Jalopnik: Marketing

How sexist marketing sold America on the automatic transmission

Raphael Orlove — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EDT

Detroit's ad machine — back when it ran on brown liquor and slathered on Old Spice without a touch of irony — used a not-so-subtle play on America's rigid gender roles to sell the country on automatic transmissions. The ladies, you see, can't be bothered to shift on their own. More »

What is the most valuable global car brand?

Ray Wert — Mon, 09 May 2011 06:00:00 EDT

According to the BrandZ Top 100 annual ranking of the world's most valuable brands, Toyota's brand value jumped 11% to $24.2 billion, allowing it to overtake BMW, which was No. 1 last year in the automotive category. More »

The Army thinks NASCAR good place to find "diversity"

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST

Defending $7 million in NASCAR marketing, an Army Lt. General said "As we reach out for diversity and we reach out for this dialogue on safe ground, I think it is a very good place to have this dialogue." More »

"Chevy Runs Deep" Is The Worst Ad Slogan Ever

Justin Hyde — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:15:00 EDT

Chevy's new marketing team has settled on a motto for the iconic American brand that's soon to show up in dozens of ads. The line is: "Chevy Runs Deep." That's what she said. More »

The New Chevy Volt Slogan Is Less Than Electric

Justin Hyde — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EDT

With the final stage of the Chevy Volt's launch just around the bend, the Chevy marketing crew has trademarked the slogan "it's more car than electric." Will other EVs pick up on the neg? (Photo: Chris) [Trademarkia] More »

GM Marketer Behind Chevy Volt Dance "Reassigned"

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST

GM's marketing manager behind the Chevy Volt Dance has been "reassigned." Took long enough. [GreenCarReports] More »

Brooklyn Lost Tank Flier Actually Sex Line Scam

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:30:00 EDT

Reader Rudolphdude spotted this flier asking passers-by for information about a tank lost somewhere in Brooklyn. At first glance, the phone number makes it look like a very clever viral Army recruiting ad. The reality is much stranger. More »

Chevy To Drop Marketing Of Transformers 2

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:30:00 EST

GM will not support the release of Transformers 2 with a Transformers-like barrage of commercials. Why? Just call it Revenge Of The Carpocalypse. More »

GM To Slash $800 Million From Marketing Budget

Ray Wert — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:30:00 EST

GM to slash $800 Million from marketing budget. [Business Insider] More »

The Spam Mobile, Peepmobile And Other Bizarre Marketing Vehicles

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

Anyone who has been to a public festival has seen a Red Bull-themed Mini or, if lucky, the Wienermobile. But have you ever seen the Peepmobile? But wait, there's more! More »

Audi's "Meet The Beckers" Aims To Pan BMW, Mercedes and Lexus, Shoots Self In Foot

Mark Arnold — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Pricks drive BMW convertibles. Old people drive Mercedes sedans. Boring people drive Lexus crossovers. At least that's the message Audi wants you to hear with its new viral marketing effort, a web mini-series called "Meet the Beckers." The mini-series tells the tale of a dysfunctional affluent family. Although we've got to admit that often times the stereotypes portrayed in the ~~advertisement~~ show are dead-on and funny as hell, we're forgetting one stereotype. You know, that Audi drivers are self-righteous assholes who think they have the right to judge everyone else. Come to think of it, the viral vid appears to be totally spot on. [MeetTheBeckers] More »

Spanish Bank Giving Away Free Citroen With New Account

Wes Siler — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:20:00 EDT

Open a saving account with Spanish bank Banesto and they’ll give you a brand new, all-expenses-paid car. To qualify for a vehicle, a customer needs to lock between $26,400 and $235,000 into an account for at least 24 months, with the type of vehicle offered depending on how much one invests. For $235,000 and 36 months, you receive a Citroen C4 diesel, $175,000 a Citroen C3 and $145,000 a C2. Of course, there’s a catch. More »

Even Ford Thinks Knight Rider Has Too Much Ford

Andrew Stoy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:15:00 EDT

The Detroit Free Press tells a tale of product placement gone slightly awry in the new Knight Rider. We know KITT is a Shelby GT500KR, but apparently KITT is also able to transform into any of a variety of other Ford models, like the F-150, ostensibly for stealth purposes. In other words, KITT is a GT500KR when Michael Knight needs to look cool, and a Fusion or Escape when he's trolling for hookers. But how many Ford vehicles is too many? Apparently the movie provided a clue: "Even Ford said it was way too much in the two-hour (movie)," said executive producer Gary Scott Thompson. "But unfortunately, it's a show about a car." Wow, with a plug like that, we can't wait to set the DVR. [Freep] More »

Biker Babes Marketing Is A Brilliant Idea

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Within the biking community, a woman driving her own motorcycle is more rare than an operational Harley Shovelhead, and as a result, people gawk when they see one on the road. With those eyeballs captured, what better way to capitalize on them than by doing some advertising? Biker Babe Marketing founder Leslie Slaasted developed a detachable advertising banner which holds a billboard, instantly creating a mobile marketing delivery system virtually guaranteed to be more effective than a billboard truck. What's especially genius about this is these women are getting paid to go riding all day. Consider us impressed by the creativity and jealous of the ride time. More »

Ford Vehicles Star In Movies, Just Not Like Reese's Pieces

Wes Siler — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:45:00 EDT

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The boys over at the blue oval are beating their chests after a successful summer of blockbuster product placements. But, we can’t help but detect a bit of desperation in their release. After all, if the product placements, which they undoubtedly paid big bucks for, had been successful, would they really have felt the need to remind us of them? Ford starts by explaining the basic premise of product placement, “Think of what the 1982 film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, did for Reese’s pieces.” But the X-Files wasn’t E.T. and the vehicles we remember from The Dark Knight were either exotic and Italian or capable of crashing through walls. Don't worry though, because right after explaining the Reese's pieces analogy, Ford is clear their product placement is nothing like that. More »

The Ten Worst Non-Automotive Product Tie-Ins With Automotive Brands

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT

The Porsche-branded kitchen earlier this week reminded us that automotive marketing gurus like to use their considerable name equity to brand products having nothing to do with cars. While sometimes this can help increase brand identity with the masses, here's our list of the ten auto-branded products which decrease brand equity and dilute brand stature. More »

2009 Toyota Venza Website Goes Live With A Wide Stance

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:20:00 EDT

We heard last night Toyota began the opening salvo of the marketing campaign on the all new ~~Camry wagon~~ 2009 Toyota Venza with an elaborate flash-based website. The first phrase that pops up? "We gave it an extra wide stance." Hmm, wethinks perhaps given the mass media's reporting of certain alleged attempted Congressional dalliances in recent months, usage of that particular phrase strikes us as potentially ill-advised. Hilariously ill-advised, yes. But ill-advised nonetheless. Not that we're saying there's anything wrong with that. [Venza Minisite] More »

Subaru Wants You To Make Sumos Sexy, Take Shots Of Forester

Wes Siler — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

When we were but wee Jalops, dreaming fantastically about our glamorous future as car journalists, the photoshoot seemed to be one of the most alluring perks of the job. What could be better than spending the day surrounded by models and a fast car? Subaru is hoping there's many more dreamers out there and is offering them the chance to experience the wonders of a photoshoot, virtually, as a marketing tool for their new 2009 Subaru Forester. Sexy models included. More »

Saturn Discovers Social Networking, Attempts To Join 21st Century

Wes Siler — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:20:00 EDT

Apparently young people these days like to talk to each other online rather than read. Sometimes, they even take advantage of toy-like technological innovations to transmit electronic images and even music! Based on this cutting edge research, Saturn has launched a new concept in online communication to reach these digital girls and boys in the 21st Century. Called ImSaturn, it provides an online "space" Saturn owners can call their own — a place that let's them say "why yes, this is my space." More »

Diesels On The March... On The Internet

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST

We've got some good news for those of you among our readership that are constantly clamoring for new U.S.-bound diesels, it's working! According to Marketing Daily, a new report by BrandIntel entitled "Shaping the Future of Automotive Engine Technology" shows that positive online conversations relating to diesels are up on the web (they must read our comments). More »

Rapper Common to Sell Out For 2008 Lincoln Navigator

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST

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Common is the latest in a long line of rising or falling (ahem Flex) hip-hop stars to endorse an SUV, in this case the 2008 Lincoln Navigator. There's generally nothing wrong with a rapper, even a conscious rapper, marketing an SUV. Mos Def once marketed a Denali and, you know what, the world didn't end. But there's something about this that bugs us. Common constantly shills for PETA and is now marketing a product that's more cow than steel? Let's hope he selects the faux-leather option. Full press release after the jump. More »

The BMW 3-Series Is A Cult On Wheels, Makes For A Good Commercial

Ray Wert — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EDT

Chinese Man Takes Car Commercial Too Far, Builds Transformer Out Of Citroen

Ray Wert — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:30:00 EDT

According to our gadget-obsessed brothers, a man in China spent $8,000 to build his very own Transformer out of a Citroen. We feel like we've seen this before — again and again and again. All we're hoping is it's lead-free. [UPDATE: Now we've got video!]
More »

Hummer H3 NIB

Wes Siler — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:15:00 EDT

Hummer UK appear to have a surprising level of insight into the psyches of their potential customers, marketing the first H3 to reach English shores as a big boy's toy. The vehicle is for sale on eBay for the standard list price of £26,495 and will be the first Hummer ever officially imported. It's not clear whether the badly photoshoped box comes with the car, but the ad does note that "Full function forward/reverse drive and left/right steering" come as standard. eBay More »

Chevrolet Diggs Social Link-Sharing Sites So Much, They've Created A Couple Of Their Own

Ray Wert — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EDT

We just received an e-mail from the folks at Campbell-Ewald about two new sites Chevy's just created called Silveradohub and Cobalthub. Apparently they're Digg-like sites for submission of "blog posts and articles" on the Chevy Silverado HD and the Chevy Cobalt. We actually were the first to drop a link up on SilveradoHub — and let me tell you, it was all the excitement of Digg, with none of the you know, excitement. Maybe it just needs more than one submission up there. We guess we'll just have to wait and see. But at least the first submission is funny and yes, you'll have a chance to see the full review that accompanies the picture shortly. Full text of the e-mail we received after the jump. More »

The Prius Halo Effect Continues?

Ray Wert — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EDT

So maybe one of us is a conspiracy theorist when it comes to whether the Prius casts a green marketing halo over the entire Toyota lineup. Sometimes however, the one of us who believes it is able to provide some evidence for why he may not be wrong. Like this example we found this morning. If there's one site you'd expect the new Toyota Tundra — or any light- or medium-duty pickup truck — to not be covered on, it would be an enviro-friendly site like GreenCarCongress. Yet, for some odd reason, they've just put up a story on Toyota offering the Tundra pickup in 13 additional trim variations. We mean, we'd understand if Toyota were adding models with active fuel management, E85, diesel — anything that may remotely have to do with being more fuel efficient. But new trim packages? [GreenCarCongress] More »

With GM pulling out of Olympic sponsorship,...

Ray Wert — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:45:00 EDT

With GM pulling out of Olympic sponsorship, Keith Naughton thinks Toyota can go...all...the...way...to the gold. [Newsweek] More »

Subaru WRX: The "Legend" Reborn?

Ray Wert — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EDT

GM May Subsidize $10,000 Two-Mode Hybrid Powertrain

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EDT

Automotive News is reporting the General's new dual-mode hybrid powertrain, which has two electric motors to assist the engine, and is one of what may be up to three new hybrid powertrain systems for the General, costs $10,000. The dual-mode hybrid system is designed to be dropped into the upcoming hybrid versions of the GMT-900 twins, the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe. Although considering the Toyota Highlander hybrid costs about $8,000 more than the base model Toyota Highlander, this sounds pretty much in line with the rest of the industry. But, to make a more steal-like deal out of the dual-mode expected to cut 25% of the fuel consumption in the big SUV's, we're also hearing GM's looking to subsidize the cost. Sounds like a smart marketing move to us but we'll see if it translates to a sticker price that'll push big beasts out of dealer lots. More »

Dodge "Grabs Life" By Going Bold And Killing Horns In New Ad Campaign

Ray Wert — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:45:00 EDT

The horn-y brand has got a new owner and now they've got a newly shortened tagline. Dodge is going from "Grab life by the horns" to just simply "Grab life" and now they've got a new ad campaign to sell it. They've done it on the cheap though, snagging images from old commercials, tossed together with images of sporting Americana — Red Wings and Nascar. All of that's re-mixed with an amerigasm of what we'd describe as "freedom rock." I guess our only question after watching the new ad is — when did Dodge become the advertising amalgamation of Ford and Chevy. Or more appropriately, since when did Michael Bay start directing coffee achiever "Bold Moves" commercials for Dodge? All we know is that ain't creamer those kids are adding to their Dodge. More »

CNBC Rolls Out Poser Pundit David Poland To Talk Transformers

Ray Wert — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EDT

Are Bold Moves No Longer Happening Every Day At Ford?

Ray Wert — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:45:00 EDT

After taking another peek at the mulletgasmic commercial for the Ford Taurus we showed yesterday we realized it was missing something we've come to expect on all FoMoCo commercials as of late. To wit, where were the "Bold Moves?" Although the reduction in importance began with the pseudo-"Pepsi Challenge" ad campaign for the Ford Fusion. But even in those, there was a token B.M. placed at the end of the ad. But with this commercial, the ad slogan at the center of the most ambiguous motorized marketing messaging campaign in recent history (at least since "Hyundai. Yes, Hyundai.") appears to be quite noticeably missing. Wherefore have thou gone, sweet movement of boldness? Could it be Ford is no longer making "Bold Moves?" Maybe it's just that they're no longer happening every day in Dearborn. We're not sure, but we know one thing — if "Bold Moves" is gone, what's to take its place? – Ray Wert More »

Grab A Sorta-Used 2006 Chrysler, Dodge Or Jeep For Used Prices

Ray Wert — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:15:00 EDT

Head on over to a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealership today to get your hands on a semi-used 2006 model. Yes, you heard us correctly — a "semi-used" vehicle. Apparently all of those over-built 2006 model year cars are still causing the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid (for the next little while anyway) to seek strange solutions to the problem. Here's how the Detroit News explains the newest solution:

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers can use new vehicles as loaners for test-drives or for customers who need a car while theirs is in service....

Transformers Movie Update: Putz Around On A Vespa, Get A Free Ticket To See Transformers

Ray Wert — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EDT

It seems like everyone's trying to get in on the cross-branding action for the new upcoming Transformers movie, and the Piaggio, the maker of the Vespa ~~death trap on wheels~~ scooter is no exception. They've got a new promotion running starting tomorrow branding the Vespa as a "Transportation Transformer." For real? Anyway — if you head into a Vespa dealership to test drive a Piaggio-built pooter-shooter from June 14th to June 24th, you'll get to walk out with a free movie ticket to see the new live-action film that'll give you a robogasm. In addition they've also got a contest to enter to win a Vespa just like the one seen in the movie! Oh wow, we can hardly contain ourselves. OK, on this one — we can probably contain ourselves a little bit. More »

Hey Auto Ad Agencies, Grab A Piece Of Hot Ford Account Action!

Ray Wert — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:15:00 EDT

We've just heard the account's up for grabs on the new-for-2008 Ford Focus. Now FoMoCo isn't saying they're dissatisfied with J Walter Thompson (JWT is how they like to go now — makes them feel young), but they're gonna make them work for it. We're thinking they didn't want to get the first batch of creative back and have it be the newest episode of "Bold Moves — you know, it'd be called the "Focus Challenge." That would be where Teen Beat magazine lets a group of its readers take a 2008 Ford Focus out against a bicycle and a "Hello Kitty" golf cart. We're assuming it's because they know the TB readers would go home with the pretty kitty-flavored golf cart. – Ray Wert More »

Transformers Movie Update: Now It Really Is A GM Commercial..."Autobots Rollout" Site, New Video, Pics Unveiled

Ray Wert — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:31:00 EDT

Getting Cash Back On Your Lexus Is Not The Same As "Lexus Cash"

Ray Wert — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EDT

The above-pictured lady goes by the stage name Lexus Cash. We mentioned this story once before, and although we're still pretty sure we're able to tell the difference between her, a character on a porno site run by two metro Detroiters (who knew we had a porn industry?) and the Lexus brand, Lexus isn't so sure that's the case. Thus, the luxe brand from the number one super best automaker from the land of the rising sun has sued the two entrepreneurs selling videotaped sexy stuff. As a public service announcement, we wanted to make clear that if you're doing a Google search for something like "cash back" and "Lexus" — and after clicking on the Google result marked "porn" and after a click-through of a 21-and-above screen, you come across the above web site — you're probably not where you want to be. Honestly, even if I'd been looking for "something else" I'd probably have bid a hasty retreat from the site as well. That's the scariest looking come-hither face I've ever seen (it's more like a "go-thither"). But just to make sure no one's confused, let's make sure anyone who searches for "Lexus Cash" gets this post. Your mission: If you've got a web site, blog or MySpace page, link here with the text "Lexus Cash." We'll get this straightened out. – Ray Wert More »

The Nissan Qashqai Dualis Robot Will Rule All Japan!

Ray Wert — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:18:07 EDT

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I swear to god, with my robot obsession, you'd swear I was Japanese. They're the only culture crazed over bots enough to hold me, much less contain me. I'd fit right in — if I weren't 6'3" and teeming with 'merican nationalist spirit. But still, the Japanese deserve the credit for merging automotive culture with the ultra-futuristic robotic stuff. And no company seems to be doing more of that right now than Nissan (or it's hetero life-mate Renault). Enter the Qashqai for the JDM. They're calling it the Dualis and they're marketing it as a "powered suit." Thus, the big honkin' robot that'll be on display at the Nissan Gallery from May 23 to June 13 in Tokyo. After that it'll be at the Sony Building from June 25 to July 1st. So if you live in Tokyo or plan on visiting, feel free to snap some pics so we aren't just stuck with the viral vid we've got below the jump. – Ray Wert More »

Audi's Venables Bell Provides More Evidence Of Clueless Automotive Advertising

Ray Wert — Wed, 09 May 2007 14:30:00 EDT

Mustang For Men: The Essence Of "Retrosexual" Gearheads

Ray Wert — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:30:00 EDT

Estée Lauder and Ford have joined forces to bring a new men's fragrance to the market, which will be simply called Mustang. The new FoMoCo scent is meant

"...to appeal to 'retrosexuals' — a guy's guy, the opposite of a metrosexual. This isn't a car fragrance. It's a lifestyle brand. The scent...is characterized as a 'rugged oriental.' It has top notes of lavender, ginger and lemon; a heart of pipe tobacco and cedar wood, and a drydown of amber, fir balsam and patchouli."

Because nothing says "not metrosexual" like the smell of lavender, ginger and patchouli. The fragrance will be mass-marketed starting in July in Sears, JC Penney and Kohl's Department Stores. But if JC's too high-brow for all you people who want to use a cologne named after a car, you'll be able to find it a month later in Wal-Mart, CVS and Target. We'd like to make some more jokes, but umm...well...sometimes it's just way too easy. [Hat tip to Frank!] – Ray Wert More »