Mitsubishi Plans to Drop 1,000 MiEVs to Illinois Town

While some carmakers are trying to endorse pure-electric vehicles as being different and new, others like Mitsubishi are taking a different approach promoting them as the "new normal".

That's the name of Mitsubishi's latest marketing campaign, which will see the Japanese auto manufacturer flooding a quiet Midwest town called –wait for it- Normal with 1,000 MiEV electric cars.

In addition, Mitsubishi will help install a high-tech EV charging infrastructure comprising of 30 ultra-fast Level 3 quick charge "refueling" stations spread across the town.

"Normal EVTown is a community that is embracing new technology in an environmentally sound way," says Chris Koos, Mayor of Normal, Illinois. "It is a way of imagining the future and Normal is that future."

Before you pack your bags and head to find the Midwest town that is situated amid the cornfields of Illinois, learn that Mitsubishi won't be giving up the cars for free. Instead, it will make 1,000 out of a total of 15,000 units readily available to the town's residents who won't have to get in line (or so to speak…) to buy the MiEV.

What Mitsubishi avoids to say in the promotion is that the tiny pure-electric model will reach showrooms in November with a starting price of $27,990, which can drop by as much as $7,500 to $20,490 after government subsidies.

"Pump That Up," But the Company's Ads Say, "It’s a Car"

As we reported earlier this week, raffish-haired Akihiro Dezi Nagaya, Toyota’s global design chief, plans to implement a more aggressive design theme for the brand. “We have eliminated emotion. We need to pump that up” he said in an interview at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Changing Toyota’s “quiet and non-offensive” image won’t be easy. Nagaya will be faced with challenges both from within Toyota, a company known for consensus-driven conservatism, and with the brand's consumer base. Nagaya recognizes that Camry buyers, for example, “don't want something too aggressive.”

There’s no question about that. My quietly moderate in-laws have driven Camrys for decades. I can firmly assure you, aggressive styling is not what they’re after.

But Nagaya goes on to say, “[the model] has the responsibility of being the highlight of the lineup.” Looking at the 2012 Camry, it’s clear the Camry Conundrum (to coin a phrase) has yet to be addressed.

As for the future, I think one of our readers, Jackson L., hit the nail on the head when he commented that conservatism has served Toyota well, suggesting they continue to apply it selectively (i.e. to the Camry) while dedicating the more aggressive styling to their sport models.

One model that will more readily reflect Nagaya’s vision is the new Yaris. The video below shows Dezi himself singing its praises while sexing it up in skinny jeans. Alas, as we’ve come to expect from Toyota, there’s an element of sad irony to the story.

As Nagaya attempts to move Toyota away from “having too friendly an image while lacking emotion” Toyota advertisers have begun feverishly promoting, you guessed it: a too friendly image completely lacking emotion.

After watching Dezi cooing over the Yaris’ lines, take a peek at Michael Showalter’s straight-faced pitch for the same model: It’s a Car… with wheels that go forward… and backward…

Cadillac Challenges Mercedes-Benz by Pitting the Escalade Against the C-Class [Video]

We think most of you will agree with us when we say that, for the same reasons the Cadillac Escalade is extremely profitable, it also doesn't quite fit the brand's current image being sort of a throwback to the glory days of the classic American cruiserships.

But this didn't stop General Motors from raising the ante in yet another provocative commercial for Cadillac that follows the CTS-V spot featuring the Ferrari 458 Italia.

This time, the General took the Escalade and pointed its ammo towards Mercedes-Benz and its C-Class sedan. The video spot shows the big Caddy V8 beating the C300 on a straight line duel, and then…hauling back the Merc.

We're not going to say that we didn't enjoy the video nor that we don't get Cadillac's point, but it's somewhat an unfair comparo when the Escalade starts at $63,200, or about $25k more than the C300. Heck, even the almighty C63 AMG with is 451HP V8 is $5k cheaper than the basic Escalade…

New BMW 1-Series Origins Promo Series Screens Classic Films

BMW has decided to celebrate the Frankfurt Motor Show launch of its all-new 1-Series by producing the “Origins Film Season” in collaboration with Picturehouse Cinema. The “Origins” season, which starts on September 19, will run simultaneously with the advertising campaign that uses the same thing to underline the different variants of BMW’s base model.

The film series comprises four pairs of films, with each pair displaying a unique theme. For example, “A Life of Crimes” includes the screening of “Goodfellas” and “Mesrine Killer Instinct”, two films about men seduced by crime. Other classics included in BMW’s 1-Series promotion screenings are “The Graduate”, “A Clockwork Orange”, “Memento”, “Quadrophenia” and “Adaptation”.

You can watch the “Origins Film Season” trailer, as well as two films about the new 1-Series, right after the jump.

VIDEO

Facebook Competition Winner gets to Meet Rihanna and win a Clio

The greatest exploit of marketing is convincing people that it does exist. As Madonna sang once upon a time, we are living in a material world, so marketing execs are always trying to discover new ways to promote their products –and keep their high-end salaries and bonuses intact.

When it comes to cars, things get tricky: the target group isn’t always clearly defined like in other products. That’s because, even though automobiles are considered more of a male hobby, both men and women buy and use them.

Moreover, traditional means of advertising no longer attract the new generation. Social media is where it’s at. And Renault UK agrees launching a Facebook competition in which it calls users to take a test drive and win a £11,000 Clio and a chance to meet Renault-sponsored pop artist Rihanna.

Va Va Voom, indeed. Or will they also change their slogan to “Cheers (Drink to That)”? Nah, the seventh single's title from Rihanna's latest album would not bond well with the “don’t drink and drive” campaign…

Audi New A6 Avant Video

It’s not uncommon these days for certain companies to reproduce (or at least try to) the styling and/or the available technology features of Germany’s finest carmakers but this time we have a story that turns the tables the other way around. In mid-May, Audi aired a new commercial for the just launched A6 Avant in its home market. The ad shows the executive station wagon model cruising through streets of a German city as a version of Eminem's "Lose Yourself" song plays in the background.

If you watch the commercial in the video after the jump and it reminds you of Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” ad for the new 200 sedan from this year's Super Bowl event, rest assured you are not alone.

"It is absolutely shocking," said Joel Martin, manager of Eight Mile Style, the company that handles the song licensing for Eminem. "We believe Audi not only used 'Lose Yourself' to sell their product without permission, but their spot actually feels inspired by elements of Chrysler's commercial campaign,” Martin added.

Chrysler also believes that the Germans copied their commercial. “Apparently someone believes that the definition of copyright laws is the right to copy others' materials," said Gualberto Ranieri, a Chrysler Group spokesperson.

Eminem’s publisher Eight Mile Style released a statement saying that it will send a cease-and-desist order to Audi while it will also seek damages from the German carmaker.

Sources: Freep & Autonews , Via: Autoblog

Renault Wind Roadster and Lexus CT Video

Selling a car through advertising isn’t as easy as you might think. What good is it showing your product nimbly taking on Alpine twists and turns when your competitors are doing the same thing? Here are two ads that don’t really break the mould, but try something a little different.

First up is this one for the open-top Renault Wind. I’m a big fan of this car; I think it’s a funky and decidedly French take on the compact convertible. Still, there’s something disturbingly I Am Legend about this particular ad from the firm Publicis Conseil. The eerily vacant streets, the shuttered windows and the presence of a dog sitting on a street corner all at up to the expectation that Will Smith should be running through the scene pursued by monsters.

Next is the spot for the Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatch by firm Saatchi & Saatchi. A little boy sits in the back seat while his mother asks him the sounds various modes of transport make. It’s very cute, especially if you have children. You can check out both these ads right here and then leave a comment in the section below if you wish.

Nissan Brazil Hot Bikini Babes Video

Back in March, Nissan do Brasil aired a commercial, which drew the wrath of Ford’s local arm for making claims that the Detroit automaker charges customers too much for its family models. But while Ford’s people only saw a Focus and a pair of rappers dressed as engineers chanting about the money they made by overpricing the hatchback, some viewers were also captivated by the curvalicious bikini-clad models…

Now, Nissan of Brazil returns with a new TV spot, this time for the Livina 7-seater compact minivan. While the Japanese carmaker avoids referring to a specific rival, the theme appears to be similar: scantily dressed female models dancing provocatively and a tagline aimed at the competition. And oh; towards the end of the clip you may notice the Livina and young family of four (not that we’re complaining about the appearance of the ladies…).

Translated through Google, Nissan’s description of the ad reads: “The new commercial shows giant Nissan competition treating people like ants. Only the 2012 Nissan Livina has all the space your family needs.” If any of you speak Portuguese and could help out by translating some bits from the commercial, you’re welcome to the comments.

VIDEO

Dodge Rebels Against Robots in New 2011 Charger

The future, as we imagine it now, may be full of robots doing all kinds of things for us humans, including driving our cars. As some scientists over at Google recently proved, driver-less vehicles may become a reality sooner than we expect, so here's what an automaker that produces cars for drivers has to say about this issue.

In the Chrysler Group’s latest commercial for the 2011 Dodge Charger called “The Future of Driving”, we are presented with a gloomy future, in which robots control all aspects of our lives, from choosing our diet and wardrobe to even walking our pet dogs. The hero of the commercial has nothing to say about all these things, but when a robot invites him to sit on the passenger seat of his own car, things get a little bit out of control...

What happens next is easy to imagine, as the commercial ends with the following tagline: “Introducing the 2011 Dodge Charger. Leader of the human resistance.” Scroll down to watch the commercial.

Nissan gets Creative with Smoking Billboard at New York Auto Show

It might not be an award winning campaign, but Nissan’s new outdoor board placed right outside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center during the 2011 New York Auto Show (April 22 to May 1 for the public) is sure to grab attention and increase awareness for the firm’s all-electric Leaf family car.

The two-sided Smokeboard was created by the Japanese firm’s advertising partner TBWA\Chiat\Day, which is the American division of the advertising agency TBWA Worldwide.

On one side, the billboard features an actual working tailpipe that emits fumes into the air (with the agency stressing the fact that the exhaust is environmentally friendly…) and a headline that reads, “The auto show has over 1,000 of these”. On the other side, there’s a photo of the Leaf and a caption that says “But only one 100% electric, zero-tailpipe Nissan Leaf”. Check out the ad in action in the clip after the jump

Mercedes-Benz AMG Ad Asks the Question: Rosberg or Schumacher?

It seems that the Mercedes Grand Prix team has made a habit of offering a commercial ahead of each Formula 1 race. With the Malaysian GP scheduled this weekend, Mercedes has released a new funny episode showcasing the Rosberg – Schumacher rivalry.

The clip is called “Decision” and features a pregnant woman about to give birth and her husband left on the side of the road by a damaged car. Out of nowhere, Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher come to her rescue, each behind the wheel of an AMG Mercedes. But then a new problem appears: which one to choose?

Scroll down to watch the amusing dialogue and also check out the first episode of the series, released two weeks ago ahead of the Australian GP. Let's just hope the new ad will bring the team more luck than the first, as both Mercedes GP drivers failed to finish the Melbourne race.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

Mercedes wants us to think the C63 AMG Coupe is Faster than a Ducati 848 EVO

The freshly revealed Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is featured in two promotional videos released by the company. The first footage shows the AMG coupe taking on a Ducati 848 EVO motorbike on some scenic twisty roads. The winner of the duel isn't hard to guess - after all, this is a promotional video for the C63 AMG - but one can't help but wondering if the Merc could stand a chance in front of the Italian superbike if the race hadn't been a friendly one (or at least if the two vehicles would have taken the same route).

However, the appearance of the 140HP Ducati motorbike in the video is the fruit of the marketing collaboration between AMG and the Italian brand announced last year. Scroll down to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful duel, plus a short presentation of the C-Class Coupe in AMG guise in the second video.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEOS

Ferrari's F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

Alonso and Massa Earn their Living Promoting 2011 Jeep Wrangler

We have to admit that we feel for Ferrari's F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. As if being forced to wear jokey caps, blouses and t-shirts full of ads, and drive around exclusively in Fiat Group products such as the Abarth 500 wasn't enough of a pain in the behind (a quick look at their bank statements should ease the pain though...), the dynamic duo is now being used to promote the Chrysler Group's offerings such as the Jeep Wrangler.

According to a press statement from the Italian automaker, this particular photo shoot is one of the many initiatives of the "Wrooom 2011 – F1 & MotoGP Press Ski Meeting", an event organized in Madonna di Campiglio (Trento) in which the Fiat Group is the official sponsor.

The Jeep Wrangler featured at the event is a facelifted 2011MY in Rubicon trim powered by a new 2.8-liter common-rail turbo diesel Euro 5 engine with DPF producing 200 HP at 3,600 rpm and 410 Nm of torque at 2,000-3,200 rpm on models with a six-speed manual gearbox and 460 Nm at 1,600-2,600 rpm when combined with a new five-speed automatic transmission.

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Automakers Ram Up Ads for Super Bowl XLV

At least eight auto brands have purchased ad airtime for the next Super Bowl sports event to be held in Arlington, Texas, on February 6. That means we can expect to witness the biggest auto-ad smackdown of recent times, as some automakers plan to air two or even more commercials during the game.

At the 2010 Super Bowl, five car makers aired a combined 5 minutes and 30 seconds worth of ads, while the same number of companies ran just three minutes worth of commercials in 2009. With an ad costing as much as $3 million, it seems that auto makers are ready to ditch their more conservative ads of the last couple of years in favor of funnier, eye-catching spots.

These days most commercials have pretty much the same agenda: a car is traveling on the road, with music playing on the background. To Steve Wilwhite, who worked twenty years for Volkswagen’s American branch, these campaigns are “absolute dreck”, “mind-numbing” and “uninspiring”.

That’s why car companies have to push their limits once again in terms of advertising. “You must have a key, new, innovative, value-laden message to put out there”, said George Cook, executive professor of marketing and psychology at the University of Rochester's Simon Graduate School of Business.

One of the most catching ads of the past years was Hyundai’s “Angry Bosses” masterminded by Jeff Goodby of Goodby Silverstein & Partners, who now work for Chevrolet.

“The Hyundai Assurance spots wouldn't have won the USA Today ad meter, but they were certainly written about in the wake of the Super Bowl a lot. There are also things like 'Angry Bosses' [an ad that aired in Super Bowl 2009] which did do well on the polls because it was designed to be something people remembered, laughed at, talked about”, Mr. Goodby commented.

One of the eight confirmed buyers is BMW, which returns to the Super Bowl after a decade of absence. The Germans plan to use the football match as a stage to promote several new cars.

GM didn’t buy ad space in the last two games, but it’s planning a comeback with Chevrolet. Chrysler did feature a Dodge ad in the last Super Bowl, but this time plans to up the ante.

Audi is consistent: this is going to be the fourth consecutive year that the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer seeks publicity during the first commercial break. Volkswagen will join Audi by purchasing an additional spot.

According to Autonews, Kia will double its exposure, opting for a 60-second ad this time, while Hyundai is bringing out the big guns with three secured commercials – one more than in 2010.

Mercedes is preparing for its 125th anniversary and four new launches next year, so it’s going to run a 60-second ad during the fourth quarter.

Ford opted not get on the Super Bowl train as it will only advertise during Fox’s pre-game coverage.

Source: Automotive News

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: Skoda Fabia vRS Hot Hatch Shows its "Meaner" side in New TV Ad

As Skoda is enjoying its best year on record, the VW Group-owned company wants to build on the momentum by launching a new TV campaign for the Fabia vRS hot hatch. The new ad, which is meant to show the darker side of the 180-horsepower-strong hatch, features the "Made from Meaner Stuff" tagline. There will be two versions of the TV commercial, a short 30 second ad and an uncut, 60 second advert.
The 'meaner' campaign, which is the work of Skoda and its advertising agency, Fallon, sees creative directors Chris Bovill and John Allison, who were behind the the 2007 'Cake' campaign, joining forces with director Nick Gordon.
"We always said we'd never make a sequel to 'Cake' but when the vRS brief came along we thought we'd make an 'opposite'. 'Cake' made our mums smile, this should make them want to hide behind a cushion" said Chris Bovill.
Indeed, the cast in this video is anything but friendly or cute as there's a naughty, dark feeling taking center stage here. Just how modern young-lings like their rides to be.

By Csaba Daradics

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Alfa Romeo Creates Giulietta Mosaic with Thousands of Photos

As part of the ongoing celebrations for the Italian brand's first 100 years, Alfa Romeo has unveiled a unique billboard in Chelsea, UK. The specially commissioned artwork depicts the latest model to join Alfa Romeo's range, the all-new Giullietta hatchback, through a mosaic of pictures.
In an apparent nod to the belief that Alfa Romeos have a soul, the mosaic was created by using thousands of photos from past and present owners, historic stills from film, TV and landmark motorsport successes.

Damien Dally, Brand Communications Manager, Alfa Romeo said:
"This piece of artwork communicates the brand in its centenary year extremely well. Creating our latest Giulietta model from hundreds of images sent in by fans of the brand and from our heritage really sums up what Alfa Romeo is all about. Not only does the final outcome look fantastic, it also a great piece of memorabilia to mark this special year."
Alfa Romeo said that every person who contributed a photo will receive a Limited Edition print of the mosaic artwork as a token of appreciation.

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E28 BMW 5 Series Ad: "The Car that blurs the distinction between racing machines and luxury sedans"

Classic car ads are always nice, because they were made in times when people weren't so wound up and actually had the time to read something. So, there's plenty of information in them, some of which is quite entertaining today, almost thirty years later.
This here ad depicts the E28 BMW 5-Series, built between 1981 and 1988, claiming that it's both a sports car and luxury sedan.
BMW is showing off the 535i here and it throws in the big guns right from the start: "It eats up the road – any road – at ungodly speed without a hiccup - Car and Driver wrote". And wait, not about this one, but its predecessor, the E12. You can only imagine, then, that the E28 535i must / should have been a better car.
And it was, because this is the generation that spawned the first M5 (or M535i), which you can admire in the gallery below, and started a new dynasty of sports saloons.
Nevertheless, the 535i was no slouch either. The ad doesn't say it, but the 3.4-liter engine had 182 hp (136 kW). However, it does brag about the "0-60mph time" – just 7.4 seconds –, the "communicative power assisted steering" and the "fully independent suspension".
And that's not all: BMW also claimed that the engine management was computer-controlled to "ensure peak engine performance".
The standard equipment list wasn't exactly long, as the E28 owner only got leather seats, air con, a sunroof and on-board computer. Even the description in the ad was short.
And I'll tell you why: because up until the current generation (F10/11), the BMW 5 Series was always a driver's car first and a luxury vehicle after. Not the other way around.
By Csaba Daradics
[Ad photo source: Tumblr]

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