Autoblog

Ducati ads defy all logic

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Motorcycle, South America

It appears that Ducati riders in Ecuador respond to different stimuli than riders in North America. This shouldn't exactly come as a surprise - we're used to 'Ooooooh'-ing at primetime commercials from other lands that could barely get past Cinemax censors here. In the case of four Ducati ads from the Italian firm's Ecuadorian agency, though, the response might less "Ooooh" and more, "Oh."

The four single panels are apparently from April 2011, and in just two lines and a simple drawing present four hypothetical people, their intriguing powers, and their brand of bike. When it was thought that these were Ducati North America efforts, the local HQ disavowed them and said they might be spec creative. But it turns out they're real ads, and a few clicks on Uncle Google reveals that some folks like them.

Check them out in the gallery and see what you think - good for us, or best for others?

Ducati ads defy all logic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab plans ad agency review as Colleran resigns

Zach Bowman — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Saab

In an attempt to accelerate its very sluggish sales volumes, Saab is planning to review the company's ad agency in the spring, according to Automotive News. The report notes that the automaker changed its European ad agency last year, and that with the recent departure of Mike Colleran as the company's COO earlier this month, there's a good chance that the Swedish automaker will be looking for fresh ideas on the advertising front. Former Volkswagen guru Matthias Seidl has taken over COO duties for the time being.

While speaking with AN at this year's Detroit Auto Show, Knut Simonson, head of global marketing for Saab, said that his company would review McCann Erickson this spring. The ad agency has held onto the Saab account since 2007, though after last year's dismal sales outcome, Saab is likely looking for new ways to breathe life into the company's American presence.

[Sources: Automotive News - Sub. Req., Saabs United]

Report: Saab plans ad agency review as Colleran resigns originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats?

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Smart, Humor

Smart ForTwo preys on your back-seat fears - Click above for video after the jump

Are you afraid of getting into your car late at night, only to look in the rearview mirror and see a face staring back at you that isn't yours? Don't lie - we all have those random, irrational fears which are all but unfounded. Capitalizing on just such a fear, Daimler's Smart produced a commercial which preyed on those fears and closed with a clever tagline espousing the fact that Smart ForTwos don't have a back seat.

The ad was a huge hit in Germany, where it was originally slated to run during the trailers in movie theaters. It garnered such approval that it eventually made its way into television spots throughout Europe and has now ended up on Youtube as a "banned" ad. As we understand it, though, the ad wasn't banned, it just never aired in the States. The 'banned" moniker should help it earn some views, but the commercial is good enough on its own to warrant viewing.

See for yourself after you turn on the lights, check behind you and make the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats?

Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BFGoodrich takes body modification to a new level

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST

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

BFGoodrich gets sticky - Click above to watch video after the jump

We don't exactly envy the ad gurus charged with marketing tires. While a new set of sticky rubber may get our imaginations fired up in a hurry, the rest of the motoring public could typically care less about compounds, tread blocks and treadwear ratings. Despite being one of the most important components of any vehicle, tires just don't get the love or attention they deserve. That sort of apathy is exactly why most tire manufacturers are forced to get creative when it comes to rolling out new ad campaigns.

BFGoodrich is attempting to fire up some sales with its new Bolt On campaign. Instead of blathering on about stopping distances or cornering ability, the company has gone through the trouble of attempting to demonstrate just how big of an impact a new set of tires can make for a vehicle by using body modification as a metaphor. Trippy. Hit the jump to see the first of a series of ads as well as a behind the scenes look at the making of the spots.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BFGoodrich takes body modification to a new level

Video: BFGoodrich takes body modification to a new level originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bucking the Trend: Automaker ad spending reportedly up in magazines

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Earnings/Financials

Here's a sign that things are possibly turning around in the automotive industry - Advertising Age is reporting that the total number of ad pages bought by automotive advertisers went up over the past year. First quarter numbers for American magazines went up compared with the first quarter of 2009, according to a report by the Publishers Information Bureau. This represents the first time that both of those numbers has gone up since 2007.

Back in February, the Media Industry Newsletter reported that although it was the smallest drop during nine consecutive quarters of decline, there was a 5.7-percent dip in ad pages compared to 2009 figures. The Publishers Information Bureau shows an even bleaker picture, with a reported decline of 9.4 percent from the first quarter of 2009. And lest we forget, the first quarter of 2009 was already pretty dismal, with drops of more than 25 percent over 2008 numbers. Still, the automotive sector is apparently stronger than several others, at least as far as magazine ad pages go.

Although Advertising Age says that financial, insurance and real estate figures have actually increased by 11.3 percent, with toiletries and cosmetics going up by 7.6 percent, the auto sector is still better off than several others. Apparel and accessories were down 15.7 percent, drugs and remedies dropped 15.6 percent, technology dipped 14.7 percent, media and advertising declined by 13 percent, as did public transportation, hotels and resorts.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Bucking the Trend: Automaker ad spending reportedly up in magazines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Local Aussie authority using profanity to keep teen drivers in line

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos, Australia, Humor

VicRoads is reaching out to teens - follow the jump for the videos

Like it or not, we were all teenagers at one point or another. Which means we all did our very best to endanger the life and limb of everyone around us on the road. Mix a healthy dose of hormones with an unfiltered belief in one's own invincibility, and suddenly you've got the perfect concoction for highway hell-raising.

These days, we've even thrown in a healthy dash of technology to add a little distraction to the mix. To help teens develop good driving habits, VicRoads (Victoria's highway department) in Australia have rolled out a new ad campaign, complete with profanity-laced pleas for teens to be more attentive behind the wheel ("Don't be a d*ckhead!", etc.). Hit the jump for a look, but be warned, the language may be a little NSFW. Hat tip to Igor!

[Sources: Mumbrella, VicRoads]

Continue reading Video: Local Aussie authority using profanity to keep teen drivers in line

Video: Local Aussie authority using profanity to keep teen drivers in line originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Garage door company latest to take advantage of Toyota in tasteless way

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Toyota

Dansk Port Teknik garage door ad - Click above to enlarge

Talk about kicking Toyota when it's down. We've seen automakers like General Motors, Ford and Hyundai offering special incentives aimed at getting Toyota owners out of their cars and into different ones, but this latest bit of marketing from Danish garage door manufacturer Dansk Port Teknik takes things just a bit too far.

We understand that JWT, the agency behind this ad, is looking to get a laugh at Toyota's expense, but when that joke involves something as serious as a safety recall, it's not exactly the most appropriate way to earn DPT a few extra bucks. We can't say for sure what sort of circulation this ad spot is getting in print publications, but regardless, we're not laughing. Click the lead image to see a high-res shot of this ad.

[Source: Copyranter via The Car Connection]

Garage door company latest to take advantage of Toyota in tasteless way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Cadillac, GM

Click above to view Modernista's Cadillac commercials after the jump

It was three years ago that Cadillac switched to ad agency Modernista!, and one year leater it rolled out its "Life. Liberty. And the Pursuit." campaign. In a four-sentence statement put out by Cadillac General Manager Bryan Nesbitt, the brand is looking for a new agency and Modernista! "has elected not to participate" in the search.

There have been various reasons given for the split. An agency rep said it was down to "creative and strategic differences." Another report said it was about fees and Cadillac not being able to stick with a small independent, versus going with a shop under the same corporate umbrella as GM's other ad agencies. And Fritz Henderson said "We think we can do better."

Cadillac did well enough with the Kate Walsh ads, and its Reignition spot created the kind of anticipation the brand sorely needs. We look forward to seeing what kind of "better" Henderson and Lutz have in mind. In the meantime, follow the jump to check out some memorable Caddy ads from Modernista and a spot from the campaign before, "Breakthrough."

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors

Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What is 230? GM knows, but isn't saying...

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, GM

The graphic above has been appearing all over the place -- television, billboards, elevators, baseball games, even people's shirts. It has a blog, Flickr and Facebook pages, and a YouTube channel. What it doesn't have is an explanation. Ad Age lined up the perps behind the online assets and discovered they all have a GM connection, and GM has a news conference scheduled for August 11.

The question is what that news conference will be about and how will the number 230 factor into it? Guesses so far range from the Buick PHEV announced yesterday (doubtful) to the Chevy Volt's mpg number (uhh, no) to, oddly enough, the Aptera. Feel free to add your own guess to the mix in the comments below... or to wait until next Tuesday for the 230 wizard to speak.

[Source: Ad Age]

What is 230? GM knows, but isn't saying... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lays out his strategy for GM advertising: "Memorable," "clever," "viral" [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, GM

Click above to watch Kate Walsh talk up the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon after the jump

So we knew that Bob Lutz didn't like the course General Motors commercials were taking - but no one knew what he did like. Now that he's back from vacation in the Caribbean, he's laid out what he has enjoyed: popular YouTube vids like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 lapping the 'Ring, the Kate Walsh Cadillac ads, and a Howie Long Total Confidence commercial.

Sure, Lutz's plan for ads sounds a lot like the Standard Operating Practices of old GM. However, Cadillac did good business with the Kate Walsh ads, the ZR1's 'Ring showing meant you could put "Corvette" and "supercar performance" in the same sentence. And while we sometimes find the Long ads a tad facile, they state their cases plainly. If Lutz can do what those three commercials did - but do so for each of the portfolio's entire brands intentionally and over time, he'll have done something monumental.

To do that, Lutz says he is revamping and taking control of just about everything: bringing designers in on the ad planning and going to product-driven advertising, changing how GM works with its agencies and giving agencies clearer directives, holding weekly meetings with brand executives, and even making sure all the ad photography is flattering to the car. Will these changes be enough? Check out the one of Lutz's favorite new ads after the jump, then leave your fellow reader a line in 'Comments' with your best guess as to GM's chance for advertising success.

[Sources: Automotive News, sub req'd; General Motors]

Continue reading Lutz lays out his strategy for GM advertising: "Memorable," "clever," "viral" [w/VIDEO]

Lutz lays out his strategy for GM advertising: "Memorable," "clever," "viral" [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Camaro TV spots through the years -- some more bitchin' than others

Alex Nunez — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Well, all the Camaro buildup is finally set to amount to something this Monday, when the real, final car is unveiled. Frankly, it was getting anti-climactic before the official photos leaked onto the web on Friday afternoon, but we'll look forward to hopefully seeing the SS car in the metal. That one's been conspicuously absent from all the photos that crammed the internet as soon as the dam burst. Anyway, whether you go for an RS with that punchy DI V6, or the SS with its LS3 power, chances are you'll be a happy camper.

So, to celebrate, we've gone and collected all the Camaro television commercials (and one 1980s promo video) we could find and packed them up into our handy new video player. When you're done watching one, pick another from the scrolling list under the main window and enjoy. We don't know how Chevy's gonna market the new car, but we're hoping for something more in line with the cool and dramatic 'Volcano" spot for the first-gen. It's a nostalgia overload, from the '70 "Super Hugger" spots to the cringe-fest 80s-era ads, right up to the 90s cars that spelled the end of the line. Until now.

Now, please excuse us while we hit the weekend classified pages. We've got a sudden craving for some IROC-Z garage candy. After all, this mid-summer weather is just perfect for T-Tops.

VIDEO: Camaro TV spots through the years -- some more bitchin' than others originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next generation of in-car tech may be sponsored by advertisers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Marketing/Advertising, Technology

Not surprisingly, young car buyers want their new cars filled with as much technology as possible. Specifically, navigation systems and in-car telematics like Ford's SYNC and General Motors' OnStar are highly desirable among 16-24 year-old car buyers. As it turns out, though, it is that same demographic that is least willing to pay for these features. So, what's the solution? Advertising. As we've noted before, the chances seem good that at some point in the not-too-distant future, our navigation screens will show us local spots with preference given to those establishments that have paid for placement.

Not everyone is likely to be happy about this trend. Besides the irritation of a constant barrage of advertisements, there is also a danger in letting your car know too much about you. If your vehicle were to track your movements, or even purchases made from inside your vehicle, that information could be made available to other organizations. Those concerned that "Big Brother" is watching them may not want features like this keeping their eyes on our driving habits. On the flip side, this knowledge could make for advertisements in which we're truly interested. And, would it be so bad if your car alerted you to an upcoming speed trap? Just so long as it's not installed in a certain Plymouth Fury from '58...

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Next generation of in-car tech may be sponsored by advertisers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parking stripe ads assault the senses from beneath your feet

John Neff — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising

My father used to stripe parking lots as a side business, and while still with us, he will nonetheless find a grave, hop in it, and roll over after learning that his beloved lines are now being taped over with advertisements. Parking Stripe Advertising, a three years young agency from Colorado, is responsible for this scheme that covers those long yellow and white lines with a heavy-duty tape bearing promotional ads. The advertisements themselves cost about $40 per stripe and are made using a heavy-duty tape that's recyclable with adhesive that breaks down over time.

A current promotion advertising the return of ABC's Desperate Housewives is running concurrently in California and New York, and it appears to be a hit with the parking crowd, though store owners have reported a few complaints. Otherwise, consumers and advertising analysts alike think the idea is brilliant for the way it captures one's attention in a new and unique way.

[Source: Daily News via Kickingtires.com]

Continue reading Parking stripe ads assault the senses from beneath your feet

Parking stripe ads assault the senses from beneath your feet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler debuts childish new ad campaign

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST

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

Cerberus and Chrysler are now officially linked, and to celebrate, the privately-owned automaker is kicking off a new ad campaign titled "Get ready for the next 100 years." The ads will showcase Chrysler's many accomplishments of the past while illustrating why the company will be part of the many generations to come. The folks from Auburn Hills are going all-out, including print and radio spots across the nation.

The Pentastar got creative with its print campaign, and it's dragging out the kiddies to get our attention. The ad shows three children in car seats, each dressed in clothes that illustrate what each brand is about. The Dodge kid is great, race helmet and all (too bad you can't put a car seat in a Viper). The Jeep kid is sitting in a camo'd car seat, which fits the off-road brand perfectly. The little girl in the Chrysler kiddie seat is a little less obvious, but we're guessing she stands for class and refinement. The point of the spot is to show how Chrysler is looking towards future generations of customers. Who knows, maybe these kids will wind up driving an all-electric Charger someday. Hopefully the Chrysler interiors are better by then, too.

[Source: Chrysler]

Chrysler debuts childish new ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep comes up with new tagline: "Have fun out there"

Dan Roth — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Jeep

It's no newsflash that Jeeps are fun, and that's the new angle the brand is taking to move iron at a pace faster than crawling the Rubicon. Jeep's most recent figures show a 15-percent gain in June from last year, so it's not like they're sitting on their thumbs, but Jeep's been listening to feedback from their often-rabid owner base, and the new tag line will read thusly: "Have fun out there. Jeep." Previous advertising campaigns have pointed up the exclusive club you join by being a Jeeper. "There's Only One," and "Only In A Jeep" send the message that Jeeps can do things that no other vehicle can do (besides, perhaps, Land Rovers, Hummer H1s, maybe even a gingerly piloted H2.) We tend to agree that no other vehicle offers the capability of a Wrangler for the money, nor the vast and supportive owner and fan base. Never before has Jeep offered so many models at one time than now, with their seven different flavors. There's the format that started it all, in the form of the Wrangler, and the line has been fleshed out to include larger and more luxurious models as well as smaller entry-level Jeeps.

Continue reading Jeep comes up with new tagline: "Have fun out there"

Jeep comes up with new tagline: "Have fun out there" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toledo cops begin selling ads on police cruisers

Dan Roth — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Dodge

"This citation has ben brought to you by _________, for all your _________ needs. Thanks for using the Toledo PD, please drive safely and have a nice day."

The Toledo, Ohio police department needs to replace about 100 of its 140-car fleet at a time when money's tight. When budget deficits are forecast, getting funds can be a challenge, and that's what led the Toldeo department to offer cruiser sponsorships. In exchange for $15,000, the cars will have a 3 by 1 foot ad placed on the rear quarter panels. Four businesses have signed on so far, which means that two cars have been paid for. Toledo PD Chief Mike Navarre has received more negative feedback than good comments, but the bottom line is that it's going to offset the considerable annual cost of replacing all those cars. The influx of cash means the fleet gets replenished sooner while still leaving money for the many other things a police department needs. Innovative thinking in tough times is a consistent theme in America, and Toledo's not the first department to put ads on their cars. The Fire Department is keeping an eye on how the sponsorships unfold, and could roll out its own effort. We don't see what the big deal is; it's saving taxpayers money in the end. It's not like they've sold naming rights to the department or anything, so keep an eye out for new Chargers with a cop motor, a HEMI plant, cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks, and an ad for Bambino's Pizza where 9-1-1 used to be.

[Source: Toledo Blade via Kicking Tires]

Toledo cops begin selling ads on police cruisers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Taurus safety ads set to go live

John Neff — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

click above image to view both versions of Ford's new ads for the 2008 Taurus

While Ford seemingly let its large front-wheel-drive sedan languish in obscurity when it was called the Five-Hundred, it doesn't intend to make the same mistake now that it's called the Taurus. We told you at the beginning of the month that the Taurus' new tagline will be "Rated Safest Car In America", and now we've got some advertisements to go along with the new marketing babble. Above you'll find one of the two print ads developed, we assume, by longtime Ford ad agency JWT Detroit. The ad features a highly photoshopped shot of the new Taurus wearing its Sunday best, which is comprised of super shiny chrome trim and 18-inch chromed 7-spoke wheels. The color appears to be Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, although it looks much better in the ad than it does when building the car on Ford's website. Besides the gussied up Taurus on the left, consumers will also notice the new tagline and references to the stellar crash test scores the Taurus received from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

After the jump you'll find Ford's new commercial for the Taurus that debuts on June 18th. Playing off of Father's Day, it shows that heartwarming moment we've all experience when Dad hands you the keys for the first time and says, "You drive." We thought this would be a perfect set up for a demonstration of how safe the Taurus is when the son blows a stop light and introduces Dad's new car to the business end of a fire hydrant, but alas, the 2008 Taurus just accelerates away.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Taurus ads

Continue reading Ford Taurus safety ads set to go live

Ford Taurus safety ads set to go live originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take my ad account, please! Ford puts job of marketing Focus up for grabs

John Neff — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:24:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

We would rather be tasked with reversing the downward tug of gravity than take on the ad account for the 2008 Ford Focus. The Blue Oval has announced that the account may not be handled by its usual agency, JWT Detroit, and that it's searching for a brave new agency to take on the daunting task of selling the redesigned Focus. JWT Detroit will bid for the account, but sources say Ford would like at least two outside agencies with fresh ideas to also compete for the job.

We were harsh on the 2008 Ford Focus mainly because the car's new styling leaves a lot to be desired. To be blunt, the designers turned the attractive styling of the original Focus that had survived a couple evolutions into a mess of creases, curves and fake vender vents the likes of which we haven't seen since the Saturn ION first arrived. Nevertheless, the new Focus will be significantly lighter than the outgoing model, which should help handling and fuel ecomony; the new SYNC interface developed with Microsoft is supposedly a serious piece of tech; and a coupe body style is being offered in place of the three- and five-door hatchback.

So the 2008 Ford Focus does have positive attributes on which an ad agency can focus its campaign. Nevertheless, it still looks the way it does, which any ad agency worth its weight in pop up ads knows will be extremely difficult to sell.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus

Take my ad account, please! Ford puts job of marketing Focus up for grabs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's about the product, man! Ford refocusing Bold Moves ads

John Neff — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:43:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Ford's marketing push behind the "Bold Moves" taglines is one step away from becoming part of modern pop culture. We've been inundated with TV, print and web ads since the campaign began, and you've no doubt noticed the web-based documentary of the same name. FoMoCo executives can't even make it through a single speech without evoking the "Bold Moves" god before which they bow. Ford dealers, however, are reportedly not impressed by the campaign that from the beginning has focused itself on lifestyle messages. The best example of this is the Bold Moves television commercial that shows a young lady in a Fusion paying for her dry cleaning and "boldly" paying the bill for the guy in the Mustang behind her. Yes, Ford would have us believe that a bold move is paying for someone else's dry cleaning, and oh yeah, buy a Fusion and a Mustang while you're at it. Dealers have voiced their concern to Ford and the company is responding with a new round of ads that drops the lifestyle angle in favor of some hard facts about Ford's new vehicles, particularly its lineup for 2007. New ads will focus on the availability of all-wheel drive in the 2007 Fusion and new Ford Edge commercials are already in circulation that offer specific talking points on the product. Ford did, however, pay a lot of money for that dry cleaning ad and others like it and said it will continue running them, although you'll begin to see them less frequently as these new product-driven ads began to appear on the boob tube.

[Source: Amy Wilson / Automotive News - sub. required]

It's about the product, man! Ford refocusing Bold Moves ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man survives 7 Days in a Sentra

John Neff — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan

No, this isn't an inspiring story about a man who survived being trapped in his Nissan Sentra for a week by eating forgotten french fries that fell beneath his front seat. Rather, it's part of Nissan's clever marketing campaign for the new Sentra, which goes a fair bit beyond the traditional TV and print ads. In order to attract attention to its newest small car offering, Nissan stuffed a Sentra with aspiring comedian Mark Horowitz and told him his new address for the next seven days would be wherever he could find a parking spot. There were rules by which the young Horowitz, who appears to be the love child of Dane Cook and Napolean Dynamite, would have to abide if he were to get paid at the end of the week, which include the following...

Must live 7 straight days out of the Sentra. He is free to come and go from the Sentra.
Must not return to his apartment at any point during the 7 days.
Must assume his normal day-to-day responsibilities, including work and scheduled meetings.
Must personally prepare at least 4 meals within the immediate vicinity of the Sentra.
Must go on at least one date. Hopefully more.
Must not let anyone else drive his car during the 7 days.
Must sleep in a different location each night. Once the location is chosen he must not move.
Must not set foot outside of the car for any reason from 12am - 5am.
Must host at least one "social function" in the Sentra.
Must maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene.

Aside from producing a quirky marketing campaign, we're pretty sure FOX could turn this into a sweet reality show. The rules gaurantee that Horowitz won't make it through the week easy, and indeed he doesn't. Fortunately, he blogged about his travails on this site, as well as produced a series of videos so we could watch him fumble through the week. Nissan let us have at the newest video that isn't officially released yet, in which we discover that meter maids don't care about Nissan's goofy marketing schemes when they're writing parking tickets. Yeah, we've tried the whole, "I'm part of a marketing campaign for a major automaker, I have to park in the fire zone" excuse before too, it doesn't work.

We also discovered that Nissan has already entered the world of Second Life to market the new Sentra, whereas we reported yesterday that Pontiac was planning to give away free land in the game starting sometime in November. We like Nissan's presence in the virtual world of Second Life more because it set up a virtual dealership and is giving away Sentras free in the game! The Second Life presence ties in with the Horowitz thing as well, since you can watch all of the comedian's web videos inside Second Life while choosing the color for your free Sentra (Check out Nissan's press release after the jump for details on nabbing on your Second Life Sentra).

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Man survives 7 Days in a Sentra

Man survives 7 Days in a Sentra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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