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[GM to offer in-vehicle WiFi on select models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/gm-to-offer-in-vehicle-wifi-on-select-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/gm-to-offer-in-vehicle-wifi-on-select-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/gm-to-offer-in-vehicle-wifi-on-select-models/#commentsFiled under:



Everywhere connectivity is even closer with the announcement that GM will be offering dealer-installed Autonet routers in its SUV and truck offerings. Chrysler was the first to put Autonet in cars a year ago, and Volkswagen signed up in August of this year, putting the mobile router docking station in its Routan. The Autonet kit is available this month for installs in the GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac lineups, or you can order it on GM's accessories site.

Full price for installation is $500 in GM offerings, and you'll pay $29 every month for 1 GB of service -- exceed 1 GB and service stops -- or you can plunk down for the 5 GB service. You can use it within 150 feet of your car but there's no encryption, so a bunch of other folks can use it as well. However, if you just want to get some e-mails and directions, research a few tunes on Songza, and, most importantly, get the kids to be quiet for a spell, it just might be worth it.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM to offer in-vehicle WiFi on select models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoNetautonet mobileAutonetMobilegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmin-car entertainmentin-car internetIn-carEntertainmentIn-carInternetinternetTue, 27 Oct 2009 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE launches new bookstore and e-Books for on-the-go engineers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/sae-launches-new-bookstore-and-e-books-for-on-the-go-engineers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/sae-launches-new-bookstore-and-e-books-for-on-the-go-engineers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/sae-launches-new-bookstore-and-e-books-for-on-the-go-engineers/#commentsFiled under:



The Society of Automotive Engineers has decided to apply the same forward thinking to its web site it has to its information. Borrowing ideas from the iTunes Store and Amazon, the SAE has revamped its bookstore for easier navigation and added an eBook store for engineers on the go.

Navigation is broken down by subject on the left, and you can scroll through, album style, on the main page. Electronic books are searchable and compatible with PCs, hand-helds, and proprietary readers like the Kindle, Sony Reader, and iPhone. Best of all, SAE archives your eBook library for your own virtual library. That way you can always download Brake Design and Safety, Second Edition when you need to impress the gal in the seat next to you on the subway.

[Source: SAE via The Auto Channel]

SAE launches new bookstore and e-Books for on-the-go engineers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booksbookstoreetcinternetsaesae internationalSaeInternationalsociety of automotive engineersSocietyOfAutomotiveEngineerswebsiteTue, 01 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz myCOMAND concept brings internet safely into cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mercedes-benz-mycomand-concept-brings-internet-safely-into-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mercedes-benz-mycomand-concept-brings-internet-safely-into-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mercedes-benz-mycomand-concept-brings-internet-safely-into-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mercedes Benz myCOMAND interface

German automakers have gotten plenty of flack for their less than intuitive Navigation/Infotainment systems, but Mercedes Benz is working hard to change that with its myCOMAND concept. The myCOMAND system uses high-speed wireless Internet with upload and download speeds of over 3MB to bring the connectivity of the web into any driver's hands. It's similar to interfaces from the competition in that it gives access to phone info, different types of digital media and the web. The difference comes from Mercedes' decision to go entirely Internet-based. Gone are hard drives, CD/DVD players and most computer hardware. Mercedes stuck with a thin-client and incredibly intuitive graphical user interface coupled with the ubiquitous Mercedes command controller to pull the strings.

We got a chance to sit in a myCOMAND-equipped Mercedes at the LA Auto Show today and were up to speed within seconds. We were able to surf the net (Autoblog was one of the presets, nice), explore Google Maps, check the weather and look for the cheapest gas in the area with minimal effort. The myCOMAND system is a concept right now and Mercedes engineers feel the technology is still a few years from production. It does, however, show the potential of future Infotainment systems, and we like what we see. See how it works by watching our video demonstration of myCOMAND with Mercedes Infotainment and Telematics VP Johann Jungwirth above, and you can view high-res pics of the system from Mercedes in the gallery below. As always, a press release with all the official details is after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes myCOMAND system

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz myCOMAND concept brings internet safely into cars

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz myCOMAND concept brings internet safely into cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ginfotainment systemInfotainmentSysteminternetmercedes benzMercedesBenzmyCOMANDnavigation systemNavigationSystemThu, 20 Nov 2008 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chryslers-whats-new-2008-uconnect-web-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chryslers-whats-new-2008-uconnect-web-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chryslers-whats-new-2008-uconnect-web-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view a video of Chrysler's uConnect in action.

At Chrysler's annual "What's New" gathering at its Chelsea Proving Ground, we were able to get a demonstration of the new uConnect Web system, which transforms any vehicle into a rolling WiFi hot spot. The hardware consists of a WiFi router with a built in wireless 3G modem. The 3G modem automatically connects to the internet and allows any WiFi enabled devices, such as a laptop, iPod Touch, Nintendo DS or XBox to connect, as long as you're within range of a cell signal. Chrysler is offering the system as a dealer installed option through it's Mopar parts division starting this August. Initially, it will only be available for 2009 models, but earlier models will be added further down the road. The system will cost about $500 installed plus $29 a month for unlimited service, and if you sign up for a two-year contract you get two months for free. Theoretically, you could use the system as your home internet service with your car parked in the garage, making the initial cost of installation and monthly service charges a bit more palatable. Check out a video of the demonstration we received after the jump.

Continue reading Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO

Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerinternetuconnectuconnect internetUconnectInternetwebThu, 26 Jun 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[We say BMW, you say...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/we-say-bmw-you-say/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/we-say-bmw-you-say/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/we-say-bmw-you-say/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So here we have the kind of real-time social engagement that the Internet originally promised us. A site called Brandtag allows you to enter a 1-word attribute for a brand -- like "quattro" for Audi -- and then creates a page with the popularity of any brand identifier denoted by its size on the page relative to every other tag used, i.e. a tag cloud. For instance, one of the biggest words on the Ferrari page is "red," while one of the (many) smallest words is "viagra."

Generic descriptors seem to take the biggest places for all of the brands (browse them here) and some of the small words make you wonder -- like "pirate" for BMW. Yet there are some other intriguing middle-sized words that could make you ask, "Is that what more than one person thinks when they see me?" BMW owners should take note that many people apparently see you all as a-holes (NSFW-ish), though take heart that no brand is sacred from this swarm attack. Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Brandtags]

We say BMW, you say... originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandbrand tagbrandsbrandtagbrandtagsinternettagsMon, 19 May 2008 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Saturn dealers take e-tailing to the next level]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/saturn-dealers-take-e-tailing-to-the-next-level/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/saturn-dealers-take-e-tailing-to-the-next-level/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/saturn-dealers-take-e-tailing-to-the-next-level/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back in the 90s, many automakers tried to cut dealerships out of the business equation by selling cars online, but OEMs found out that selling vehicles wasn't as easy as it looked. Since then, automakers have stuck to supporting its dealers on the web, and Saturn plans to take online shopping to the next level. Ten Saturn dealers are participating in a pilot that will give customers the ability to spend less time inside the dealership by using the Internet to apply for credit, schedule a test drive, settle on a price, and more.

The move makes sense for Saturn since it prides itself on its customer-friendly nature, and doing more without leaving the house or office leads to shorter dealer visits and faster transactions. One function of any sale that will difficult to do online is the valuation of the trade-in, but dealers will be able to give a ball-park figure based on make, model, mileage, and the description of the customer. If the pilot goes well, we're guessing other GM makes and the competition will start putting more of the car-buying process online. We're wondering why it took this long to get to this point in the first place.

Saturn dealers take e-tailing to the next level originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Car BuyingCarBuyingDealershipInternetSaturnTue, 25 Mar 2008 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[iDrive via IP? - BMW uses Internet Protocol underhood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/01/idrive-via-ip-bmw-uses-internet-protocol-underhood/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/01/idrive-via-ip-bmw-uses-internet-protocol-underhood/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/01/idrive-via-ip-bmw-uses-internet-protocol-underhood/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There's a variety of flavors of in-car networking standards that corral the large number of embedded computers and nodes present in the modern automobile. BMW Research and Technology, an R&D division of BMW, has found Internet Protocol up to the tasks that the other standards currently perform. BMW engineers used a standard PC and connected it up to the expected gear -- ECUs, engine and chassis control systems, even a multimedia server for the entertainment system. The reasoning behind using IP versus the more specialized protocols is to anticipate future needs and requirements, as well as reducing costs. Costs drop because fewer specialized components are needed, and the new version of IPv6 is even better than the more than fine performance from IPv4. It's a little spooky to think that your fly-by-wire throttle could be trying to chat with the engine using the same technology that we use to send instant messages, but IP proved itself capable enough even for critical safety functions. The research is ongoing, but BMW's work bodes well for adding functionality and decreasing costs. Adding aftermarket goodies should be fairly painless and service shops will also have an easier time of it by going with a more universal language. Imagine surfing the web with iDrive, though. Blech.

[Source: Automotive Design Line, Photo: Zercustoms]

iDrive via IP? - BMW uses Internet Protocol underhood originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwCANcarFlexrayin carInCarinternetinternet protocolInternetProtocolMOSTnetworknetworkingprotocolresearchSat, 01 Dec 2007 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Pontiac puts its faith in the internet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/pontiac-puts-its-faith-in-the-internet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/pontiac-puts-its-faith-in-the-internet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/pontiac-puts-its-faith-in-the-internet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Pontiac has been revamping its brand, cutting the ass-ugly (Aztek, Montana) and adding the badass (G8, Solstice GXP). There's a strong desire to shift the median buyer age down. The effort's already underway, and has seen some success thus far, but Pontiac wants the coveted younger buyer. In the interest of getting the Pontiac name in front of their intended buyer, the division is actually cutting back on traditional advertising efforts. Huh? Well, how many 20-somethings do you know who watch Dateline? Right.

Think of it as a one-two punch from Pontiac. The first part is creating compelling product, which we've all been watching intently. The line's been purged of bad ideas, and a strong styling direction has taken hold. Excitement surrounds the launch of the G8 sedan, and the G6 has made us forget all about vehicles like the Sunfire. Okay, the G5 isn't helping matters, but the rest of the lineup is eye-catching and well turned out. Some brand watchers knock Pontiac for not retaining owners over the last ten years, but the brand has undergone some considerable change. We'd expect that buyers turned on by the Trans Sport aren't the same people that get excited by the impending awesomeness that is the G8.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Continue reading Pontiac puts its faith in the internet

Pontiac puts its faith in the internet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbannerg8internetjimmy kimmelJimmyKimmelpontiacpontiac g8PontiacG8webFri, 16 Nov 2007 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Close the sale online with AutoNation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/close-the-sale-online-with-autonation/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/close-the-sale-online-with-autonation/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/close-the-sale-online-with-autonation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every automaker has its web presence set up where you can sort of shop for a car. It gets a little difficult when you actually go to get a price quote - you'll get directed to a selection of local dealers, some more willing to deal than others - it's enough to make you wish for a "Buy It Now" button. AutoNation's testing pretty much that very idea at an Atlanta location. The experience doesn't differ much from what's already available at automotive sales websites. You can browse inventory, schedule test drives, get price quotes, even apply for credit. Where the AutoNation website differs is that you can actually trade in a vehicle, secure financing, and arrange delivery or pick up of your new car. AutoNation's not sure whether or not they'll roll out the service to their largest-in-the-nation dealer network. In the past, it's not proven to move as much iron as you'd think. There's a lot to consider when buying a car, and it might just be too bewildering for people to feel comfortable with a "purchase car" button to click. Problem credit is another issue that can plug up the works. In the end, while AutoNation may offer complete online sales, it may not find that many takers.

[Source: The Auto Channel, Photo: Carsnaps]

Close the sale online with AutoNation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto nationAutoNationcar buyingCarBuyinginternetonlinewebsiteThu, 01 Nov 2007 07:06:00 EST<![CDATA[McScapegoat: Ron Dennis blames internet media for losing F1 title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/22/mcscapegoat-ron-dennis-blames-internet-media-for-losing-f1-titl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/22/mcscapegoat-ron-dennis-blames-internet-media-for-losing-f1-titl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/22/mcscapegoat-ron-dennis-blames-internet-media-for-losing-f1-titl/#commentsFiled under:

Ah scapegoating, the last refuge of the defeated. This season McLaren got caught red-handed (pardon the pun) and lost the constructor's championship. Then its poor reliability and performance meant that neither of the team's incredibly talented pilots could lock up the driver's title, either. Rather than look inwards to find cause for his team's enormous disappointment, team principal Ron Dennis is pointing his finger. And he's pointing in our direction.

"The internet is an unregulated source of information that is a nuissance." That's what Dennis had to say. "It has added to the pressure on our team." Ron went on a bit, but that's pretty much the gist of it. Feel free to follow the link to find out how else we and our ilk screwed things up for McLaren.

(For those not yet sufficiently entertained, Autosport is reporting that McLaren mechanics made Dennis a fake trophy.)

Don't blame us, Ron. Blame Al Gore. After all, he invented the internet.

[Source: F1-live]

McScapegoat: Ron Dennis blames internet media for losing F1 title originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angryblamedennisexpire-images:2008-10-21internetmclarenmediaronMon, 22 Oct 2007 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Can't get enough Mercedes? Try Mercedes-Benz TV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/cant-get-enough-mercedes-try-mercedes-benz-tv/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/cant-get-enough-mercedes-try-mercedes-benz-tv/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/cant-get-enough-mercedes-try-mercedes-benz-tv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes has its 3-pointed hands in just about everything, from classic rallies to virtual opera to Fashion Week's around the world. In just two days, at 8PM on July 12, you'll be able to keep track of it all when Mercedes-Benz launches five channels of Internet television devoted to lifestyle, cars, engines and sports, history and legends, and innovation.

The first broadcast, in German and English, will be a presentation of a weekly news magazine hosted by German society reporter Tanja Bülter. Airing with that will be a program called Power Meets Fashion, from Fashion Week Berlin, that will see drivers like Lewis Hamilton taking spins around Berlin in cars like the Ocean Drive and Uhlenhaut Coupe. Each of the five channels will launch with an hour of programming, available on demand, 24 hours a day, with events like auto shows and launches broadcast live. While we can wonder how much "news" there will be in the news magazine, Mercedes has got the resources, the production values -- and the cars -- to provide something sure to have enough eye candy for between-task breaks.

Related posts:

All Audi, all the time: Audi TV hits the web waves

[Source: Auto Spies]

Can't get enough Mercedes? Try Mercedes-Benz TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzfashionfashion weekFashionWeekinternetmercedestvThu, 12 Jul 2007 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VW busted for scamming Google search, gets off easy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/vw-busted-for-scamming-google-search-gets-off-easy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/vw-busted-for-scamming-google-search-gets-off-easy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/vw-busted-for-scamming-google-search-gets-off-easy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Both Volkswagen and Google have responded to criticism that the automaker's web pages were in violation of Google's quality guidelines. The uproar centers around hidden keywords in flash-based pages.

Rather than include the keywords in the meta tag of the HTML page, which is where information about the document is typically placed, VW was hiding search keywords inside the page. Using a div layer, which is a technique of building pages with style sheets, Volkswagen had loads of search terms that would register with web spiders, but not show up to end users. The end result would be the Volkswagen pages would be called up for more searches on Google than they otherwise would be.

The name of this suspect layer, "invisibleContent," seems to clearly register its intent. Since being flagged, Google and Volkswagen's agency had a chat, and the search terms are now properly placed under the Meta description in the page. Oh yeah, the pages now block web crawlers from caching the pages - a total 180 degree turn from spamming search engines with hidden terms. Very weird.

Some webmasters are a little miffed that Google didn't throw the book at VW and kick it from the search engine's index, a particularly devastating reaction for websites that Google often has when a site is found to be violating its quality guidelines. Apparently it doesn't matter, however, since VW's blocked its site from being cached anyway.

[Source: cartoonbarry.com]

VW busted for scamming Google search, gets off easy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcodecssdivgooglehidden textHiddenTexthtmlinternetmarketingmetapagescamsearchspamvolkswagenvwwebweb pageWebPageTue, 08 May 2007 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Slacker brings internet radio into your car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/slacker-brings-internet-radio-into-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/slacker-brings-internet-radio-into-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/slacker-brings-internet-radio-into-your-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's like Pandora for your car! Slacker, a new web-based radio website has just launched this week. The channel selection is very similar to what's available on XM or Sirius, and we liken it to Pandora because the number of songs you can skip is limited, but the selection is large and the experience is flexible and customizeable. The website alone is a nice little diversion anywhere you've got a browser and bandwidth, but the exciting news is that there will soon be an iPod-like device so you can take your Slacker with you. That means never having to listen to the angry guy talk channel while stuck in a traffic jam again. It's also better than the four-song playlists each FM genre now spins, too. The portable device will store songs, and later this year Slacker will be unveiling a car dock that will be able to receive music from satellite signals.

Pulling down music from the birds is the same trick that Sirius and XM manage, but they cost money. Slacker is free once you purchase the hardware. How is that possible? Why, the very same way broadcast television and radio are free: advertising. If you're willing to sit through some ads, you get free music. In fact, the music is merely there to keep you interested enough that you'll continue to listen through the spots - of course, many of us are obsessive channel flippers (or worse yet, NPR junkies). You can have your Slacking and no commercials, too. For about half the price of Sirius, your $7.50 per month will keep the music rolling in and offer you unlimited skips and no ads. The price is so much lower because Slacker doesn't have big loans for satellites to pay off. The quality is in the MP3 realm, and sounds decent, which is encouraging. Some of us with finely tuned ears have a hard time listening to SatRad because of the digital compression artifacts. We'll see what happens if Slacker is able to popularize it's offerings, and deliver on the promise they're dangling tantalizingly in front of our noses.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Slacker brings internet radio into your car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioentertainmenticein car electronicsin car entertainmentInCarElectronicsInCarEntertainmentinternetmusicradiosatellitesatellite radioSatelliteRadiosiriusxmFri, 16 Mar 2007 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoNet Mobile rocking wi-fi in your car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/autonet-mobile-rocking-wi-fi-in-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/autonet-mobile-rocking-wi-fi-in-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/autonet-mobile-rocking-wi-fi-in-your-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,



For those of you confined to a movable cubicle, having a wireless internet connection within your mobile office would be a Godsend. Autonet has recognized this need and developed, what the company maintains is, the first in-car ISP, allowing any wireless devices within your vehicle to be hooked up the World Wide Web. The unit will set you back $399 and a monthly fee of $50 will hook you up with Verizon's EV-DO network. Initially, the product will be launched in the spring of 2007 in AVIS rental vehicles for $10.95 per day and, according to the company, will function on 95-percent of roadways within the U.S.

[Source: Engadget, NYTimes]

AutoNet Mobile rocking wi-fi in your car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonet mobileAutonetMobileinternetispwifiwirelessTue, 02 Jan 2007 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Automakers drop mad cash on advertising in 2005, but less than in '04]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/automakers-drop-mad-cash-on-advertising-in-2005/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/automakers-drop-mad-cash-on-advertising-in-2005/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/automakers-drop-mad-cash-on-advertising-in-2005/#commentsFiled under:

Automakers spent $10.46 billion on advertising in 2005, a short step down from 2004 by .85 percent. Significant changes came in the shift from network television (down 15 percent) and magazine ads (down 4.5 percent) to internet advertising (up 16.9 percent, woo-hoo!) and cable spots (up 14.6 percent). Despite a drop in Ford Motor Company's advertising of 21.2 percent to $984.6 million, the company still led the automakers in ad spending in 2005, with General Motors not far behind with $876.6 million (down from 2004's $908.1 million). Bringing up the rear is Audi, which spent $101.4 million, an increase after 2004's $79.9 million.

[Source: Advertising Age via Automotive News]

Automakers drop mad cash on advertising in 2005, but less than in '04 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jul 2006 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbroadcastcableinternetmarketingprintThu, 20 Jul 2006 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA['Dilbert My Ride': PC Magazine creates a four-wheeled cubicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/dilbert-my-ride-pc-magazine-creates-a-four-wheeled-cubicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/dilbert-my-ride-pc-magazine-creates-a-four-wheeled-cubicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/dilbert-my-ride-pc-magazine-creates-a-four-wheeled-cubicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While the notion of drivers that want to access the Information Superhighway while motoring on the interstate highway concerns us greatly, we're reasonably sure that we're outnumbered. In fact, its likely only a matter of time before Bill Gates and friends are hanging out in our center console, jockeying for space with HVAC systems and cupholders brandishing venti Frappucchinos.

Oh, you've seen in car computers before. Most stabs at putting the computers in a four-wheeled environment have started with ultra-posh showcars, resulting in hyper expensive technological tour de forces. But that's not the case with PC Magazine, which inexplicably went and turned a humble 1998 Toyota Corolla into a mobile office.

Of course, with a scanner at the ready (visor resident, no less), a laptop hiding underneath the driver's seat, printer armrest, rudimentary heads-up display and apaper-shredder in the glovebox, there's probably more money in added silicon horsepower in here than there is Toyota horsepower, but that doesn't seem to bother the PCM folks. 

Be afraid, children... be very afraid.

(Top-tip, J!)

[Source: PC Magazine]

'Dilbert My Ride': PC Magazine creates a four-wheeled cubicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GatesBillGatesCubicleDilbertEpsonFrappuchinoInformation SuperhighwayInformationSuperhighwayinternetMobile OfficeMobileOfficePC MagazinePcMagazinePimp My RidePimpMyRideTelematicsTue, 18 Apr 2006 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA["Make Your Own Tahoe Commercial" debacle makes it onto Nightline]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/make-your-own-tahoe-commercial-debacle-makes-it-onto-nightline/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/make-your-own-tahoe-commercial-debacle-makes-it-onto-nightline/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/make-your-own-tahoe-commercial-debacle-makes-it-onto-nightline/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've already reported on the fact that General Motors' "Make Your Own Tahoe Commercial" experiment has turned the General's lumbering SUV into a slow-moving target for every environmentalist with a keyboard and high-speed internet connection. The news ran around the internet like wildfire with some of the best homebrew commercials finding their way onto YouTube, as well as the rather long list of comments associated with our own post.

Autoblog devotee Mike G. tipped us off to a clip on YouTube showing a segment of ABC's Nightline in which the "hard hitting" late night news show has lifted the story straight from the blogosphere and put it into the homes of tens of hundreds of captive viewers. Where's the link love, Nightline?

The only additional piece of news Nightline offers is that GM says it "welcomes the two-way interaction." Of course, it probably likes the free airtime it got on national television even more.

"Make Your Own Tahoe Commercial" debacle makes it onto Nightline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdvertisingblogosphereblogsCommercialCommercialsenvironmentalistsGMinternetMarketingNightlineSUVTahoeFri, 07 Apr 2006 15:33:00 EST