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[<i>Top Gear</i> crew responds to gay audience kerfuffle by bringing on the Village People. Sort of.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/top-gear-crew-responds-to-gay-audience-kerfuffle-by-bring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/top-gear-crew-responds-to-gay-audience-kerfuffle-by-bring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/top-gear-crew-responds-to-gay-audience-kerfuffle-by-bring/#commentsFiled under: , ,



What to Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May all have in common with the Village People? Well, nothing really, except for the fact that all of them were present and accounted for at last Sunday's taping of Top Gear in Britain. Sort of... actually, it was four men that the BBC crew hired to dress up like the stereotypically gay musical group of "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man" fame.

So, the next logical question: Why? To prove that Top Gear isn't homophobic, obviously. Just last week, word hit the Interwebs that a gay couple had been denied tickets to the super-popular British show due to a rule that TG's cast be made up equally of men and women. The BBC claims it doesn't deny gay people from its audience as long as the 50/50 rule is adhered to.

Never one to back down from controversy, Jeremy Clarkson reportedly said during the taping, "The truth is, we welcome homosexual couples. We particularly like the lesbian sort... I saw a film about lesbians on the Internet once. It looked very interesting." This is sure to smooth over any tensions between the gay community and Top Gear, dontcha think?

[Source: Mirror.co.uk]

Top Gear crew responds to gay audience kerfuffle by bringing on the Village People. Sort of. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCgayGLBTGLBTGjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonrichard hammondRichardHammondthe village peopleTheVillagePeopletop geartop gear audienceTopGearTopGearAudiencevillage peopleVillagePeopleThu, 10 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BBC says <i>Top Gear</i> doesn't ban gay couples from show audience]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Is the BBC discriminating against gay couples? As is often the case, that depends on whom you ask. How so? It seems that Top Gear, the Beeb's ridiculously popular car show, has created a rule stipulating that its audience be made up of 50 percent males and 50 percent females, and at least one gay couple was allegedly denied tickets "unless [they] took a couple of female friends."

A BBC spokesperson has responded to the kerfuffle saying, "We do not - absolutely do not - discriminate against same sex couples... the whole implication that Top Gear is in any way homophobic is completely wrong." Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall, doesn't quite seem to agree: "It's very odd, but what do you expect from pigs that grunt? Regrettably, with Jeremy Clarkson involved, it's not surprising. The show itself is full of stereotyping of both men and women - but it's funded by gay and lesbian license fee cash as well as everyone else's."

The BBC adds that it doesn't even handle the actual ticketing for the show. A company called Applause Store issues the tickets in quantities of two. Says the spokesperson, "We don't ask people to apply as a couple, we ask them to apply as people."

[Source: AOL TV UK]
Note: AOL owns both AOL TV and Autoblog, but the two share no editorial affiliation.

REPORT: BBC says Top Gear doesn't ban gay couples from show audience originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applause StoreApplauseStorebbcbbc discriminationBbcDiscriminationdiscriminationgaygay discriminationGayDiscriminationGLBTGLBTGJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRichard HammondRichardHammondsexual discriminationsexual orientationSexualDiscriminationSexualOrientationtop geartop gear discriminationTopGearTopGearDiscriminationSun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/followup-gm-orders-youtube-to-remove-tasteless-gay-camaro-pro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/followup-gm-orders-youtube-to-remove-tasteless-gay-camaro-pro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/followup-gm-orders-youtube-to-remove-tasteless-gay-camaro-pro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Yesterday, not long after we posted a story about a gay-centered General Motors marketing video for Chevrolet's new Camaro, the video was mysteriously pulled from YouTube. As it turns out, GM itself has copped to the disappearing act, as it reportedly ordered the popular video hosting site to yank the footage.

According to a USA Today article, GM spokesman Dave Barthmuss felt that the video - which featured a pair of so-called 'go go boys in Camaro-branded underwear washing a new 2010 model - was "not appropriate and not in good taste." The footage was filmed as part of a Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen gay day promotion at a Hollywood movie theater.

Despite pulling the video, GM has reportedly launched a more concerted campaign to broaden the scope of its marketing efforts as it applies to the Camaro, with more overt efforts to target gays, bisexuals and the transgendered. It is not immediately clear what (if any) effect pulling the footage will have on the rest of the automaker's p.r. efforts.

[Sources: USA Today; Mlive]

FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CamaroGayGBLTGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGLBTMarketingMegan FoxMeganFoxMichael bayMichaelBaypony carPonyCarShia LabeoufShiaLabeoufTransformersTransformers 2Transformers2Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/video-chevrolet-targets-gay-demographic-with-new-camaro-marketi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/video-chevrolet-targets-gay-demographic-with-new-camaro-marketi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/video-chevrolet-targets-gay-demographic-with-new-camaro-marketi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

Wasn't it just a couple of years ago that the American Family Association was boycotting Ford for marketing in gay-centric publications? Fast forward to today and see just how much things have changed. Last month, Chevrolet sponsored an event in Los Angeles called Gay Day at the Movies to promote the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Michael Bay's latest opus, of course, features a bunch of General Motors vehicles, not the least of which is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that plays the leading role of Bumblebee.

A video was produced to promote Gay Day at the Movies featuring a pair of "Bumblebee Boys" in Camaro-branded briefs washing the Bowtie brand's pony car revival. The cheeky (pardon the pun) video is clearly targeted at the gay community and uses beefcake car washers to that effect in a not-so-subtle way.

Will Chevy or GM see a backlash from being associated with this video? Who knows, but the video isn't exactly being shown in primetime on NBC. For the moment, it lives solely on YouTube with a gajillion other vids - and one would have to actively search to find it.

Follow the jump to watch the video for yourself, and please remember to be respectful in the comments.

UPDATE: The video has been removed from YouTube by the user. We're searching to find it again on the interwebs.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro


[Source: USA Today via Huffington Post]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort

VIDEO: Chevrolet targets gay demographic with new Camaro marketing effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 chevrolet camaro2010 chevy camaro2010ChevroletCamaro2010ChevyCamarocamarocamaro gayCamaroGaychevroletchevrolet camaroChevroletCamarochevychevy camaroChevyCamarogaygay advertisinggay days at the moviesgay marketingGayAdvertisingGayDaysAtTheMoviesGayMarketingGBLTGLBTlesbianWed, 08 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Rabbit is the new top-researched car on Gaywheels.com]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This quarter, the Volkswagen Rabbit knocks the Toyota Yaris out of the top spot on Gaywheels.com's list of top-researched cars. The Yaris, which had hung on to the numero uno spot for the last twelve months, dropped to third place as the VeeDub managed to snag the second spot as well with the hardtop-convertible Eos, which is also a chick car. Making their first appearances on the list are the Volvo C30 at number nine and the Mazda 3 at the tenth spot.

Interestingly, Joe LaMuraglia from Gaywheels.com points out, "60% of the vehicles on the most-researched list are hatchbacks and four of those six have a MSRP starting at under $16K." You'll also see that the entire list, which is available after the jump, is populated with gas-sippers.

Note too that each vehicle on the Most-Researched list is offered by a gay-friendly brand -- based on corporate policies for offering domestic-partner benefits to employees in the U.S.

Comments, as always, are welcome. Please remember to keep 'em clean.

[Source: Gaywheels.com]

Continue reading VW Rabbit is the new top-researched car on Gaywheels.com

VW Rabbit is the new top-researched car on Gaywheels.com originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaygay marriagegay rightsgay wheelsGayMarriageGayRightsgaywheelsgaywheels.comgaywheelshondavolkswagen rabbitvolkswagen-rabbitVolkswagenRabbitvw rabbitVwRabbitThu, 10 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW goes gay-friendly in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/bmw-goes-gay-friendly-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/bmw-goes-gay-friendly-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/bmw-goes-gay-friendly-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gaywheels.com was started in 2005 and has since become a unique resource for GLBT auto enthusiasts and consumers. In addition to providing original content like interviews with gay members of the industry and, of course, vehicle reviews, the site maintains a list of gay-friendly automakers which provide domestic partner benefits to employees.

The newest member? BMW. While the automaker's MINI and Rolls-Royce divisions were already accounted for, the parent was omitted because of it maintained unfriendly policies at a US facility . That's over now. Beginning January 1, 2008, BMW joined the club when it officially began granting partner benefits to employees at its South Carolina assembly plant. BMW's inclusion on the gay-friendly list brings the total count of marques to 35, leaving out only 1. As a benefit of making the list, gaywheels.com will now endorse the German automaker.

[Source: Gaywheels.com]

BMW goes gay-friendly in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWGaygay rightsGayRightsgaywheels.comHomosexualMiniRolls RoyceRollsRoyceFri, 04 Jan 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus goes after <i>another</i> porn-star...seriously]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/lexus-sues-i-another-i-porn-star-seriously/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/lexus-sues-i-another-i-porn-star-seriously/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/lexus-sues-i-another-i-porn-star-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back in June, we brought you news that Toyota was in the process of suing a pornography firm for copyright infringement. Apparently the Japanese automaker didn't appreciate that adult film star Lexus Cash was using its luxury division's handle as her stage name and for her website. Evidently unwilling to stop its litigation campaign, Toyota is now turning its lawyers loose on a gay porn actor who also uses the name Lexus.

According to latest reports, the Japanese automaker's lawyers in DC sent a cease-and-desist letter to EBoys Studios in Switzerland. The EBoys honcho insists that his performer chose the name because of its association with Greek mythology, and not with the automotive brand, and that the company will not cave to the carmaker's demands to recall the two flicks it has produced with the actor using that name.

This has to be the funniest bit of news surrounding Lexus since that peacock had its way with one of their exhaust pipes.

[Source: Inside Line]

Lexus goes after another porn-star...seriously originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actoradultfilmgaylawsuitlexusligitationmalepornstarsueSun, 09 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Still on Top: Toyota Yaris remains most researched vehicle among GLBT community]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/still-on-top-toyota-yaris-remains-most-researched-vehicle-among/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/still-on-top-toyota-yaris-remains-most-researched-vehicle-among/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/still-on-top-toyota-yaris-remains-most-researched-vehicle-among/#commentsFiled under: ,

Each quarter, Gaywheels.com publishes a list of their Top 10 Most Researched Vehicles, and the latest data is in, providing a market indicator for the most popular cars in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community.

The Toyota Yaris remained the most searched car among Gaywheels.com community, while the Saab 9-3 edged out the Toyota Camry for the number two spot. While the list, which is based on web traffic and not on purchases, is self-perpetuating to an extent, newcomers like the Volkswagen Rabbit and Toyota Corolla have made it into the #7 and #9 slots. Perhaps the most surprising car on the list is the Dodge Caliber, which garnered controversy for perceived gay-bashing humor in a television commercial.

Gaywheels.com points out that all the cars in the Top 10 are produced by "gay-friendly" automakers, thus assessed by their manufacturer's provision of spousal benefits to same-sex partners of employees.

For the full list, follow the jump.

[Source: Gaywheels.com]

Related posts:
Gaywheels.com announced Top 10 Most Researched Vehicles
Nissan and Infiniti land on list of gay friendly automakers
Is BMW hypocritical for marketing to gay clientele without extending worker benefits to the same?

Continue reading Still on Top: Toyota Yaris remains most researched vehicle among GLBT community

Still on Top: Toyota Yaris remains most researched vehicle among GLBT community originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10bisexualcargaygaywheelshomosexuallesbianmostpopulartoptransgenderWed, 25 Apr 2007 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[South African website names "gayest, straightest, and sexiest" cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/south-african-website-names-gayest-straightest-and-sexiest-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/south-african-website-names-gayest-straightest-and-sexiest-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/south-african-website-names-gayest-straightest-and-sexiest-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

And to think, VW/Audi is at the forefront of marketing its vehicles to LGBT audiences...

In the latest round of assigning sexuality to vehicles, the Audi RS4 has emerged as the "straightest" car around in the "Alternative Car of the Year" poll, conducted by Wheels24, a South African online automotive publication. Funny, we know quite a few gay guys who drive Audis.

Volkswagen made the cut as well, with its Jetta filling in the fourth spot in the poll. Toyota also racked up two placements in the "straight" column, with its Fortuner coming in second place and the Lexus IS250 rounding out the poll in fifth. Dodge's macho ads for the Caliber have also apparently paid off -- the "not cute" Neon replacement came in third.

To the likely disappointment of many Autoblog readers who have dubbed the MINI Cooper the gayest car in the comments section of our site, Wheels24 readers actually think the Peugeot 207 deserves the title instead, with the BMW 3-series coupe serving as the runner up. The Jaguar XK came in third, with the Honda Civic hatch and Alfa Romeo 159 coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Most individuals -- gay or straight -- can appreciate a nice rear end, so Wheels24 included that in its poll as well. Cars with the sexiest rear end include as follows:

1. Alfa Brera
2. BMW Z4 Coupe
3. Opel Astra GTC
4. Renault Clio
5. Nissan Tiida

[Source: Wheels24]

South African website names "gayest, straightest, and sexiest" cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFAAlfa BreraAlfa RomeoAlfaBreraAlfaRomeoAudiBMWCaliberDodgegayLGBTMINI CooperMiniCooperNissanOpelPeugeotRenaultSouth AfricaSouthAfricastraightVolkswagenZ3Z4Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan and Infiniti land on list of gay friendly automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/nissan-and-infiniti-land-on-gay-friendly-list-of-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/nissan-and-infiniti-land-on-gay-friendly-list-of-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/nissan-and-infiniti-land-on-gay-friendly-list-of-automakers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you weren't aware, the website GayWheels.com has been compilling a list for some time now of gay friendly automakers. Entrance into the club is simple, an automaker just has to offer domestic-partner benefits to its GLBT employees regardless of where they work or live in the U.S. Nissan has recently announced that it will be extending domestic-partner benefits to its employees (including those employed by infiniti) in the U.S., and thus has become the 31st and 32nd name on the list of gay friendly automakers. Nissan's revision to its domestic-partner policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2007. Employees in the sales and marketing division of the company have had domestic-partner benefits since early last year, but this will be the first time the benefits have been extended to workers in the manufacturing division.

Feel free to comment, but keep it civil or the privelage will be turned off.

[Source: GayWheels.com]

Nissan and Infiniti land on list of gay friendly automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaygay friendlyGayFriendlygaywheelsgaywheels.comGLBTTue, 21 Nov 2006 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Tit for Tat between Ford and AFA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/17/tit-for-tat-between-ford-and-afa/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/17/tit-for-tat-between-ford-and-afa/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/17/tit-for-tat-between-ford-and-afa/#commentsFiled under: ,

The American Family Association's (AFA) boycott against Ford continues with fresh new arguments being hurled by both sides. The boycott, which went into effect last year, began when the conservative Christian organization felt Ford backtracked on its promise to discontinue advertising in gay publications and events.

The AFA states that the Blue Oval's falling sales are caused by its efforts (modest, aren't they?). Ford replied that high gas prices, interest rates, and competition are the mostly likely culprits, not the boycott. While CNW analyst Art Spinella believes the boycott may have had an effect, it is minor, writing that Ford's sales were "miserable" even without the AFA's efforts.

Ford notes that rivals General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp., which the AFA is not boycotting, market more heavily in gay media than the Blue Oval. The AFA states it is aware of the other automakers contributions but singled Ford for past contributions which, collectively, are larger than other automakers. It also feels that boycotts work best against a single organization versus an entire industry.

Interestingly, Ford is one of the largest contributors to Christian radio. States Ford and Lincoln/Mercury president Al Giombetti, "Marketing to specific communities is nothing new to Ford or to the industry. We don't do this to make a political or social statement; we do it because we respect them and hope they will become customers."

Also of note is the fact that not one Ford branded vehicle ended up on the Gaywheels.com Top 10 Most Researched Vehicles list. Instead, the "macho" Dodge Caliber placed third on the list.

Comments are, of course, open. Just keep it friendly and focused on the topic.

Related:
Ford instructs dealers how to deal with anti-gay boycott
Ford shareholders reject proposals to drop protections for LGBT workers
Efforts continue in boycott against Ford for its support of gay market

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Tit for Tat between Ford and AFA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFAAmerican Family AssociationAmericanFamilyAssociationboycottgayhomosexualMon, 17 Jul 2006 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaywheels.com announced Top 10 Most Researched Vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/11/gaywheels-com-announced-top-10-most-researched-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/11/gaywheels-com-announced-top-10-most-researched-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/11/gaywheels-com-announced-top-10-most-researched-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,



Gaywheels.com has released a Top 10 list of the most researched vehicles on its site based on statistics gathered from April 1st through June 30th. The site acknowledges in a press release that there are many stereotypes about what the gay community drives, but that the community itself is as diverse as the rest of the population. True enough, and while some of the vehicles that landed on the list have in the past been considered as favorites of the gay community, many of the models would no doubt land on any Most Researched list. Topping the list is the Saturn Sky roadster, which has been garnering everyone's attention as of late. Here's the rest...
  1. Saturn Sky
  2. Toyota Yaris
  3. Dodge Caliber
  4. Volkswagen Jetta
  5. Toyota Camry
  6. Audi A3
  7. Toyota Prius
  8. Saab 9-3 (sedan and convertible)
  9. Pontiac G6 (sedan, coupe and convertible)
  10. Mazda MX-5
All of the vehicles on the list are also products of gay-friendly brands, which are defined by Gaywheels.com as manufacturers with policies offering domestic-partner benefits to their employees in the U.S. Indeed, every manufacturer in the Top 20 fits that description. This suggests that the gay consumers do reward those brands that support them.

(Find the full press release from Gaywheels.com after the jump)

As in the past, please keep your comments respectful.

[Source: Gaywheels.com

Continue reading Gaywheels.com announced Top 10 Most Researched Vehicles

Gaywheels.com announced Top 10 Most Researched Vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaygaywheelsgaywheels.comhomosexualmost researchedMostResearchedTue, 11 Jul 2006 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford instructs dealers how to deal with anti-gay boycott]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/ford-tells-dealers-to-answer-gay-marketing-question-with-custome/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/ford-tells-dealers-to-answer-gay-marketing-question-with-custome/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/ford-tells-dealers-to-answer-gay-marketing-question-with-custome/#commentsFiled under: ,

One of Ford's veepees', Al Giombetti, said in a e-mail last week to dealerships that when customers confront them about the manufacturer's advertisements in gay publications, to "listen to every customer, correct any misinformation, and ask them to support Ford." The e-mail is considered an acknowledgment that the struggling automaker has been monitoring the boycott launched back in March by the American Family Association and other conservative Christian groups.

The boycott's impact is unknown. Ford Motor Co. donated over $77 million last year, the bulk ($39 million) to educational causes and groups while the rest supporting Asian, blacks, and Hispanics organizations, as well as the gay segment.

Phil Long Ford, a dealership in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where several prominent conservative Christian organizations are based, states it has received about a dozen calls and two dozen e-mails regarding the issue. Says manager Tom White, "The first half-a-dozen calls we got... we said, 'Fine, do what you got to do.' Then we finally started responding back to them, and they came in and [bought] cars or they don't call us anymore."

Related:
Ford shareholders reject proposals to drop protections for LGBT workers
Efforts continue in boycott against Ford for its support of gay market

[Source: GFN]

Ford instructs dealers how to deal with anti-gay boycott originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afaamerican family associationAmericanFamilyAssociationboycottgayglbthomosexualMon, 19 Jun 2006 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford shareholders reject proposals to drop protections for LGBT workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/12/ford-shareholders-reject-proposals-to-drop-protections-for-lgbt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/12/ford-shareholders-reject-proposals-to-drop-protections-for-lgbt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/12/ford-shareholders-reject-proposals-to-drop-protections-for-lgbt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A proposal submitted by Robert Hurley of Alton, Illinois to drop protections for Ford Motor Company's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) workers via new language that was devoid of all references to "sexual interests, activities or orientation" was shut down by a vote of 95 percent to reject the proposal. Ford attempted to avoid the vote, but Hurley went to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which ordered Ford to proceed with the tallying.

No mention of the American Family Association's current boycott of the company was made at the meeting.

[Source: 365gay.com]

(Thanks to Emulous1974 for the tip)

 

Ford shareholders reject proposals to drop protections for LGBT workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 May 2006 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afaamerican family associationAmericanFamilyAssociationfordgayGLBTlgbtFri, 12 May 2006 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus joins growing list of automakers seeking gay buyers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/lexus-joins-growing-list-of-automakers-seeking-gay-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/lexus-joins-growing-list-of-automakers-seeking-gay-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/lexus-joins-growing-list-of-automakers-seeking-gay-buyers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lexus is joining its Toyota stablemate Scion in directly courting gay audiences. The luxury brand's edgier, younger sibling has been in the business of marketing to gays essentially since its inception, but this will mark the first time that Lexus has directly sought the homosexual dollar.

Brian Bolain, Lexus' national advertising and media manager outlines the process that led Lexus into the market in a Gay365.com interview. Being gay himself, Bolain elaborated on how and why Toyota rolled out Scion to the gay community, and how such lessons are being applied to the company's upscale Lexus brand.

In addition to discussing Lexus' shifting market strategies, writer Michael Wilke discusses company (and advertising firm) initiatives in place to craft marketing messages that speak to alternative and minority audiences without offending them.

Lexus joins luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac in directly vying for GLBT dollar.

[Sources: 365Gay.com; Lexus]

(Top tip, Emulous1974!)

 

Lexus joins growing list of automakers seeking gay buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 May 2006 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bi-sexualBrian BolainBrianBolainGayGay carsGay MotoringGayCarsGayMotoringGLBGLBTGLBTGhomosexualLesbianLexusminoritiesminorityScionWed, 03 May 2006 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaywheels.com to make use of Edmunds vehicle data]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/gaywheels-com-publishes-edmunds-com-car-data/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/gaywheels-com-publishes-edmunds-com-car-data/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/gaywheels-com-publishes-edmunds-com-car-data/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just as automotive companies have specialized many of their vehicles to fill niche segments like microcars, coupes and convertibles  for DINKs (dual-income, no kids), resources for prospective buyers has branched out as well.

Gaywheels.com, whose article on BMW and marketing graced Autoblog recently, has announced a partnership with Edmunds.com, one of the largest online resources of consumer automotive information. Gaywheels, which already provides reviews on vehicles as well as guidance on vehicle financing and insurance, has announced that it will combine Edmunds' in-depth data to give its clientele the most comprehensive resource possible.

[Source: Media Gaywheels.com]

Continue reading Gaywheels.com to make use of Edmunds vehicle data

Gaywheels.com to make use of Edmunds vehicle data originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicegaygay-friendlylebianrecommendationstransgenderedSat, 08 Apr 2006 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Caliber commercial anti-gay? Chrysler responds...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/caliber-commercial-anti-gay-chrysler-responds/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/caliber-commercial-anti-gay-chrysler-responds/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/caliber-commercial-anti-gay-chrysler-responds/#commentsFiled under: , ,



One of the new commercials in Chrsyler's marketing blitz for the Caliber includes a scene in which a diminutive fairy casts her wand about cute-ifying objects in a city. At one point she waves her wand at a tough guy walking his dog and he becomes a "cute" guy complete with white shorts, a yellow polo on four tiny pups on pink leashes.

Sounds tame enough, but the leader of a prominent gay rights group in Detroit remarked in a newspaper "this guy looks pretty gay to me." Jason Vines, Chrysler's head of communications, hasn't taken kindly to the remark stating: "If I had said that, there would be demonstrations outside our headquarters and then... I'd be fired." Vines goes on to say that the remark made by the gay rights leader seems to only reinforce a stereotype of homosexuals that implies guys who look tough, wear work boots and jeans and walk large dogs can't be gay.

*Sigh.*  Can't we all just get along?

[Source: Chrysler]

Caliber commercial anti-gay? Chrysler responds... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisinganti-gayCaliberChryslercommercialsDodgegaygay advocasygay rightsGayAdvocasyGayRightshomophobichomosexualstereotypestereotypesFri, 07 Apr 2006 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford considering amending employment policy's sexual orientation clauses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/ford-considering-amending-employment-policys-sexual-orientation/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/ford-considering-amending-employment-policys-sexual-orientation/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/ford-considering-amending-employment-policys-sexual-orientation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford's shareholders are to reportedly consider changing the company's equal employment policy language to exclude any mention of sexual orientation. The move is expected after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rejected the automaker's bid to keep the matter from its proxy statement. As of right now, the Blue Oval's policy includes clauses that specifically outline the company's pledge not to discriminate based upon sexual orientation, but a request by shareholder Robert Hurley has submitted the proposal for consideration.

Ford has apparently been petitioning the government agency to exclude the issue, arguing that its inclusion will hurt the automaker's chances of wooing potential employees at certain universities (that require sexual orientation to be included in recruiting companies' policies), also fearing that backlash stemming from such a changeover could hurt sales to GLBT supporters.

The proxy statement goes out this Friday, at which point shareholders will vote on the issue. The result is expected to be made public on May 11 at Ford's annual meeting.

[Source: Associated Press via Detroit News]

Ford considering amending employment policy's sexual orientation clauses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACLUBlue OvalBlueOvalEmploymentEqual OpportunityEqualOpportunityFordGayGLBGLBTLesbianSECTrans-GenderWed, 05 Apr 2006 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Is BMW hypocritical for marketing to gay clientele without extending worker benefits to the same?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/30/is-bmw-hypocritical-for-marketing-to-gay-clientele-without-exten/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/30/is-bmw-hypocritical-for-marketing-to-gay-clientele-without-exten/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/30/is-bmw-hypocritical-for-marketing-to-gay-clientele-without-exten/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Can BMW eat its cake and have it too?

That's the question Joe LaMuraglia is asking about the German automaker. The editor of Gaywheels.com questions how it is that the Bimmer-builders fail to offer same-sex benefits to employees, yet buys ads in gay-oriented publications such as OUT or The Advocate. This behavior stands in sharp contrast to such automakers like Subaru and Volvo, who offer same-sex benefits to their workers, as well as advertise in gay-oriented media.

LaMuraglia is quick to point out that he is not advocating a BMW boycott. He does, however, question why OUT and Advocate, would accept such funding while being fully aware of BMW's policies.

Shout out your opinion in Comments.

[Source: Gaywheels.com]

Is BMW hypocritical for marketing to gay clientele without extending worker benefits to the same? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Mar 2006 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdvocatebenefitsgayGaywheelsGLBTOUTThu, 30 Mar 2006 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[19 groups to renew boycott against Ford over gay marketing efforts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/19-groups-to-renew-boycott-against-ford-over-gay-marketing-effor/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/19-groups-to-renew-boycott-against-ford-over-gay-marketing-effor/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/19-groups-to-renew-boycott-against-ford-over-gay-marketing-effor/#commentsFiled under: ,

We knew it couldn't last. On Monday, nineteen conservative groups renewed plans for a boycott of the Ford Motor Company on the grounds that the automaker reneged on a purported accord to cease supporting gay organizations.

 

Led by the American Family Association (AFA), the groups have set up an internet site calling upon consumers to shun the Blue Oval.

 

For its part, Ford quickly responded by stating that it remains "proud of its tradition of treating all with respect and we remain focused on what we do best, building and selling the most innovative cars and trucks worldwide.

 

Ford shares dropped one cent (to $7.83) in Monday afternoon trading.

 

[Source: Forbes]

19 groups to renew boycott against Ford over gay marketing efforts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFAAmerican Family AssociationAmericanFamilyAssociationBlue OvalBlueOvalFordGayLesbianPink PoundPinkPoundTue, 14 Mar 2006 07:00:00 EST