Autoblog

REPORT: Automotive advertising plummets 30.8%

Michael Harley — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Earnings/Financials

Automobile manufacturers and dealers spent $7.5 billion on advertising during the first six months of 2009, says TNS Media Intelligence. The company that keeps track of nearly every form of advertising for all industries is reporting that the figure represents a 30.8% drop compared to the same period last year, when it was $10.8 billion in spending. Not surprisingly, the plummet nearly mirrors the decline in motor vehicle sales (which dropped 27.4% during the exact same period).

The decline in advertising expenditures isn't is exactly new news as automotive advertising has dropped for seventeen consecutive quarters, reports TNS. Among the nation's top ten advertisers for the same period, General Motors was the only automaker to make the cut in third place behind Proctor and Gamble Co. and Verizon Communications Inc. -although GM only spent $1.4 billion this year (a reduction of 15.5% from last year). Overall, across all industries, advertising is down nearly 15% from last year according to TNS Media.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, image: Productioncars.com]

REPORT: Automotive advertising plummets 30.8% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos

STR8 Challenger cologne TV commercial -- Click above to watch the video

According to one of the YouTube commenters for the STR8 Challenger cologne commercial embedded after the jump, it was made for Polish television. Which , of course, makes perfect sense, since the whole thing's in English. Regardless, the ad features Captain Generic Macho driving a Chevy Camaro, which gradually transforms into a giant ~~robot~~ tsunami of cologne that deposits him into the arms of Random Desert Babe. Frankly, "STR8 Challenger" sounds a lot more more like a certain Mopar than some quasi pheromone for European dudes. Check out the video after the jump to see how you too can have it "STR8 My Way." Or, at least, smell like you do. Or something. Hat tip to our man in Poland, Rafal!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks

VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai wins Advertising Age Marketer of the Year award

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea

Hyundai Genesis Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Allow us to set the stage. The year was 2009, the month was February. The U.S. economy, which for months had been showing signs of springing a leak, was now fully flooding into five forward compartments. Banks were dead or dying, the housing industry had ground to a halt and without massive influxes of cold, hard government cash, two thirds of the Big Three would have gone belly up.

Enter Hyundai. Amidst all the chaos and turmoil, the Korean automaker airs (during the Superbowl, mind you) a very simple commercial stating the following: "Now finance or lease any new Hyundai, and if you lose your income in the next year, you can return it free with no impact on your credit." This program, what Hyundai calls its Assurance Program, was just one of the many factors that led the editors of Advertising Age to name the resurgent Korean automaker's ad men as their Marketer of the Year - an award that isn't just confined to the automotive sector.

Aside from just appealing to "broken dreams," (i.e. bad credit, job loss) Hyundai also pushed the then new luxury Genesis Sedan to people with "intact dreams." Moreover, while the Superbowl tends to skew male, Hyundai made sure to scoop up all of bankrupt General Motors' ad spots during the Oscars, an event that skews heavily female. Long story short, Hyundai's market share is up during the first ten months of 2009 from 3.1% to 4.3% and in September, when the rest of the industry experienced a 22% sales drop, Hyundai's sales went up 27%. Tip of the hat to Vumiko!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan

[Source: Advertising Age]

Hyundai wins Advertising Age Marketer of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: YouTube]

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

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

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VW chooses Deutsch LA as its new ad agency

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

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

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

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

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

[Source: Brandweek]

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

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

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

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mini

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

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

[Source: Mini]

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

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

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Chevrolet follows Cadillac into the advertising agency review breach

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

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

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

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

[Source: Business Week]

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

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REPORT: One week after announcing GM departure, Mark LaNeve surfaces at Allstate

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, GM

When word got out that Mark LaNeve (right) was leaving General Motors effective October 15, we weren't at all sure where the soon-to-be-former exec was heading. The Wall Street Journal has finally let the cat out of the bag, reporting that LaNeve is leaving the auto business for a marketing gig at Allstate. LaNeve will sign on as the overseer of all marketing initiatives including brand stewardship, strategy and advertising, reporting only to CEO Thomas Wilson.

LaNeve leaves GM after five years as vice president of marketing and advertising. LaNeve was usurped by the General's own Bob Lutz, who semi-retired in April only to come back a couple months later to help strengthen the company's marketing and advertising initiatives. He is is being replaced as vice-president of U.S. sales by former Buick-GMC boss Susan Docherty.

While his new post at Allstate may not be as glamorous a job as being a VP at a major automaker, the insurer has recently made some hefty profits. The WSJ says Allstate raked in big bucks in the second quarter, after earlier getting hit hard by the economic downturn. In other words, LaNeve's company car perks might not be as generous, but he appears to be in Good Hands.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: One week after announcing GM departure, Mark LaNeve surfaces at Allstate originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:00 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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REPORT: Chrysler backs away from BBDO, to hold casting call for Q4 advertising agencies

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Fiat

Now that the Cash-for-Clunkers bonanza is over, Chrysler will likely struggle to hold on to their market share, and in the company's post-bankruptcy landscape, the Pentastar is looking at every angle possible to improve their sales figures. New Chrysler ad chief Michael Accavitti and staff are said to be looking for more creativity in their fourth quarter marketing push, and its chief advertising agency could be left twisting in the wind.

Automotive News is reporting that Chrysler is opening up competition for its Q4 ad push, with several agencies being offered the opportunity to pitch a new campaign. The move could be coming in part because of feedback from global partner Fiat, which is banking on a turnaround of its five star pet project.

BBDO has been Chrysler's main ad company since 2000, when the contract was valued at $2.4 billion. BBDO had a staff of 2,000 back then, compared with the 500 workers it has now. Chrysler's longtime ad agency, whose contract with the Pentastar ends in January, will reportedly still get a chance to pitch a campaign idea.

[Source: Automotive News -subs req'd | Image: Sean Gallup/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler backs away from BBDO, to hold casting call for Q4 advertising agencies originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Production Cadillac CTS Coupe breaks through in new 60-second spot

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Cadillac, Luxury

Cadillac's Re-Ignition ad -- Click above to view the video after the jump

With the tagline "America, we have re-ignition," Cadillac is out to reintroduce itself to buyers. After bursting out of their underground bunker, the spot showcases all of the models in the line - and at least one to come. The ad has begun to hit the airwaves, and it features what appears to be the production version of Cadillac's much-anticipated CTS Coupe. The only question is: will consumers feel the fire? Follow the jump to see the spot and check out our high-res gallery of the concept below. Thanks for the tip, Matt!

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept - Live Reveal

[Source: Cadilac via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Production Cadillac CTS Coupe breaks through in new 60-second spot

VIDEO: Production Cadillac CTS Coupe breaks through in new 60-second spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photoshopped 2011 Hyundai Sonata shows up in dealer ad as 2010 classified

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

One of our eagle-eyed readers noticed something unusual this weekend while perusing the car ads in his local paper. Long Island, New York dealer Atlantic Hyundai was promoting a low-ball deal on the 2010 Sonata. Problem is, the car in the photo is clearly NOT a 2010 Sonata. In fact, it appears to be a rendering of the next-generation Sonata which is now expected to debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show.

So what gives? Most likely the ad was laid out by an underpaid editor at the newspaper who, in the absence of a photo of the 2010 Sonata, did a quick Google image search for that term. Several photochopped renderings including the same one in the ad, turn up on the first page of results. Since most people don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of such things and the image looked pretty realistic (and a lot like a production Genesis), it was a reasonable error. However, when the new Sonata does drop, it will almost certainly be a 2011 model. Thanks to AMBLOOM for the tip!

Photoshopped 2011 Hyundai Sonata shows up in dealer ad as 2010 classified originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Interview: 15 minutes with Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner

Chris Paukert — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities

Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's fair to say that since April of 2005, we've all paid a bit more attention to Mercury. While the marque's products have steadily improved along with those of parent company Ford, it's been the brand's spokesmodel that has made us sit up and take notice. Quite simply, we have put Mercury 'on our list' because the Blue Oval has put actress Jill Wagner out in front of its wares.

A Winston-Salem, North Carolina southern belle at heart, we had heard through the grapevine that Mercury's stunning spokesmodel was also something of a down-to-earth car gal. We wanted to find out for ourselves, so Jill was kind enough to make some time to speak with us as she geared up to start filming another round of ABC's Wipeout, where she is in her third season as co-host of the obstacle course reality tv series.

AB: We wanted to ask you some questions that are perhaps a bit different than your usual Hollywood entertainment publication interviews since we're more car-related. We understand you've got some auto history in addition to your Mercury campaign?

JW: Right - my father has a tire shop in North Carolina - he was always kind of a wheeler and a dealer. I'd come home and he'd have old Cadillacs that he'd bought - cars that he'd fix up and sell. He'd always have a new car every week that he was trying to sell. I was always at the tire shop answering phones and stuff, messing around with the cars, so yeah, I have a love for cars.

AB: So the Mercury campaign was a natural fit for you then?

JW: It was funny, because in the audition, they have this chair, and they sat it in the middle of the room, and they were like, 'Okay, that's your car - walk around and talk about it.' And I think by the end of the audition, the woman was like, "Okay, I have no idea what a carburetor is, I don't have any idea what you're talking about, but it sounds good." It was meant to be.

To continue reading our interview with Jill Wagner, click on the jump, and be sure to check out our high-res gallery of Jill below (as if we had to tell you that!).

Gallery: Mercury Spokesmodel Jill Wagner

[Source: Jill Wagner Official; Image: Stephen Shugerman/Getty]

Continue reading Autoblog Interview: 15 minutes with Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner

Autoblog Interview: 15 minutes with Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analysts: Say hello to the new GM, same as the old GM [w/VIDEO]

Chris Tutor — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST

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

GM explains "New GM" in new commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Remember the old General Motors? Too many brands, too many models, advertising campaigns that petered out too soon, and multiple products competing for the same buyers. That's changed, officials from the new GM say, promising a leaner lineup of four brands and just 25 models by 2011.

But automotive analysts quoted by Advertising Age say that's a good start, but critics say the automaker's weight loss plan needs more fiber and less frosting. First, the still-huge GM hasn't enough cash to properly market even four divisions, one expert says, citing Honda-Acura, Toyota-Lexus and Nissan-Infiniti as examples to follow. Three analysts recommend GM hold on to just Cadillac as the premium brand and Chevrolet as the mainline marque.

Then there's the company's marketing plan. Dump the GM name from ads, analysts told AdAge, and just sell the cars. "They shouldn't even identify themselves as GM. People don't buy GM cars; they buy Cadillacs and Chevys, and that's what they ought to be talking about," auto consultant Maryann Keller tells AdAge.

AutoPacific's president George Peterson has another issue with GM's marketing strategy. He points out that the company spent more than $100 million to launch the new Chevy Malibu in 2007, but it hasn't advertised the car in nearly a year. "It seems like they are going back to their old ways," Peterson said.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Continue reading Analysts: Say hello to the new GM, same as the old GM [w/VIDEO]

Analysts: Say hello to the new GM, same as the old GM [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 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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MINI bumper sticker makes fun of Cash for Clunkers

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mini, Humor

You've seen the license plate surrounds that read "My other car is an Enterprise Rent-a-car." Well, in a Cash-for-Clunkers age, what if your other car is headed to the scrap heap because you wanted to buy something friendlier? Then Mini has a bumper sticker for you.

It's part of a marketing package sent to Mini dealers and up to the dealer to use... but if you swap that Oldsmobile Aurora for a John Cooper Works, there's no reason you shouldn't let the world know about it.

[Source: Mini]

MINI bumper sticker makes fun of Cash for Clunkers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: The Blake Project offers $100k worth of free brand consultancy to GM

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors is probably swimming in ideas and getting another thousand offers every day on how to turn the company around - there are fifteen pages of responses on the Tell Fritz site alone, and those are just the questions the GM CEO has answered. Add the company's recent advertising issues to that, and the internal suggestion box is most likely brimming as well.

Enter The Blake Project, a brand consultancy firm that is offering GM $100,000 worth of time for free. That won't include economy travel expenses, but will include a day with the firm's three-man team of Jack Trout, Brad VanAudken, and Mark Ritson, to "share insights, ideas and expertise."

What might those insights and ideas be? Some of them were looked at in a piece called "New Brand Strategies for GM." The first task given is to define the brands, e.g., Chevrolet should stand for something like "Good value, variety and heritage," instead of "big, small, expensive, cheap, truck, van or sports car." Buick should "stop making cheap Buicks," and Cadillac "can never be a prestige car. The fancy imports dominate that category." Is that glimpse worth setting aside a day of GM's time? If anyone at the General thinks so, click the link below...

[Source: Branding Strategy Insider]

REPORT: The Blake Project offers $100k worth of free brand consultancy to GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Maserati, Design/Style

Maserati garage design winners -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Maserati makes beautiful cars. In a contest they held with Architectural Digest, the home of the trident went looking for the best homes for those cars -- not the actual houses, but the garages that house their creations. Entries came in two categories, Existing and Concept, and were judged on "noted architectural element, uniqueness and individuality."

The winning existing garage could barely be considered a garage -- more like a living room where you park your car. The winning concept garage has three turntables that can place cars in three different positions depending on whether you're coming, showing off, or going. You can read the press release after jump and check out the stunning high-res images of the winners' designs below.

Gallery: Winning Garages of Maserati "Design Driven" Competition

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages

Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Real stories of the highway patrol?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:27:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos

The CHP fighting - Follow the jump to watch video

The scene opens with two highway patrol officers in combat on the side of the road. The skies are dark. An eagle screams. The men fight harder. This is for blood... or at least it looks like it. Follow the jump to see how it ends.

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Real stories of the highway patrol? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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