It is also equipped with all wheel drive, a feature that requires a bit more driving finesse in order to pull off an extended slide. Look for the spot to hit YouTube sometime in the not too distant future. Also follow the link to see a few more of Sam's photos from filming.

Thanks for the tip, Eric!
[Source: Samuel Hubinette Blog]

 

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]]>dodge chargerDodgeChargerdriftinglamborghinilamborghini gallardoLamborghiniGallardosam hubinetteSamHubinette2008-05-10T13:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Fiat 500 billboard in Berlin talks back]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/fiat-500-billboard-in-berlin-talks-back/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/fiat-500-billboard-in-berlin-talks-back/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/fiat-500-billboard-in-berlin-talks-back/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Since its debut last year, the new FIAT 500 has been one of the most talked about small cars in Europe. Now people in Berlin can share their thoughts on the 500 with th everyone in the immediate vicinity. A pair of billboards installed near the former Checkpoint Charlie reflect the words of passers-by. Along with videos and other messages, the 3,100-square foot boards also invite viewers to send a text message to a special number. The messages then scroll across a 65-foot wide ticker on each board. Presumably the messages are moderated in some way (either human or automated) before they appear on the boards, otherwise this PR stunt could get very interesting.

[Source: Fiat]

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]]>checkpoint charliecheckpoint charlie billboardsCheckpointCharlieCheckpointCharlieBillboardsfiat 500Fiat5002008-05-08T19:42:00+00:00<![CDATA[More creative incentives: Buy a VW Routan and get $1,500 for college]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/more-creative-incentives-buy-a-vw-routan-get-1-500-for-colleg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/more-creative-incentives-buy-a-vw-routan-get-1-500-for-colleg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/more-creative-incentives-buy-a-vw-routan-get-1-500-for-colleg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Routan

The new Volkswagen Routan minivan hasn't even gone on sale yet and there is already an incentive on its hood. This one, however, is not your typical cash back deal. Instead, Volkswagen is working under the assumption that the people likely to actually purchase a Routan are those with kids to haul. As such, VW of America is teaming up with Upromise to provide buyers with $1,500 towards a higher education savings plan. Upromise is a company that works with retailers to provide cash back bonuses when one of their registered credit card is used for purchases. Those rebates can then be transferred to a 529 education savings plan. To be eligible for the college bonus, you have to pre-order the Chrysler-built Routan by the end of August and take delivery by the end of November.

Gallery: Volkswagen Routan


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading More creative incentives: Buy a VW Routan and get $1,500 for college

 

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]]>upromisevolkswagenvolkswagen routanvolkswagen sciroccoVolkswagenRoutanVolkswagenSciroccovolkwagenvw routanvw-routanVwRoutan2008-05-08T11:14:00+00:00<![CDATA[GT Academy competition to put GT5 Prologue player in real race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/gt-academy-competition-to-put-gt5-prologue-player-in-real-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/gt-academy-competition-to-put-gt5-prologue-player-in-real-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/gt-academy-competition-to-put-gt5-prologue-player-in-real-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



This is either the stupidest idea ever or the most brilliant co-promotion for two brands in the history of mankind. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, the distributor of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue across the pond, and Nissan are joining forces to host a competition that could place a really good gamer behind the seat of a real Nissan 350Z at a very real 24-hour endurance race in Dubai. The competition is called GT Academy, and the first round will be an online GT5 Prologue tournament hosted on the PLAYSTATION Network (for Europeans only, we presume). Based on the picture provided, it appears that entrants will be racing a Nissan GT-R in a special livery when the competition begins later this month. The rest of the competition will span some eight months, at the end of which the winner will receive a four-month training program to earn actual racing licenses. With his or her newfound knowledge of real physics and how actual damage occurs, the winner will then be given a stint behind the wheel of a Nissan 350Z in the 24-hour endurance race in Dubai.

Based on the press release after the jump, we're a little unclear exactly how GT Academy will whittle down all of these entrants over eight months or how much driving the winner will actually be doing in Dubai. Having raced GT5 Prologue online using the PLAYSTATION Network, we can't imagine qualifying is going to be a pretty sight. There are always plenty of jerks willing to brake late in a corner and buddy bump you into the wall regardless of the game's imposed penalties, especially if they know that seat time in a real 350Z is beyond their own reach.

[Source: Nissan, SCEE]

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]]>gran turismo 5 prologueGranTurismo5Prologuegt academyGtAcademynissan gran turismo 5 prologuenissan gt5 prologuenissan playstationnissan playstation3nissan sonyNissanGranTurismo5PrologueNissanGt5PrologueNissanPlaystationNissanPlaystation3NissanSony2008-05-06T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler to guarantee gas at $2.99 a gallon! For three years!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/chrysler-to-guarantee-gas-at-2-99-a-gallon-for-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/chrysler-to-guarantee-gas-at-2-99-a-gallon-for-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/chrysler-to-guarantee-gas-at-2-99-a-gallon-for-three-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Who needs an 18-cent a gallon gas tax holiday from pandering politicians when you have Chrysler on your side?! With gas prices rapidly approaching and exceeding $4 a gallon across the nation, Chrysler is offering up a deal that just might make people who are averse to the looks of cars like the Chrysler Sebring and Jeep Compass think twice. Between now and June 2, anyone who buys any new Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle will be able to register for a "Let's Refuel America" card. Once the customer registers a credit card with the program, they will receive a new card that they can then use at participating gas stations to fuel up their new car or truck. When the card is used, the credit card that the owner has on file will be billed $2.99 a gallon for either regular gas, E85 or diesel fuel. Chrysler will pay the difference. The best part is the price is locked in for THREE years. Now that's real savings. There are of course limitations on the deal. Get more details on the deal and Chrysler's full press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

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]]>2.99 a gallon2.99-a-gallon2.99AGallonchrysler incentivesChryslerIncentivesgas price guaranteeGasPriceGuarantee2008-05-05T19:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Get 'em while they're not hot! Dodge Rams going for $13k below MSRP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/get-em-while-theyre-not-hot-dodge-rams-going-for-13k-below-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/get-em-while-theyre-not-hot-dodge-rams-going-for-13k-below-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/get-em-while-theyre-not-hot-dodge-rams-going-for-13k-below-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A tight credit market, slumping construction, an economy on bed rest, an end-of-model year, and high gas prices mean one thing for pickup trucks: lots of brand new trucks waiting for buyers. Dealers trying to shift their 2008 Dodge Rams before the 2009s arrive are taking as much as $13,000 off the bill to try and convince buyers to come forth. That means you can get a Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT 4x2 for $19,995, instead of $32,795.

With consumers being more picky about what and when they buy, it also doesn't help that dealers really don't want trade-in trucks either, since they can't do anything with them. What Dodge dealers hope for now is that Chrysler will manage the build-out of the 2009 models to give them a chance to get rid of the 2008s. Chrysler says it has a plan that will keep it competitive and keep the changeover orderly. For now, the Ram is the most heavily discounted vehicle out there.

For a dealer in Ohio, the matter of 120-day inventories really comes down to gas prices. "Until we get gas under three bucks a gallon," he said, "these pickups are not going to move." We're sure that no one wants that to be true, because if it is, there will be brand new 2008 Rams on showroom lots for a long time.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

 

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]]>2008 dodge ram2008DodgeRam2009 dodge ram2009DodgeRamdealer inventorydealer stockDealerInventoryDealerStockdodgedodge ramDodgeRamincentivespickup truck salesPickupTruckSalessalestruck salesTruckSales2008-05-05T10:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ian Beavis makes a post-Kia landing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/ian-beavis-makes-a-post-kia-landing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/ian-beavis-makes-a-post-kia-landing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/ian-beavis-makes-a-post-kia-landing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This past February, just when it appeared that Kia had found its advertising footing, marketing VP Ian Beavis cleaned out his desk and followed Kia Motors America CEO Len Hunt out the door. Post-exodus, Beavis has landed at Carat, an advertising concern that's part of the Aegis Group. The 54-year-old Beavis will fill the role of Executive Vice President for global client direction for Carat, and his past experience inside automakers such as Toyota, Ford, and Mitsubishi as well as time spent in high-powered agencies such as Foote, Cone & Belding, and Saatchi & Saatchi have led to glowing statements from higher-ups at the new digs. Carat does have some automotive clients among its customer ranks, and as marketing efforts continue to evolve, the firm's grasp of media's push beyond the traditional means of messaging should stand it in good stead. We hear Kia could use a witty campaign that gets people talking...

[Source: Advertising Age]



 

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]]>advertisingian beavisIanBeaviskiakia advertisingkia motorsKiaAdvertisingKiaMotorslen huntLenHunt2008-05-03T13:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Harley-Davidson gets into product placement in new Indiana Jones flick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/harley-davidson-gets-into-product-placement-in-new-indiana-jones/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/harley-davidson-gets-into-product-placement-in-new-indiana-jones/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/harley-davidson-gets-into-product-placement-in-new-indiana-jones/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image for more shots of Indiana's Harley-Davidson

It seems that the marketing folks at Harley-Davidson have managed to get a bit of product placement for themselves, following the likes of Audi with Iron Man, Volkswagen with The Bourne Ultimatum and GM with Transformers. The new Indiana Jones movie, titled 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull' features both Harrison Ford and Shia The Le Beouf riding what appears at first glance to be an old Harley. Upon closer inspection, the bike is actually a new model, complete with fuel injection and Harley's new six-speed transmission. The movie-crew manages to make the bike look much older by using parts from older machines, such as the old Sportster tank and pre-war "beehive" tail light. Look real close and you may even notice the fake kick-starter which must just be welded to the frame.

As a celebration of the upcoming movie's use of the bike, every Harley dealership will reportedly get the chance to order 30 pairs of free tickets to the movie to be given away as a promotion to customers.

Gallery: Indiana Jones Harley Springer


[Source: Cyril Huze Blog, Harrison Ford Web]

 

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]]>harleyharley davidsonharley-davidsonharley-davidson hogHarley-davidsonHogHarleyDavidsonindiana jonesindiana jones 4indiana jones and th...indiana jones ivindiana-jonesIndianaJonesIndianaJones4IndianaJonesAndTh...IndianaJonesIv2008-04-30T09:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[U.S. Navy wants you... to join the Dale Jr. Division]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/u-s-navy-wants-you-to-join-the-dale-jr-division/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/u-s-navy-wants-you-to-join-the-dale-jr-division/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/u-s-navy-wants-you-to-join-the-dale-jr-division/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image to enlarge

 The U.S. Navy and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are partnering on a national recruiting program that'll officially kick off when Junior pilots the above #83 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race on May 24. On that very same day, prospective sailors will also be able to visit their local recruiting stations and sign up to be a part of the new "Dale Jr. Division" being formed at the Navy's Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. We are not making any of this up.

This new boot camp division is limited to 88 slots, a nod to the number worn by Dale Jr.'s NASCAR Sprint Cup ride. The Navy will support the new recruiting effort with a full media offensive, and Earnhardt Jr. will be on hand to christen his namesake division when its recruits report in August. Junior will also make a return trip to visit the group when it completes the basic training course. We eagerly await the logical next step in this high-profile partnership with Dale Jr. -- a Navy announcement that funding for a high-banked oval at Great Lakes has been approved.

[Source: Navy NewsStand]

 

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]]>dale earnhardt jrdale earnhardt jr.dale jrdale jr.dale jr. divisionDaleEarnhardtJrDaleEarnhardtJr.DaleJrDaleJr.DaleJr.Divisionnational recruiting programNationalRecruitingProgramnavy recruitingNavyRecruitingrecruit training commandRecruitTrainingCommandu.s. navyU.s.Navyus navyUsNavy2008-04-29T08:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM appoints four "brand czars" as part of realignment plan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/gm-appoints-four-brand-czars-as-part-of-realignment-plan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/gm-appoints-four-brand-czars-as-part-of-realignment-plan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/gm-appoints-four-brand-czars-as-part-of-realignment-plan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

General Motors is on a campaign to streamline and cut through red tape, and to that end is changing the management structure of its brands. As of June 1, GM is establishing four new "brand czars" who will have increased control over their products and be responsible for their divisions' successes and failures. Pontiac-Buick-GMC, Cadillac-HUMMER-Saab, Chevrolet and Saturn will each be accountable to a new brand chief, who in turn will report to the corporate VP of sales, service and marketing. The positions, which will all be vice-president-level appointments (except for Saturn, whose brand czar will coordinate with Opel), will have increased input into the overall process from product development through sales.

The new brand czars will replace the five regional general managers that have acted until now as an insulator between the brands and its dealers. Insiders are hailing the move as a positive step, helping General Motors to streamline its bureaucracy.

[Source: Advertising Age]

 

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]]>cadillac hummer saabCadillacHummerSaabchevroletgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgm brand czarsGmBrandCzarspontiac buick gmcPontiacBuickGmcsaturnsaturn opel vauxhallSaturnOpelVauxhall2008-04-29T08:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW X6 ad campaign pitches to Wall Street with hologram tours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/bmw-x6-ad-campaign-pitches-to-wall-street-with-hologram-tours/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/bmw-x6-ad-campaign-pitches-to-wall-street-with-hologram-tours/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/bmw-x6-ad-campaign-pitches-to-wall-street-with-hologram-tours/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW X6.

BMW is marketing the X6 as an entirely new class of vehicle. As such, it's trying to catch people's attention in a revolutionary way. Utilizing hologram technology developed by the Dutch advertising firm, viZoo, a ten-foot long light-controlled area, the system will display a three-dimensional, interactive image of the X6 at four different locations in New York between April 21st and May 16th. The system is manipulated through a touch-screen mounted outside the display and allows participants to view the X6 from a variety of angles, check out the interior and get a run-down on the vehicle's stats. Unfortunately, BMW hasn't released any images or video of the X6 hologram in action, but you can read up on all the details in the press release posted below the fold.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW X6


Gallery: BMW X6



[Source: BMW]

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]]>bmwbmw x6 hologramBmwX6Hologramhologramx62008-04-28T17:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the new Nissan Qashqai ad.

After Nissan scored creative points with its last Qashqai spot showing the 'lil CUV taking to the half pipe and performing skateboard stunts that would make Rodney Mullen's head spin, its now released a new campaign that involves - God help us - a driving dog, a Thai musical stunt team and a flaming hoop. The ad is part of Nissan's newest viral campaign that will highlight four amateur performance groups - the first from Thailand, followed by teams of Flemish, Polish and African descent - on the blog.spannerleague.com website. Look for new videos to pop up each month, but without further ado, hit the jump to watch man's best friend risk life and four limbs along with his band of (obviously fake) Thai musicians.

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand

 

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]]>dogflaming hoopFlamingHoopnissannissan qashqaiNissanQashqaiqashqaiviral adViralAd2008-04-28T15:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundai i10 Ice Cream van hits sweet spot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/hyundai-i10-ice-cream-van-hits-sweet-spot/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/hyundai-i10-ice-cream-van-hits-sweet-spot/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/hyundai-i10-ice-cream-van-hits-sweet-spot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Click to view more of the Hyundai i10 ice cream van

We can come up with all manner of criteria for evaluating a car at any level: design, performance, spec sheet, ride, features, technology, value... but the one factor that trumps all others, what it all really comes down to, is how it appeals to our inner child. At the heart of it, that's why we love Lamborghinis and HUMMERs and Mustangs... and this particular Hyundai i10. It's just a treat.

The ice-cream van conversion wasn't made for Good Humor, although it certainly put us in that state of mind. It was created as a promotional tool for the British launch of the i10 by auto innovator Andy Saunders, the same guy who gave us the neo-Picasso Citroen 2CV and the ground-hugging Fiat 126, among others. While the Poole, England-based customizer has come up with many creative designs before, we doubt any of them would get children running after it down the street like the Pied Piper. Have a look at the images in the gallery below and pick out something delicious on us.

Gallery: Hyundai i10 ice cream van


[Source: theCarfanatic.com and AutoTrader.co.uk]

 

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]]>good humorGoodHumorhyundai i10hyundai i10 ice cream truckhyundai i10 ice cream vanhyundai ice cream vanHyundaiI10HyundaiI10IceCreamTruckHyundaiI10IceCreamVanHyundaiIceCreamVanice cream truckice cream vanIceCreamTruckIceCreamVan2008-04-28T15:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[What really makes a Subaru a Subaru? Love?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/what-really-makes-a-subaru-a-subaru-love/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/what-really-makes-a-subaru-a-subaru-love/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/what-really-makes-a-subaru-a-subaru-love/#commentsFiled under: ,



Thanks to Subaru's newest marketing campaign, we finally know what really makes a Subaru a Subaru. Love. Really? Allow Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer for Subaru of America, to explain, "Love is the most powerful emotion and 'I love my Subaru' is the most used phrase I hear about our brand. We wanted to show the bond between Subaru owners and their cars through this work."

While it seems that current owners may love their cars, Subaru's research into the subject shows that the majority of the population have no strong feelings toward the brand at all. Past Subaru ads have communicated the rational reasons for purchasing a Subaru, but the marketing team now intends to key in on three specific subjects: the heart, the brain and the wallet, highlighting all of the considerations of a consumer looking for a new car. Will the new advertisements resonate with consumers? Dunno, but we do know that while we love ourselves some STI, there isn't much else that Subaru has to offer which make our hearts race.

[Source: Subaru]

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]]>lovesubarusubaru adsubaru advertisingsubaru wrxsubaru wrx stisubaru wrxstisubaru-adsubaru-advertisingsubaru-wrxsubaru-wrx-stiSubaruAdSubaruAdvertisingSubaruWrxSubaruWrxSti2008-04-25T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Race Driver: Grid to feature eBay Motors marketplace in-game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/race-driver-grid-to-feature-ebay-motors-marketplace-in-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/race-driver-grid-to-feature-ebay-motors-marketplace-in-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/race-driver-grid-to-feature-ebay-motors-marketplace-in-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Advertising has been creeping into video games for a while now, but in most racing games is relegated to billboards that we hardly notice while whizzing by and concentrating on our line for the next turn. Codemasters, however, is working with in-game ad firm Engage to take video game advertising to a new level by including a fully functioning eBay Motors marketplace in the developer's next racing title, Race Driver: Grid. Players in the game will actually buy and sell in-game vehicles using the eBay Motors service just like they would in real life. eBay Motors will also get a title race in the game called "The eBay Motors Mustang Muscle Series" in which they can drive the eBay Motors Mustang GTR concept car in San Francisco, Long Beach, Washington D.C. and Detroit. This type of next-gen in-game advertising should work well within the confines of Grid, since eBay Motors is widely visited and used by the type of person who might pick up the game.

[Source: Joystiq]

 

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]]>codemastersebay motorsEbayMotorsgridrace driver gridracedriver gridRacedriverGridvideo gameVideoGame2008-04-23T15:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Gas buyers favor brand, not price]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/gas-buyers-favor-brand-not-price/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/gas-buyers-favor-brand-not-price/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/gas-buyers-favor-brand-not-price/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Oil company advertising is apparently much more effective than we had originally thought. As gasoline prices creep up towards $4.00 per gallon (already there in Southern California), consumers are still more likely to purchase fuel based on brand over price.

According to NPD Group analyst David Portalatin, consumers cite "product performance" as their justification for buying one particular brand over another. It's all due to very effective branding and marketing, cites Portalatin. (We'd have to agree, as we've yet to meet anyone who can discern a difference between a tank of Chevron or Costco fuel from the driver's seat.) Now that the massive oil mergers are behind them, the petroleum giants are focusing on selling "quality" to differentiate themselves from the discount fuel stations. As consumers continue to blindly drive towards big brand gasoline, their efforts are apparently working -- regardless of cost. Let's just hope Starbucks doesn't catch wind of this trend and try a new source of revenue...

[Source Advertising Age, Photo by David McNew, Getty Images]

 

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]]>ChevronCostExpensiveFuelGasolineOil CompaniesOilCompaniesPricesShellUnocal2008-04-22T10:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Scion's interacitve advertisement causes passers-by to flail]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/scions-interacitve-advertisement-causes-passers-by-to-fl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/scions-interacitve-advertisement-causes-passers-by-to-fl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/scions-interacitve-advertisement-causes-passers-by-to-fl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view video after jump

While the Scion tC Release Series 4.0 is little more than a body-kit and a paint job for a sporty two-door in need of a redesign, we imagine that a few more of them could move off the lots with cool advertising like you see in the video pasted after the break. This type of interactive advertising is pretty cool, in a Minority Report sort-of-way. If we are going to be continually bombarded with billboards, they may as well be cool to look at and interactive. From the looks of things, the game-like display that Scion and InWindow teamed up to create is rather attention grabbing. Click after the jump to view for yourself.

[Source: Youtube via Engadget]

Continue reading VIDEO: Scion's interacitve advertisement causes passers-by to flail

 

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]]>interactive adsinteractive advertis...interactive-adsinteractive-advertisingInteractiveAdsInteractiveAdvertis...scionscion adsscion advertisingscion tcscion tc release 4.0scion tc release ser...scion tc series 4.0scion-adsscion-advertisingscion-tcscion-tc-release-series-4.0ScionAdsScionAdvertisingScionTcScionTcRelease4.0ScionTcReleaseSer...ScionTcSeries4.02008-04-18T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Saturn officially hip, launches blog and social networking site]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/saturn-officially-hip-launches-blog-and-social-networking-site/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/saturn-officially-hip-launches-blog-and-social-networking-site/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/saturn-officially-hip-launches-blog-and-social-networking-site/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GM is working hard to ensure that its newest automotive division, Saturn, is considered cool, hip and edgy. In this day and age, that means the interwebs, specifically a blog and social networking site. According to a post by Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak on GM's FastLane blog, www.ImSaturn.com will feature news about Saturn along with photos and videos you haven't seen anywhere else. Like other social networking sites, you can join in on the fun by starting or joining groups where people with like-interests gather together and talk. The first 400 members get a free t-shirt, but if you want one you'd better hurry 'cause there are already 300-plus members.

What uber-hip marketing strategy would be complete without internet speak? Saturn's got that covered too. I M Saturn and U R 2!

[Source: I M Saturn]

 

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]]>i m saturnIMSaturnsaturnsaturn astrasaturn aurasaturn blogsaturn ionsaturn networksaturn outlooksaturn ownerssaturn skysaturn vuesaturn-blogsaturn-networksaturn-ownersSaturnAstraSaturnAuraSaturnBlogSaturnIonSaturnNetworkSaturnOutlookSaturnOwnersSaturnSkySaturnVue2008-04-17T16:35:00+00:00