Autoblog

Meet Points, the Internet-enabled future of street signs

Michael Harley — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology, Videos

After three years of research, Breakfast Products has introduced Points - self-touted as the most advanced sign on earth. While we cannot substantiate that particular claim, the three-arm directional display is an interesting and innovative approach when it comes to delivering information to those within its immediate vicinity.

In a nutshell, Points utilizes an Internet connection to update a five-segment interface menu that is located at user height on its pole. Using digital data (compiled from Twitter, Foursquare, RRS feeds, etc.) and onboard sensors, the motorized directional arms swing to display information about cities, sporting events, transit, etc... all of which is easily read by those nearby (watch the video, and it will all make sense).

Physically speaking, the Points sign is nine feet tall, six feet wide and primarily constructed of lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum. Mechanically speaking, the arms utilize micro transmissions (with 11 gears and multiple motors) and rotary electrical interfaces (removing the issue of tangled wires) to smoothly swing 360-degrees around the pole regardless of weather or temperature. Electronically speaking, more than 16,000 LED lights ensure that the displays are bright and readable. Lastly, the processor has been designed to keep its chipset cool and minimize power drain.

We can think of countless applications for Points (airport terminals and car shows would be a perfect fit), assuming it all works as advertised. Larger versions with even more swinging arms would work well for those behind the wheel. Rest assured, this is just the tip of this digital information iceberg. Check out Points by scrolling below to see the video, then head on over to Breakfast Products' website to try it out remotely via Twitter.

Continue reading Meet Points, the Internet-enabled future of street signs

Meet Points, the Internet-enabled future of street signs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How social media is changing the way car defects and complaints are discovered

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Social media can allow direct and faster access to a person, a group or discussion of an issue, and that has led to wide ranging players in the automotive world figuring out how to use it in order to improve performance. Dealers encourage customers to use sites like Google+ and DealerRater.com for reviews, automakers like Hyundai and Chrysler have someone dedicated to watching Twitter for complaints, and federal agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey forums and websites for hints about possible defects.

Said Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president of sales on using Twitter to speak to customers, "The function is the same: People have problems, and we take care of the problems." The company's interaction with Twitterers didn't exist a year ago, but things could progress to the point where Twitter forms part of the way that dealer satisfaction surveys are submitted by the automaker. There's work to do and knowledge to gain before that happens, but it's envisioned in the field of play.

Bodies like the NHTSA are said to "routinely search" the web "for information that might lead to an investigation." By going straight to the sources where car buyers are highlighting issues with their cars, the NHTSA has a line into early indicators of issues that might be defects, and it can begin to gather data or can supplement the data it already has. The other side of the equation: Law firms are taking note as well, with a university professor saying the increased and more public exposure of potential issues "could mean higher litigation."

How social media is changing the way car defects and complaints are discovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Dart Registry helps you crowdsource money for your next ride [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Dodge

To be honest, we're surprised something like this didn't pop up sooner. Chrysler is riffing on gift registries for couples getting married or expecting babies and cross-pollinating it with a social media funding website like Kickstarter to help customers buy its 2013 Dodge Dart. The Dodge Dart Registry allows people to build and customize a new Dart exactly how they want it, then let other people purchase some or all of the components as gifts.

The registry lets you add features like dark headlights, dual exhaust, various wheels and even interior options without choosing a specific trim level. This sounds a lot like the system Scion uses to let its customers configure cars, and this could be a great idea for Dodge. Of course, this system has the added benefit of being a social media affair for you to share with your friends... you know, so they can help pay for some of the parts, too.

The best thing about the registry is that you can configure your dream Dart from the comfort of your home computer, which strikes us as much better than walking around Bed, Bath and Beyond for the better part of an afternoon with an electronic scanner. The one thing that Dodge doesn't offer? "Thank You" cards. Those are on you.

For more information about how to get your friends and family to help buy you a Dodge Dart, Chrysler has provided a video and press release, which we've posted below.

Continue reading Dodge Dart Registry helps you crowdsource money for your next ride [w/video]

Dodge Dart Registry helps you crowdsource money for your next ride [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia under fire for "likes for food" Facebook promo [w/poll]

Chris Tutor — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Kia

Kia, like just about every other business, is trying hard to find its way in the ever-evolving world of social media. Some might say the Korean automaker is trying too hard, though, judging by responses to its new Facebook campaign. The initiative was born out of an attempt to build the company's Facebook likes, while at the same time raising money for charity with a program called "1 Like = 1Day Food for 1 Family."

Kia's Facebook campaign asked users to click on the social media site's ubiquitous thumbs-up "Like" button. In return, the carmaker promised that for every like, it would donate a day's worth of food for a whole family of starving refugees in Sudan through charity World Vision.

The effort garnered Kia almost 4,000 likes and, presumably, 4,000 days-worth of food for hungry refugees. But it's also gotten dozens of derisive comments calling Kia's campaign words like "disgraceful" and "sickening." The big objection to the effort is the idea that Kia is looking to boost brand awareness by taking advantage of people's charitable impulses. As one commenter said, "Either donate or don't... the emotional blackmail... is sickening." Another said, "If you really care, Kia, just help them anyway and don't boast about it for your own brand awareness."

Kia says it has been caught off guard by the criticism and "...did not anticipate this type of interpretation." The company has since changed the link on their Facebook page from the like button to a World Vision link.

University of Canberra social media researcher Julie Posetti tells stuff.co.nz that campaigns like this always have "potential for backlash."

"Bottom line: it's rarely a good look to try to leverage potential customers' social concern for hungry, war-orphaned children in the interests of advertising clout," Posetti said.

How do you feel about Kia's campaign? Cast your vote in our poll below, then speak your mind in Comments.

View Poll

Kia under fire for "likes for food" Facebook promo [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan courts social media to help with product planning

Zach Bowman — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Nissan

Automotive News reports Nissan may turn to the company's social media followers to help plan future products. Erich Marx, director of interactive and social media marketing, thinks sites like Pintrest and Facebook could be used as specialized focus groups to help answer questions that the automaker's product planners and managers face.

Nissan already plans to ask its followers what sorts of vehicles and technologies they expect to see on the market in the next 10 years. Depending on how that goes, further and more specific queries could follow.

The report says Marx understands the online community isn't a place for throwing out confidential designs, but with over 1 million fans on Facebook and a similar number on Google+ and Twitter, he sees plenty of potential consulting power.

Nissan courts social media to help with product planning originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jul 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford crowdsources first Focus ST commercial for U.S.

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Ford

Ford has released the first ad for the company's upcoming Focus ST. The automaker headed to the warm streets of Key West with Tanner Foust and stunt driver Greg Tracy to give spectators a glimpse of the hot hatch's capabilities. The two wheelmen spent the evening tearing around closed sections of city streets with plenty of onlookers on hand, but there's a twist. Instead of relying on a professional film crew to capture the high-horsepower antics, Ford asked those in attendance to submit their own footage of the show. Throw in a little clever editing and we have a solid minute of sideways Focus ST action.

The 2013 Ford Focus ST starts at $24,495 and offers buyers a rash of go-fast hardware, including a turbocharged, 252-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 pound-feet of torque. A torque-steer compensation system keeps the heathen Focus pointed straight, and those willing to pony up a little extra cash can enjoy Recaro bucket seats indoors. Scroll down to check out the clever spot for yourself.

Continue reading Ford crowdsources first Focus ST commercial for U.S.

Ford crowdsources first Focus ST commercial for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and GM in Twitterfight over Facebook advertising?

Scott Burgess — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:35:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford, GM

Frenemies Ford and General Motors have taken to cyberspace for a little verbal sparing, trading snarky shots this week over which company is more likeable on Facebook.

GM set itself up Tuesday after news broke that the carmaker decided not to spend $10 million on Facebook advertising the same week the social media juggernaut prepares for its initial public offering expected to raise $100 billion dollars.

Ford used the opportunity to tweak its crosstown rival, tweeting: "It's all about the execution. Our Facebook ads are effective when strategically combined with engaging content & innovation."

GM couldn't leave that alone, going onto its Facebook page, "Just wanted to let our millions of Facebook fans know, we're still here, and we 'like' you back!"

Both carmakers will continue to use Facebook, where both have millions of followers of their brands and vehicles. And, really, they are both right.

Ford has done an extremely good job incorporating Facebook into its marketing strategy. When it came time to launch the new Ford Explorer, it did it through Facebook reaching millions of people.

GM has determined its money will be better spent in other areas. A recent Associated Press-CNBC poll showing more than half of all Facebook users never click on sponsored ads and only 12 percent said they felt comfortable to buy anything over Facebook. Google, The Wall Street Journal points out, is much more effective.

Ford and GM in Twitterfight over Facebook advertising? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche plasters 2M faces on Cayman to celebrate Facebook milestone [UPDATE]

Zach Bowman — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Porsche, Luxury

We all know what happens when Porsche and social media collide; the world gets another art car. As you may recall, the German sportscar manufacturer created a special version of its 911 GT3 R Hybrid when it crested one million fans on Facebook last February. Now, one year later, Porsche has garnered a staggering two million fans, and the company has taken it upon itself to slather a Cayman S in the faces of ts adoring supporters. With its red-tinted images on a white field, the design gives the Cayman S more than a passing resemblance to the famous Porsche 917 that garnered the company its first Le Mans win.

Porsche plans to display its Facebook Cayman S at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart until January 27. For those of us who can't make the jump to Germany, Porsche has created a special site that provides 360-degree views of the car as well as search function to help you find your face on the Cayman. Head over to the site to check it out.

UPDATE: Porsche has clarified that every fan's face is not, in fact, on the 2-Mill Cayman due to Facebook requiring the automaker to ask permission before they could use people's pics. So unless you opted in for the stunt, don't look for your mug.

Porsche plasters 2M faces on Cayman to celebrate Facebook milestone [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford looks to Facebook for 2013 Mustang reveal

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

The updated 2013 Ford Mustang has already been spied driving around in its seizure-inducing camo patterns. The ponycar's formal introduction is imminent, and Ford wants to make its Facebook fans part of the process.

Right now, if you "Like" the official Ford Mustang Facebook page, you can then ~~clutter your friends' news feeds with~~ share a Mustang badge. Ford's tallying each share, and for every 5,000 of them, it'll unveil one of four 2013 Mustang ~~photos that are so zoomed and cropped that you can't really see anything~~ teasers.

So, if you want to start unveiling the 2013 Mustang, surf over to Facebook and start sharing. Just remember to go "Like" the Autoblog.com page while you're there, too.

Ford looks to Facebook for 2013 Mustang reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos

Now we're not suggesting that you're a lawbreaker, but if you're a social networker and you'd like to know where speedtraps are - for no reason at all - then Escort might be able to help. Makers of the Passport line of detectors, Escort has started a mobile app-supported network called Escort Live that features Bluetooth notifications.

When an Escort detector using a special Bluetooth-enabled cord - called SmartCord Live - registers a trap, it sends that info to the cloud, which then forwards that location to your smartphone to warn you of the trap if you're about to be in range. It can also identify red light cameras and other types of road surveillance systems.

The app works with certain Apple iPhone and Android handsets, and a subscription to the service through 2012 costs $79.95. That strikes us as rather pricy, but we suppose it's cheaper than a speeding ticket. Check out a video of it in action after the jump.

Continue reading Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video]

Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Nissan outmaneuvered Toyota's Camry launch for Twitter supremacy

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Toyota

Automotive News is reporting that Nissan recently scored a hit against Toyota - at least in terms of social media marketing for the new 2012 Camry. When Nissan received word that Toyota was planning to pull back the sheet on the Camry last week, it reportedly set about snatching up promoted tweets featuring the words "Camry," "Toyota Camry," and "mid-sized car." A promoted tweet directs those searching for the terms toward a specific tweet instead of all tweets featuring the term for a 24-hour period. In this case, those looking for information on the Camry were pointed toward product news from Nissan.

At this point, it's unclear whether Nissan intentionally set out to scuttle Toyota's Twitter effort or if the two companies were merely giving each other some good-natured harassment. Either way, we can imagine Toyota will be a little more careful about protecting its search terms in the near future.

How Nissan outmaneuvered Toyota's Camry launch for Twitter supremacy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi has most engaged Facebook fans, beats out Justin Bieber

Chris Shunk — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi

Facebook is the latest big deal with all kinda of brands all over the world, as companies have spent small fortunes to bolster their social media presence. Has all that attention worked? It apparently has for Audi, as the Four-Ringed automaker has topped everyone in a key statistic.

Mashable reports that a study by Visibli shows Audi has the most engaged fans on Facebook. Better than Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and, perhaps best of all, better than any other automaker. In fact, American Airlines is the only other brand to make the list that isn't a celebrity. To become "most engaged," Audi managed 228 "Likes" out of every 100,000 fans; far exceeding the Bieber's average of 181 per 100,000. This is where we'd typically work in some Bieber lyrics while rubbing it in that he lost, but we can honestly say we don't know any.

So how did Audi manage to top every other brand and celebrity? Visibli CEO Saif Ajani is stumped for answers, adding "we're trying to find out ourselves." One possible explanation is that Audi has been "like-gating" certain content. Basically, you have to "Like" something to view a video, release or photos. Hey, whatever works...

[Source: Mashable via Social Car News]

Audi has most engaged Facebook fans, beats out Justin Bieber originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes wants you to think Twitter is fuel

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz engineers test out their "tweet fuel" - Click above to watch video after the jump

Automakers have taken to social media with varying degress of success. On one side, we've got the Ford Fiesta Movement and on the other we've got... nearly every other automaker's social outreach. And now, we have Mercedes-Benz.

Four teams of two have been picked to race to Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, with one team each leaving from New York, Tampa, Chicago and Los Angeles. Each team is captained by a "celebrity" well-versed in the Twitter universe - an odd combination of "coaches," but they've got what Mercedes wants: 7,087,730 followers, combined.

So how does Twitter factor into the race? Each team needs to collect something Mercedes is calling "tweet fuel" and it's based on the rather vague description of "twitter activity."

Said "fuel" will help push the team further in their respective vehicles, with NY behind the wheel of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic, Tampa driving a 2011 E550 Cabriolet, Chicago getting the keys to a 2011 GL350 BlueTec and LA will use a 2011 S400 Hybrid. If they "win," each member will receive a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

One more note, Mercedes has put out a teaser video of a faux Tweet-guided CL, proving once again that automakers are better at contrived stunts than viral videos. Check it out for yourself after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes wants you to think Twitter is fuel

Video: Mercedes wants you to think Twitter is fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick launching contest for social network fiends

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GM

Buick is on the hunt for a younger demographic and it's hoping to find it with the help of a new social media campaign. Called the "Quest for the Keys", Buick is turning to Facebook, Twitter and a variety of location-based services such as FourSquare and Gowalla, to have social media users hunt online for clues. The clues will be doled out over the course of three weeks before culminating in a one-day offline scavenger hunt.

Seven cities are currently slated to take part: Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York and Austin. Participants in each city are on the hunt for six keys, each worth $2,000. From that pool of 42 key-finders, three winners will be randomly chosen. The lucky final three will then get to choose a vehicle from the current Buick lineup, including the all-new Verano.

For more information, check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Buick]

Continue reading Buick launching contest for social network fiends

Buick launching contest for social network fiends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Police using Twitter to track down stolen cars

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Police in Seattle have turned to social media in an effort to help recover stolen vehicles. By sending out a Tweet that describes the liberated vehicle, authorities are hoping someone in the network of followers will spot it and report the vehicle's location. The Twitter account being used by the SPD goes by the handle @GetYourCarBack and sends out a message listing the year, make, model and license plate of the stolen vehicle.

Every little bit helps and it's always interesting to see how companies or organizations adopt new uses for technology. Besides the usefulness of the feed, it's also quite interesting to see what is getting stolen in the Seattle area. We spy lots of Hondas, but also a few scooters and someones Ford F-350 pickup.

[Source: Social Car News]

Police using Twitter to track down stolen cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feeling charitable? Be one of the first to drive the 2012 Ford Focus

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford wants to let the entire world have a shot at test driving the redesigned 2012 Focus. The automaker has announced a new contest that is designed to give interested folks a shot at some time behind the wheel of the compact car. The contest is being held via Ford's Focus fan page on Facebook. Prospective entrants are invited to upload videos explaining why they should be invited to test drive the new Focus, a setup that reminds us quite a bit of the Blue Oval's wildly successful Fiesta Movement.

This is not your average test drive, however, as winners will be flown to an as-yet-determined location in Southern Europe. It's not just about the car, either, as select participants will be given their market-equivalent of $10,000 to donate to a charity that they're passionate about. In all, Ford plans to provide $500,000 for the driver-chosen charities. Ford is tagging this event as the chance to "start more than a car."

One hundred participants from around the globe will be invited to drive the brand-new Ford Focus and donate a large sum of money. The winners will be chosen based on the creativity of their entries, social media networking skills and the overall number of votes they receive. If you are interested in participating, head over to Facebook.com/FordFocus.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Feeling charitable? Be one of the first to drive the 2012 Ford Focus

Feeling charitable? Be one of the first to drive the 2012 Ford Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cayenne named Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year via Facebook [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Etc., Porsche, Luxury

2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Motor Trend has announced its pick for Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year, and the honor has fallen on the 2011 Porsche Cayenne. The fact that the Porsche has received the award is not necessarily a surprise, it's how the award was announced. M/T decided to eschew the standard required wait time for readers to find out via its monthly magazine. The announcement was made at 12:01am via social media juggernaut, Facebook and they've since followed up the Facebook notification with a proper article on its website.

According to Angus MacKenzie, Editor-In-Chief, the Porsche Cayenne was top notch across the criteria board. M/T uses six key points to evaluate its contenders; Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value and Performance of Intended Function.

"With strong showings in the engineering and efficiency areas, an attractive exterior, a thoughtful interior design, a full roster of active and passive safety gear and a high value rating on its opening price, the Cayenne was quite obviously the winner. The fact that the Cayenne's driving experience eclipsed that of every other contender, was just a bonus."

For a reminder of how we felt about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, check out Michael Harley's First Drive feature on the Turbo and subsequent writeup of the V6. For more insight into Motor Trend's decision, take a look at video highlighting the editors' deliberation process and a video of the winning Cayenne itself right after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6

Continue reading Porsche Cayenne named Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year via Facebook [w/video]

Porsche Cayenne named Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year via Facebook [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Explorer reaches 30,000 Facebook fans, celebrates with grille shot

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer grille - Click above for teaser gallery

Earlier today, Ford hit its 30,000 fan for the 2011 Explorer Facebook page, so the automaker could give away one all-new unibody 'ute to a lucky follower. To celebrate meeting its goal, Ford has posted yet another teaser, showing off the new Explorer's grille. But enough with the teasers. When can we actually see it in person? Glad you asked...

This coming Monday, Ford will reveal the Explorer at live events across the U.S., including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and at the "glass house" in Dearborn, MI. At a preview of the Explorer in Dearborn earlier this week, marketing VP Jim Farley discussed how Ford plans to drum up interested in the Explorer, and based on the success of last year's Fiesta Movement social media campaign, the Explorer will be omnipresent online and elsewhere in the lead-up to the on-sale date late this year.

According to Farley, the Fiesta campaign required only 10 percent of what a typical new vehicle launch costs, but it overwhelmingly succeeded in establishing name recognition for the small car well ahead of its arrival in showrooms. Given that America already knows the Explorer, Ford will be focusing on how it's "reinvented the SUV for the 21st century." We can't tell you more at the moment, but look forward to full details this Monday 12:01 AM EDT.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Teasers

[Source: Ford]

Ford Explorer reaches 30,000 Facebook fans, celebrates with grille shot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Useless Study of the Day: California leads the nation in Tweets about speeding tickets

Chris Shunk — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Top speeding ticket Tweets: Top States - click above for the complete infographic

Getting a speeding ticket is like slamming your hand in the car door, breaking your hand and then paying the hospital bill - only worse. Mostly because after the pain of paying the ticket goes away, your insurance may be raised by hundreds of dollars per year. And if you follow friends (and Autoblog) on Twitter, you've likely read about someone you know getting a bloody speeding ticket.

The folks at Freeinsurancequotes.com probably know a thing or two about how a few points on your record can raise insurance rates, and they've decided to analyze how many Twitter users complain about tickets. The results? As you can see from the above graphic, California leads the nation in ticket Tweets by quite a percentage, followed by New York, Texas, Florida and Ohio. What's more, a full 44 percent of those Tweets come from Los Angeles, which comes as a shock to nobody.

The top five states are perhaps a bit predictable, mainly because they represent five of the top seven most populous states in the Union. Taking a closer look at the results does show that 20 percent more Ohio residents Tweet about tickets than Illinois residents. This, in spite of the fact that the home state of the Windy City has 1.4 million more people. Ditto for New York, which takes the number two spot despite the Lone Star State having another five million residents. Check out the complete infographic after the jump.

[Source: Free Insurance Quotes]

Continue reading Useless Study of the Day: California leads the nation in Tweets about speeding tickets

Useless Study of the Day: California leads the nation in Tweets about speeding tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Benz reportedly upping dollars to pursue Gen Y "digital natives"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes has developed social media initiatives aimed at "digital natives," folks 16-to-33 that have grown up with the web, that don't stop at posting photos and blasting a few characters at a time. One is a community called Gen-Benz, with 580 members who provide Mercedes comments and commentary on the brand.

The other forum for feedback comes via a group of 1,800 M-B Advisers who provide feedback on the marque's advertising and branding. Interestingly, Mercedes has used the group to get input on marketing the SLS AMG, not just the models you might think more appropriate for the 16-to-33 demographic.

The results being promoted do raise an eyebrow. In one instance, some Gen-Benz members were dispatched to dealers as mystery shoppers and they reported that dealers didn't treat them well, a verdict that Mercedes' VP of marketing described as "a truth we wouldn't have known about for a couple of years." In another case the M-B Advisers told Mercedes to stick with an emotional pitch for its SLS AMG, yet we aren't sure how many other ways there are to advertise a nearly $200,000 car. Still, a fairly conservative company going this far to interact with current and new buyers is a smart move.

[Source: MediaPost]

Benz reportedly upping dollars to pursue Gen Y "digital natives" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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