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[Jump Ship! Another VW ad exec splits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/jump-ship-another-vw-ad-exec-splits/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/jump-ship-another-vw-ad-exec-splits/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/jump-ship-another-vw-ad-exec-splits/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Perhaps sensing impending doom, Volkswagen's David Goggins is cleaning out his desk as director of product and marketing strategy. There's been a good amount of turnover in VW's marketing ranks in the last year and a half, and Goggins had only served for 14 months before deciding to return to Bentley where he was previously in charge of marketing. Former Ferrari spokesman Toscan Bennett will take up the reins of the wares-shilling department.

The writing may have been on the wall for Goggins, as the marketing department will reportedly undergo a nip and tuck concurrent with Volkswagen USA's relocation to northern Virginia. Apparently, not too many members of the marketing team were invited to join the exodus from Auburn Hills, so that may have motivated Goggins stepping down. As nice as VWs are, it'd be an easy choice for us to go with Bentley, too. The flip-flopping in VW's come-on office has played a role in defocusing the marketing effort - VW is running the risk of confusing, or worse, boring buyers with indifferent advertising and a paucity of new stuff to sell. Next year, however, looks good from a product standpoint, and we'll likely be inundated by a more concerted effort to plant backsides in seats, and signatures on dotted lines.

[Source: Brandweek]

Jump Ship! Another VW ad exec splits originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gogginsmarketingmovenorth americaNorthAmericaresignstep downStepDownvolkswagenvolkswagen marketingvolkswagen north americaVolkswagenMarketingVolkswagenNorthAmericaTue, 25 Sep 2007 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Bye, bye Auburn Hills? VW may be moving to the East Coast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/bye-bye-auburn-hills-vw-may-be-moving-to-the-east-coast/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/bye-bye-auburn-hills-vw-may-be-moving-to-the-east-coast/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/bye-bye-auburn-hills-vw-may-be-moving-to-the-east-coast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen may or may not be considering moving its operations, in part or entirely, to the East Coast. Washington D.C. or North Carolina are looking far more favorable to VW than its current digs in Auburn Hills, MI. Perhaps VW management thinks it can kick-start some new enthusiasm inside its US operations by heading to a part of the country where it's more appreciated (VW's assorted brands sell best on the coasts) and making space for new blood by leaving behind those unwilling to relocate. Being in a city with a more cosmopolitan perception may help VW entice employees to sign on for US duty, as well as making VW a big fish in its own pond, versus living in the shadow of the domestic brands in Detroit.

More justification for the move could be due to the allure of hanging out in D.C. versus Michigan. That's quite a snub to Auburn Hills, but Michigan residents may get the last laugh, D.C. has a larger crime problem than Auburn Hills. Every time an exec gets mugged, an angel in MI will get its wings. Speculation has been spreading through the company faster than food poisoning on a cruise ship, prompting Audi's US head Johan de Nysschen to blip off an email. In his communication to Audi of America's employees, de Nysschen couldn't really offer specifics to calm people down, but he did go on to say that things will be clearer once new CEO Stefan Jacoby lands on September 1 and initiates a restructuring. There seems to be plenty of desire to not be in Michigan, and in light of de Nysschen's further statement that "reality is not nearly as severe as some of the rumors would suggest," we're eager to see what the next move will be.

[Source: Detroit News]

Bye, bye Auburn Hills? VW may be moving to the East Coast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carolinadcmichiganmovenorthvolkswagenvwwashingtonFri, 17 Aug 2007 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Wonderful Small! Daihatsu TV commercials from Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/wonderful-small-daihatsu-tv-commercials-from-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/wonderful-small-daihatsu-tv-commercials-from-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/wonderful-small-daihatsu-tv-commercials-from-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The more we see of Daihatsu, the more we like the plucky little Toyota division. Watching their nutty TV commercials makes us love them even more, though. From the "WONDERFUL SMALL! (Daihatsu)" opening, through whatever insanity that follows (usually led by a cute actress), they are relentlessly entertaining and totally Japanese in the best way.

If DirecTV offered a Japanese channel pack, we'd rock it just for the commercials. Every day would be like Super Bowl Sunday and out TiVo would scream for mercy.

We'll start you off with a spot for the newly-redesigned Move Custom. Click above to watch it, then follow the jump for a bunch more.

Continue reading Wonderful Small! Daihatsu TV commercials from Japan

Wonderful Small! Daihatsu TV commercials from Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charadedaihatsulost in translationLostInTranslationmickey rourkeMickeyRourkemovesuntoryThu, 28 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Everything's O-Kei: New Daihatsu Move introduced in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/06/everythings-o-kei-new-daihatsu-move-introduced-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/06/everythings-o-kei-new-daihatsu-move-introduced-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/06/everythings-o-kei-new-daihatsu-move-introduced-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Daihatsu Move Custom

Another day. Another kei. This time, it's Daihatsu, which has released a redesigned version of its Move minicar. Available as the subdued Move or the more sporty-looking Move Custom (above), the car follows the usual kei formula: tiny outside, maximized space inside. In fact, the new Move boasts the longest cabin length and width available in a Japanese minicar.

The Move's softer lines appear to be geared more towards women, while the Move Custom has a more masculine flavor to it. Incidentally, this appears to be the case with almost every kei car. Two versions, one soft, one sporty, with the sporty version offering an optional turbocharged engine. The same holds true here.

The Move and Move custom are both available with a 660cc normally-aspirated engine putting out around 58 horsepower and getting 54 mpg peak fuel economy. The Move Custom can also be had with a 660cc turbo that nets an additional 6 horses or so. All models are available with either 2WD or 4WD, and transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, or CVT depending on the individual trim level selected.

(Photos, press release after the jump)

Continue reading Everything's O-Kei: New Daihatsu Move introduced in Japan

Everything's O-Kei: New Daihatsu Move introduced in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>660ccdaihatsudaihatsu moveDaihatsuMovekeikei carKeiCarmoveFri, 06 Oct 2006 17:22:00 EST