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[Chevy Volt: The Song]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chevy-volt-the-song/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chevy-volt-the-song/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chevy-volt-the-song/#comments
Chevy Volt and Me song -- Click above to watch the video

The Kraft company recently held a competition inviting the public to name its new Vegemite cream cheese spinoff. The name that won, and made it to shelves, was "iSnack 2.0." Really. It took one day of public cacophony to encourage Kraft to change the name to "Cheesybite," but we hear you can still find jars of iSnack 2.0 if you're inclined. Why do we bring this up? Because sometimes we wonder what insights marketers are using to make product roll-out decisions.

And what's that got to do with the Chevy Volt? The Chevy Volt's new theme song, Chevy Volt and Me. In this case, we know what the thought process was. Said the Volt's director of global marketing,

Our goal is to craft that education [about the Volt] in a manner that is family friendly (as it should be because we are America's original mass /heart brand), entertaining and simple to understand for a rather sophisticated product.

A Volt song helps us to achieve those objectives. 'Chevy Volt and Me' explains what Volt is all about as a better EV in simple friendly terms.

All right then. So it ain't Eye of the Tiger or Diesel Power, but it is catchy. Fast-paced, too, so you better pay attention because there's a lot in it. Follow the jump to watch a video of the Volt's gestation, made by the folks at the GM Volt site and set to the new tune. We dare you to listen to it once and not find yourself humming for the rest of the day, "It's so simple like a dimple plug it in and see."

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading Chevy Volt: The Song

Chevy Volt: The Song originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011 volkswagen touareg2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVolt2011VolkswagenTouaregchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltmarketingvideovoltMon, 07 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BMW using money saved from F1 pullout for more product placement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-using-money-saved-from-f1-pullout-for-more-product-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-using-money-saved-from-f1-pullout-for-more-product-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-using-money-saved-from-f1-pullout-for-more-product-p/#commentsFiled under: ,


Piece Brosnan with the BMW Z8 in The World is Not Enough

You wouldn't know it if you weren't a serious film buff or marketing exec, but Propaganda GEM is responsible for a big share of the products you see placed in films. The entertainment marketing agency represents such brands as Audi, Lamborghini, Nokia, Panasonic, Bang & Olufsen and Casio, to name just a few. And it has a new client: the BMW Group.

Following such films as I, Robot and Iron Man, Propaganda has helped Audi significantly increase its profile in Hollywood. But the agency will be terminating its 13-year relationship with Audi (and, we'd expect, Lambo along with them) in order to take on BMW (together with Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW motorcycles), spearheading a new marketing initiative for the Bavarian automaker.

Having temporarily stolen the James Bond spotlight from Aston Martin and Lotus in the mid-Nineties and launched The Hire film short series in 2001, BMW is no stranger to product placement, but the tie-in with Propaganda promises to take things to the next level. Apparently Munich's marketing budget has increased recently, thanks in large part to the termination of the company's Formula One program this year. BMW's sponsorship of the 2012 Olympic Games in London will only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as we can expect to see its products and those of its subsidiaries in more movies, television shows, music videos and video games in the near future. Thanks for the tip, Adam!

[Source: Variety]

REPORT: BMW using money saved from F1 pullout for more product placement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>007Bimmerbmwbmw product placementBmwProductPlacementJames bondJamesBondmarketingPierce BrosnanPierceBrosnanproduct placementProductPlacementpropagandapropaganda agencypropaganda gemPropagandaAgencyPropagandaGemworld is not enoughWorldIsNotEnoughTue, 24 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai wins <i>Advertising Age</i> Marketer of the Year award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/hyundai-wins-advertising-age-marketer-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/hyundai-wins-advertising-age-marketer-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/hyundai-wins-advertising-age-marketer-of-the-year-award/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdAgeadvertisingAdvertising AgeAdvertisingAgecar commercialCarCommercialGenesisHyundaiHyundai AssuranceHyundai GenesisHyundaiAssuranceHyundaiGenesisMarketer of the YearMarketerOfTheYearmarketingMon, 09 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VW chooses Deutsch LA as its new ad agency]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/vw-chooses-deutsch-la-as-its-new-ad-agency/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/vw-chooses-deutsch-la-as-its-new-ad-agency/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/vw-chooses-deutsch-la-as-its-new-ad-agency/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad agencyAdAgencyadvertisingAdvertisingAgebrandweekCrispin Porter BoguskyCrispinPorterBoguskydeutschdeutsch laDeutschLamarketingvolkswagenvwMon, 26 Oct 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/video-this-is-not-batmobile-its-the-spada-codatronca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/video-this-is-not-batmobile-its-the-spada-codatronca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/video-this-is-not-batmobile-its-the-spada-codatronca/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Spada Codatronca promotional material -- Click above to watch the video after the break

The Spada is coming! The Spada is coming! Along with this promotional video put together to get you ready for it. A combination of The Dark Knight, Speed Racer, and The Car, the Codatronca's still an oddball looker, but with that Z06 running gear underneath it should at least be fun to drive. The vid was directed by a Mr. Kobayashi, which makes us think that Keyser Soze must be doing the driving. Follow the jump to watch the vid.


Gallery: SpadaConcept Codatronca


[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!

VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codatroncacodatronca tsCodatroncaTscoupeluxurymarketingperformanceSpadaSpada CodatroncaSpadaCodatroncavideoWed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Fun Theory Part 3 - VW's bottle bank arcade finds plenty of players]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/fun-theory-part-3-vws-bottle-bank-arcade-finds-plenty-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/fun-theory-part-3-vws-bottle-bank-arcade-finds-plenty-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/fun-theory-part-3-vws-bottle-bank-arcade-finds-plenty-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

VW Fun Theory Part 3, Bottle Bank Arcade -- Click above to watch video

VW's Fun Theory project, with its European ad agency DDB, takes on a third task to show that you can get more people to do the right thing if you make it fun. This time it's bottle recycling, and the tool used is a bin fitted with an arcade scoreboard. After a "player" presses start, lights flash above any of the six holes in the bin and the recycler collects points for putting a bottle in the correct opening. It's the same theory as whack-a-mole but with glass bottles.

Just as the other Fun Theory demonstrations with the bottomless garbage can and the piano steps, people flocked to the Bottle Bank Arcade: it was used 50 times more than the plain green bin sitting nearby. Put a scoreboard on something and all of a sudden people will celebrate doing anything - when's the last time you saw a grown man shaking his fist over throwing away a bottle? Follow the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fun Theory Part 3 - VW's bottle bank arcade finds plenty of players

VIDEO: Fun Theory Part 3 - VW's bottle bank arcade finds plenty of players originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddbeuropefun theoryFunTheorymarketingvideovolkswagenvwMon, 19 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: One week after announcing GM departure, Mark LaNeve surfaces at Allstate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-one-week-after-announcing-gm-departure-mark-laneve-surf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-one-week-after-announcing-gm-departure-mark-laneve-surf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-one-week-after-announcing-gm-departure-mark-laneve-surf/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingallstateauto insuranceAutoInsurancecar insuranceCarInsurancefritz hendersonFritzHendersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgood handsGoodHandsinsurancelaNevemark lanevemark lenevemarketingMarkLaneveTue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/cadillac-kicks-current-ad-agency-to-the-curb-seeking-new-suitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/cadillac-kicks-current-ad-agency-to-the-curb-seeking-new-suitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/cadillac-kicks-current-ad-agency-to-the-curb-seeking-new-suitor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

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

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

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

[Source: GM]

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingarnold worldwideArnoldWorldwidecadillaccommercialsfritz hendersonFritzHendersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmarketingmodernistavideovideosMon, 12 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda updates Crosstour Facebook page with official response]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/honda-updates-crosstour-facebook-page-with-official-response/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/honda-updates-crosstour-facebook-page-with-official-response/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/honda-updates-crosstour-facebook-page-with-official-response/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Honda Crosstour - click image above for high-res gallery

Whoo boy! We would not want to be on the business end of the Honda whip this week. In case your head has been in the sand, Honda put up a Facebook page showing off their new Crosstour. General reaction was, to put it Orwellian terms, ungood. What's the problem with social media marketing if you're a corporation? You give up control of your message. As it turns out, sometimes you even give up internal control, too. Which is exactly what happened when Honda's light truck product planning manager Eddie Okubo posted a defense (or is that a defenestration?) of the much maligned new CUV without divulging the company he works for. Well, he got caught.

In a novel/strange/unprecedented move, Honda has gone and posted a clarification on its Crosstour page - about everything. Here's the short version, all bullet pointy like:
  • The images that everyone thinks are the second coming of the Aztek are actually akin to bad yearbook photos. Put another way, the Crosstour is better looking that it looks.New photos will set you all straight.
  • This isn't the European Accord wagon (as cool as Honda knows the Euro wagon to be) because it's an Americanized version of an American Accord wagon. i.e. bigger.
  • This next part bears copying and pasting, "Many of you don't like the styling: It may not be for everyone." Though, Honda thinks among CUV buyers, the Crosstour will do well.
  • Honda can't give out any more specs - sorry
  • Finally, Eddie's comment wasn't removed because Honda was embarrassed by it. His comment was removed because he violated a policy concerning personal opinions on Facebook.
And there you have it -- the odd state of PR in the Facebook/Twitter age. Our thoughts? Defending a vehicle's design on Facebook isn't smart chess. Meaning that unless the comments are turned all the way off, you're just inviting buckets full of further negative comments. Don't say you know how "cool" a car that you don't sell here is and then not sell it here. If it's so cool, why can't we buy one? It's probably best to provide more than two photographs, especially two that you admit are ungood. Assuming a Crosstour Facebook page could be a good idea, people need more to chew on. Finally, poor Eddie. Full response from Honda after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda updates Crosstour Facebook page with official response

Honda updates Crosstour Facebook page with official response originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverCrosstourCUVeddie okuboEddieOkubofacebookHondaHonda CrossoverHonda CrosstourHonda CUVHondaCrossoverHondaCrosstourHondaCuvmarketingsocial marketingsocial mediaSocialMarketingSocialMediaFri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Production Cadillac CTS Coupe breaks through in new 60-second spot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/video-production-cadillac-cts-coupe-breaks-through-in-new-60-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/video-production-cadillac-cts-coupe-breaks-through-in-new-60-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/video-production-cadillac-cts-coupe-breaks-through-in-new-60-se/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisingcadillaccommercialctscts coupects sportwagonCtsCoupeCtsSportwagongmmarketingsrxvideoyoutubeMon, 31 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts: Say hello to the new GM, same as the old GM [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/analysts-say-hello-to-the-new-gm-same-as-the-old-gm-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/analysts-say-hello-to-the-new-gm-same-as-the-old-gm-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/analysts-say-hello-to-the-new-gm-same-as-the-old-gm-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adageadage.comadvertisingadvertising ageadvertisingageautopacificgmmarketingmarketing strategyMarketingStrategynew gmNewGmMon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What is 230? GM knows, but isn't saying...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/what-is-230-gm-knows-but-isnt-say/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/what-is-230-gm-knows-but-isnt-say/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/what-is-230-gm-knows-but-isnt-say/#commentsFiled under: ,



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

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

[Source: Ad Age]

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbob lutzBobLutzcommercialcommercialsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhowie longHowieLongkate walshKateWalshmarketingTue, 04 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI bumper sticker makes fun of Cash for Clunkers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/mini-bumper-sticker-makes-fun-of-cash-for-clunkers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/mini-bumper-sticker-makes-fun-of-cash-for-clunkers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/mini-bumper-sticker-makes-fun-of-cash-for-clunkers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbumper stickerBumperStickerc4ccash for clunkersCashForClunkersetchumormarketingminiFri, 31 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: The Blake Project offers $100k worth of free brand consultancy to GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/the-blake-project-offers-100k-worth-of-free-brand-consultancy-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/the-blake-project-offers-100k-worth-of-free-brand-consultancy-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/the-blake-project-offers-100k-worth-of-free-brand-consultancy-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbrandingbuickcadillacchevroletconsultinggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgmcmarketingTue, 28 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Maserati, <i>Architectural Digest</i> celebrate best real and concept garages]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/maserati-i-architectural-digest-i-celebrate-best-real-and-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/maserati-i-architectural-digest-i-celebrate-best-real-and-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/maserati-i-architectural-digest-i-celebrate-best-real-and-co/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingarchitectural digestArchitecturalDigestarchitectureartcontestdesigngaragemahalgaragmahallifestylemarketingmaseratiMon, 27 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Real stories of the highway patrol?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/video-real-stories-of-the-highway-patrol/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/video-real-stories-of-the-highway-patrol/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/video-real-stories-of-the-highway-patrol/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcommercialcommercialsdonutskrispy kremeKrispyKrememarketingvideoThu, 23 Jul 2009 07:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Bob Lutz unhappy with new Buick campaign?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/bob-lutz-unhappy-with-new-buick-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/bob-lutz-unhappy-with-new-buick-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/bob-lutz-unhappy-with-new-buick-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Buick LaCrosse "Photo Shoot" ad - Click the image above to view the video after the jump

Looks like there could be too many cooks in the Buick PR kitchen, and the soup is looking worried. For the new GM to get on its feet, Buick has to find its feet. To do that, Buick has created a number of ad campaigns meant to showcase its new product and bring new, younger buyers to the brand. One of the commercials in the campaign is called "Photo Shoot," and according to a report, the recently empowered VP of marketing, Bob Lutz, isn't particularly pleased with the spot.

Both Lutz and GM CEO Fritz Henderson don't believe the commercial positions Buick as a luxury brand that competes with Lexus. They have told GM's ad agency, Leo Burnett, that it needs to do better. However -- and here's where it gets convoluted -- the ad was created by an independent shop that Leo Burnett was told to hire to do the work. Mark LaNeve, GM's head of marketing, allegedly instructed Burnett to hire Gary Topolewski, a former creative director at Burnett who worked with LaNeve on Cadillac's Break Through ad campaign, and who now runs another ad agency.

The other character in the middle of all of this is Buick VP Susan Docherty, who defended the commercial. She said it fulfills its role of promoting a revamped Buick brand, adding that she looks "forward to working with Bob and sharing spots two through six with him." Follow the jump to watch the commercial, and you can decide if it makes you put the word "Buick" in the same sentence with "Lexus."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Bob Lutz unhappy with new Buick campaign?

Bob Lutz unhappy with new Buick campaign? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbob lutzBobLutzbuickcommercialcommercialsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlexusmark lanevemarketingMarkLanevesusan dochertySusanDochertyvideosMon, 20 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[<strike>Ad aims to put butts in seats</strike> Ad puts naked butts in Seat Altea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/strike-ad-aims-to-put-butts-in-seats-strike-ad-puts-naked-but/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/strike-ad-aims-to-put-butts-in-seats-strike-ad-puts-naked-but/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/strike-ad-aims-to-put-butts-in-seats-strike-ad-puts-naked-but/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The NSFW Seat Altea print ad campaign -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Seat wants to make sure that people in the U.K. don't equate a family car with being boring, and what better more Latin way to do it than by using happy naked people? The print campaign for the Seat Altea features two "parents" hopping out of their Seat and frolicking on their way to a skinny dipping session. This kind of behavior is apparently called "Seattitude," and you'll be brimming with it if you own an Altea (Spanish models not included).

You can read the press release after the jump and have a gander at the high-res gallery below. Keep in mind that the ads are probably Not Safe For Work... unless looking at naked Spaniards is an acceptable thing to do at your workplace.


Gallery: Racy Seat Altea Print Ad


[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Ad aims to put butts in seats Ad puts naked butts in Seat Altea

Ad aims to put butts in seats Ad puts naked butts in Seat Altea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingalteahatchbackmarketingnsfwnudistnudityseatseat alteaSeatAlteaskinny dipskinny dippingSkinnyDipSkinnyDippingstreakingukFri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beijing mall builds its own Transformer out of VW Jetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/beijing-mall-builds-its-own-transformer-out-of-vw-jetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/beijing-mall-builds-its-own-transformer-out-of-vw-jetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/beijing-mall-builds-its-own-transformer-out-of-vw-jetta/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Jettabot -- Click above for high-res image gallery

We know the Chinese love their Transformers - or perhaps it's just Bumblebee. To promote its new movie theater, a mall in China created its own Transformer out of a Volkswagen Jetta. The best part about the sculpture is that it hasn't been painted to look like Bumblebee, and it's been posed in a way that makes it look like it's either speed skating, or finishing up a dance number, or doing aerobics. Oh, and it has no head. But it's still cool, and you can check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Chinese Jettabot


[Source: China Car Times]

Beijing mall builds its own Transformer out of VW Jetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingautobotchinajettamarketingmoviestransformerstransformers 2Transformers2volkswagen jettaVolkswagenJettavw jettaVwJettaThu, 16 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST