Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/cadillac-kicks-current-ad-agency-to-the-curb-seeking-new-suitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/cadillac-kicks-current-ad-agency-to-the-curb-seeking-new-suitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/cadillac-kicks-current-ad-agency-to-the-curb-seeking-new-suitor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingarnold worldwideArnoldWorldwidecadillaccommercialsfritz hendersonFritzHendersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmarketingmodernistavideovideosMon, 12 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[What is 230? GM knows, but isn't saying...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/what-is-230-gm-knows-but-isnt-say/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/what-is-230-gm-knows-but-isnt-say/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/what-is-230-gm-knows-but-isnt-say/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>230adadsadvertisinggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmarketingwhat is 230WhatIs230Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz lays out his strategy for GM advertising: "Memorable," "clever," "viral" [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/lutz-lays-out-his-strategy-for-gm-advertising-memorable-cle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/lutz-lays-out-his-strategy-for-gm-advertising-memorable-cle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/lutz-lays-out-his-strategy-for-gm-advertising-memorable-cle/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbob lutzBobLutzcommercialcommercialsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhowie longHowieLongkate walshKateWalshmarketingTue, 04 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Camaro TV spots through the years -- some more bitchin' than others]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/19/looking-back-selling-the-camaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/19/looking-back-selling-the-camaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/19/looking-back-selling-the-camaro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

inputstring
3907209236
width
450
titleoverride
Camaro Commercials Through the Years
thumbids
3558659364, 1820645673, 2431670562, 2647810900, 1613644370, 2117803458, 3537936226, 3284622571, 4236670134, 504290177, 822885043, 1840886473, 511351749, 2859813393



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60s70s80s90sadsberlinettacamarocommercialsf-bodyirociroc-zsuper huggerSuperHuggertvtv spotsTvSpotsvolcanoz28Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Next generation of in-car tech may be sponsored by advertisers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/next-generation-of-in-car-tech-may-be-sponsored-by-advertisers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/next-generation-of-in-car-tech-may-be-sponsored-by-advertisers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/next-generation-of-in-car-tech-may-be-sponsored-by-advertisers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingauto adsauto advertisingauto-advertisingAutoAdsAutoAdvertisingin car advertisingInCarAdvertisingonstaronstar adsonstar-adsOnstarAdssyncsync adssync-adsSyncAdstelematicsTue, 27 May 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Parking stripe ads assault the senses from beneath your feet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/parking-stripe-ads-assault-the-senses-from-beneath-your-feet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/parking-stripe-ads-assault-the-senses-from-beneath-your-feet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/parking-stripe-ads-assault-the-senses-from-beneath-your-feet/#commentsFiled under:

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingdesperate housewivesDesperateHousewivesparking lotparking lot advertisingparking lot stripingparking lotsParking Stripe AdvertisingParkingLotParkingLotAdvertisingParkingLotsParkingLotStripingParkingStripeAdvertisingstripingTue, 18 Sep 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler debuts childish new ad campaign]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/08/chrysler-debuts-childish-new-ad-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/08/chrysler-debuts-childish-new-ad-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/08/chrysler-debuts-childish-new-ad-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdsCerberusChryslerHemiWed, 08 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeep comes up with new tagline: "Have fun out there"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/jeep-comes-up-with-new-tagline-have-fun-out-there/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/jeep-comes-up-with-new-tagline-have-fun-out-there/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/jeep-comes-up-with-new-tagline-have-fun-out-there/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingcommercialfunjeepmagazinemarketingspotsSat, 07 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Toledo cops begin selling ads on police cruisers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/toledo-cops-begin-selling-ads-on-police-cruisers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/toledo-cops-begin-selling-ads-on-police-cruisers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/toledo-cops-begin-selling-ads-on-police-cruisers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dodge Charger Police

"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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisementcruiserohiopolicesponsorsponsorshipstoledoWed, 04 Jul 2007 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Taurus safety ads set to go live]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/ford-taurus-safety-ads-set-to-go-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/ford-taurus-safety-ads-set-to-go-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/ford-taurus-safety-ads-set-to-go-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 ford taurus2008FordTaurusadsadvertisementadvertisementscommercialfull-size carFull-sizeCarmarketingsafesafestFri, 15 Jun 2007 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Take my ad account, please! Ford puts job of marketing Focus up for grabs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/take-my-ad-account-please-ford-puts-job-of-marketing-focus-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/take-my-ad-account-please-ford-puts-job-of-marketing-focus-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/take-my-ad-account-please-ford-puts-job-of-marketing-focus-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 Ford Focus2008FordFocusad agencyad campaignAdAgencyAdCampaignadsagencycampaignFocusFord FocusFordFocusjwt detroitJwtDetroitTue, 12 Jun 2007 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[It's about the product, man! Ford refocusing Bold Moves ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/22/its-about-the-product-man-ford-refocusing-bold-moves-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/22/its-about-the-product-man-ford-refocusing-bold-moves-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/22/its-about-the-product-man-ford-refocusing-bold-moves-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisementadvertisementsbold movesBoldMovesFord bold movesFordBoldMovesWed, 22 Nov 2006 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Man survives 7 Days in a Sentra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/man-survives-7-days-in-a-sentra/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/man-survives-7-days-in-a-sentra/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/man-survives-7-days-in-a-sentra/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 days in a sentra7DaysInASentraadsmark horowitzmarketingMarkHorowitzsecond lifeSecondLifesentraTue, 24 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[War declared on Ohio dealership for declaring Jihad in ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/war-declared-on-ohio-dealership-for-declaring-jihad-in-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/war-declared-on-ohio-dealership-for-declaring-jihad-in-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/war-declared-on-ohio-dealership-for-declaring-jihad-in-ad/#commentsFiled under: ,



Columbus-area car dealership Dennis Mitsubishi (shown) has drawn the ire of many for producing a radio spot that declares "a jihad on the automotive market". Oh how we wish it ended with just that. The spot also proclaims that salespeople wearing burqas, the traditional head-to-toe garb of Islamic women, will sell vehicles that can "comfortably seat 12 jihadists in the back." More of the ad's controversial rhetoric can be found at the link.

The dealership's president, Keith Dennis, says that the idea was to produce an ad using some of the buzzwords in the media that could be a tension reliever. Mission not accomplished, sir. He also claimed it was fair game to poke "a little fun at radical extremists."

We seriously doubt people are turned off by the ad because it hurts the feelings of radical extremists and no one would want to threaten the dealership's right to free speech, but there's something about being incendiary for the sake of sales that rubs some the wrong way. We long for the day when we can just buy a new car from a vending machine and be done with it.

We'd like to hear your thoughts, as long as everyone keeps the discussion intelligent and civil in the comments.

Thanks for the tip, Ryan!

[Source: ABC News]

War declared on Ohio dealership for declaring Jihad in ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsdealerdealershipextremistislamjihadmuslimradioradio spotRadioSpotspotMon, 25 Sep 2006 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota pitching Tundra with Americana]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/18/toyota-pitching-tundra-with-americana/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/18/toyota-pitching-tundra-with-americana/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/18/toyota-pitching-tundra-with-americana/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota is throwing its hat in the full-size truck market in a big way with its new Tundra, and they are looking to push their new product at bass-fishing, NASCAR ball cap-wearing consumers with an advertising budget of over $100 million. The actual budget is still being worked on, but the estimated $100 million is a lot of money by Toyota's standards when even the Camry gets by with a modest $60 million. Jim Farley, VP of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., obviously wants a piece of the ever shrinking, but still huge, U.S. truck market, and he wants to do it by going after die-hard truck buyers. It's going straight for the jugular on this one by targeting customers at NASCAR events, bass-fishing tournaments, country-western concerts and even at 84 Lumber.

Toyota plans to have well-staffed promotions at these stereotypical truck junkie congregations to demonstrate how it has listened to truck consumers and given them what they want. Farley concedes that you can spend a ton of money advertising at every football game or NASCAR race and not improve sales. Instead, he is hoping that by going straight to the consumer and showing what the product has to offer, Toyota may have a shot at winning loyal customers away from the Big 3.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. required]

Toyota pitching Tundra with Americana originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsbass fishingBassFishingmarketingNASCARtundraMon, 18 Sep 2006 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[The show must go on: GM cancels advertising on Survivor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/the-show-must-go-on-gm-cancels-advertising-on-survivor/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/the-show-must-go-on-gm-cancels-advertising-on-survivor/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/the-show-must-go-on-gm-cancels-advertising-on-survivor/#commentsFiled under: ,



General Motors has decided to pull its ad dollars out of the long running reality TV show Survivor. The automaker has supported Survivor since it began airing over 12 seasons ago. GM made the decision to get off the island about three months ago and claims it has nothing to do with the controversy surrounding the show's upcoming 13th season. Survivor: Cook Islands will have contestants divided by race into teams, which is obviously drawing the ire of many a social activist. A GM spokesperson, however, told Automotive News that it was difficult to integrate the company's products into a show that is set on an island. This is true, this is true - not many E85 compatible Tahoes on a deserted island.

[Source: Automotive News - sub required]

The show must go on: GM cancels advertising on Survivor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad dollarsAdDollarsadjabadsCook IslandsCookIslandssurvivorsurvivor: Cook islandsSurvivor:CookIslandstvsquadWed, 30 Aug 2006 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto gone wussy in Coke ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/23/grand-theft-auto-gone-wussy-in-coke-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/23/grand-theft-auto-gone-wussy-in-coke-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/23/grand-theft-auto-gone-wussy-in-coke-ad/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some of us here at Autoblog have always felt a connection with Grand Theft Auto. Maybe it has to do with our daily efforts to wreak automotive havoc on the digital world or our deep-down secret desires to be bad-ass pimp... but certainly NOT pimping Coca-Cola. Such efforts are for polar bears and teeny bopper idols. Sure, we like Coke as much as the next guy and gal (the kind you DRINK, sheesh, we're not kindred spirits with the games' heroes to quite that extent), but Grand Theft Auto is the epitome of "damn the man" ideology.

So imagine our horror as we watched a Grand Theft Auto hero actually pay for his Coke, yank a guy out of his car to give him a Coke too, shove a homeless guy into a convertible full of hot women, thwart an attempt to steal an elderly woman's purse, and commit more good deeds, all while some really happy people sing, "Give a little love, and it all comes back to you, la la la la la la la....."

So, dear readers, does this constitute a sell-out or an ingenious partnership between Rock Star Games and Coca-Cola? You be the judge.

[Source: transportTrends]

Grand Theft Auto gone wussy in Coke ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingcoca-colagrand theft autoGrandTheftAutomarketingrock star gamesRockStarGamesWed, 23 Aug 2006 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[For your eyes only: MINI owners get private marketing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/for-your-eyes-only-mini-owners-get-private-marketing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/for-your-eyes-only-mini-owners-get-private-marketing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/for-your-eyes-only-mini-owners-get-private-marketing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This month MINI is running ads in five magazines, the copy of which will only be known to current MINI owners. All 150,000-plus MINI owners have received a black box in the mail containing special glasses that will allow them to read the covert advertising. After the message is revealed, the ad instructs owners to asweseefit.com where they can enter their VIN number and get some sort of reward. MINI has always been known for making the most of its relatively small ad budget, and it plans to leverage the promoting power of the brand's current owners with this campaign in the hopes of scaring up some more.

Of course, we're not going to let MINI owners have all the fun, so you can check out the revealed ad after the jump.

[Source: Advertising Age via PSFK]

Continue reading For your eyes only: MINI owners get private marketing

For your eyes only: MINI owners get private marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsMagazineFri, 11 Aug 2006 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ram Rash - you should get that checked out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/26/ram-rash-you-should-get-that-checked-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/26/ram-rash-you-should-get-that-checked-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/26/ram-rash-you-should-get-that-checked-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dodge is the latest brand of automaker to see the value in viral marketing and has created a site devoted to spreading the word about a peculiar affliction known as Ram Rash. Its only symptoms are a rash in the shape of ram's head and a penchant for headbutting ones way through life. No cure is known, though we suspect Dodge recommends the purchase of its vehicles for temporary relief.

The main purpose of the Ram Rash site is to herald the arrival of new Dodge vehicles in Europe, and to do so Dodge produced a series of short videos that use humans headbutting other humans and various inanimate objects as its hook. Most don't even show a vehicle, let alone a Dodge vehicle, and one could even be described as NSFW, so view at your own risk.

[Source: AdJab]

Ram Rash - you should get that checked out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsmarketingRam RashRamRashWed, 26 Jul 2006 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeep believes bobbleheads will help sell the Compass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/22/putting-their-bobble-heads-together-to-sell-the-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/22/putting-their-bobble-heads-together-to-sell-the-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/22/putting-their-bobble-heads-together-to-sell-the-jeep-compass/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chrysler has an interesting advertising campaign coming up to sell the Jeep Compass to the 22-30 year-old urban demographic -- lure 'em in with bobbleheads.

The vehicle, which marks Jeep's first foray into strictly on-road territory, is expected to appeal to a much more diverse and urban audience than other Jeep vehicles. To reach this audience, Jeep has created four 30-second commercials depicting bobbleheads bouncing along to KRS-One's "Steady Bounce," which conveniently has lyrics about Jeeps on the New York streets.

One ad depicts a bobblehead driving a Compass down the street while other bobbleheads eye his rims. Closing out the commercial, bobbleheads break it down under a disco ball in the club--er, back of the Compass decked out to look like a club.

Jeep decided to go with the bobblehead idea because bobbleheads apparently heavily appeal to the company's target market for the Compass.

Our last foray into a discussion on the urban demographic devolved pretty quickly, so please keep the comments respectful.

[Source: Detroit News]

Jeep believes bobbleheads will help sell the Compass originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jul 2006 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsbobbleheadscommercialscompassjeepjeep compassJeepCompassmarketingtvSat, 22 Jul 2006 12:41:00 EST