Jalopnik: Ads/Promotions

Lincoln reveals mini-site for 2009 Lincoln ...

Ray Wert — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EST

Lincoln reveals mini-site for 2009 Lincoln MKS, urges ~~self~~ ~~cars~~ the buyer to reach higher. Maybe they should summon their own Jackie Wilson and "lift themselves higher" first. [Reach Higher]

Ford Tweaks The Marketing Of Hybrids In New Commercial, Explains "Hybrid Gap"

Ray Wert — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:30:00 EST

Ford has hybrids? Who knew? If the Toyota Prius "cows farting" ad was the antithesis of all that is honest about automotive advertising, then this new ad for the hybrid Ford ~~Explorer~~ Escape cheekily mocks the advertising and marketing madness that is the cult of hybrid. Of course it's also an explanation of why the US automakers have a hybrid marketing gap as big as the feared space exploration gap when a man named Yuri was shot up into space in a capsule way back when and why they totally missed the boat on the Prius. All we know is that this commercial's as funny as the Toyota one from earlier this week — only in a diametrically opposite way.

Nissan Qashqai Thrashed SUV-core

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:00:00 EDT

If skateboarding equals hip, then Nissan's aiming for a hipster halo for its new Qashqai SUV. The messaging is urban assault vehicle, not suburban IKEA vehicle. (Thanks to Sosthen for the tip.)

2007 Cadillac CTS-V

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:00:47 EDT

We were loathe to feature yet another Cadillac for the Deal of the Week, but in light of the SRT-8's expiration and also in light of the Cadillac CTS-V's worthiness as a V8-powered performance machine, we'll go with that. [Thanks Joe.] With a new high-po entry Caddy not scheduled until next year — a car Bob Lutz says will suck the doors off an M5 — it's a good time to take advantage of a clearance offer on this year's model. It's the 2007 CTS-V, a car that combines a decent platform with the GM's proven LS2 V8 producing 400 horsepower. It's already a good power-to-dollar value at fifty grand. At under fifty, it's a bargain. That's $4,000 cash back or limited interest-free financing. It's like a bargain-basement BMW M3 with secret cred. And when you're out cruising, you can wear either a porkpie hat or gold chains. There's no need to go with both. [Cadillac]

2007 Chrysler 300 SRT-8

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:02:49 EDT

[UPDATE: Oh well — it's expired. D'oh. You can still get the '07 300C at a $3500 rebate and zero-rate up to 36 months.] Tired of the performance models always being excluded from automakers' incentive deals? Well, pop a No Doze and check out today's — hold please — Deal of the Week. It's the 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT-8, a car that combines last-gen Mercedes underpinnings with last-gen Chrysler design and factors in a ground-smooshing, 425-horsepower American V8. With cash back of $2000 or zero-rate financing up to 36 months, you'll need some capital to take advantage of the come-on, but at least you won't be upside-down when the sub-prime mortgage crisis starts pulling the securities markets into the fourth ring of hell. In other words, dump that mutual fund now while it's still worth something. Of course, if you live in NYC or a similar premium-insurance state, the five-year cost estimate adds 40 grand to the sticker. But c'mon, it could be way worse, especially for this much fun. And you can always get a used Prius after the next Great Depression. [Yahoo! Autos]

How The Utes Were Won: Holden Spot Traces Pickup-car History

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:00:18 EDT

Atop a sound bed provided by Melbourne's own Jet — a band that knows its way around a royalty check, having become a raspy accompanist to the iPod, Vodafone, TV's Alias and the big screen's Spiderman 2 — is this history lesson from GM's Holden. It's a one-minute retrospective of Australian utes — that is, pickup-cars — from the farm to the city streets, as told through the miracle of period casting, CGI programming and the obvious, but workable strains of Aussie garage rock. We're a stone-cold sucker for a fuzzbox, a 'camino and a tasty hook. (Thanks to Brett for the tip.)

Mazda Teams with Facebook to Find Designer of the "2018 Mazda3"

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:00:23 EDT

What will a Mazda3 look like in the year 2018? If you said something like "rotary-powered pinecone," you may have what it takes to win a new contest. Mazda's turning to Facebook to find new design talent as part of the Mazda Design Challenge. Contestants have to submit a 150-word description of their vision of the 2018 Mazda3, and an optional sketch. The winner will work with the counterintuitively American Franz von Holzhausen, director of Mazda Design in North America and his team to build a concept car that will debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November. Any ideas, oh peanut gallery of my eye?

Press Release:

WANTED: DESIGNER TO CREATE THE 2018 MAZDA3, LIVE ON STAGE AT THE LA AUTO SHOW IN A WORLD-EXCLUSIVE DESIGN CHALLENGE

IRVINE, Calif., September 27, 2007 - It's the ultimate assignment: tell Mazda what you think the 2018 MAZDA3 should look like. And better, if your design is chosen, you'll have the chance to put your talent where your mouth is at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, where you'll work with Mazda designers to bring your creation to life in front of more than a million anxious show-goers.

The "Mazda Design Challenge," launched today on Facebook.com (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7602701619), will enlist help from Facebook members across the United States to compete to design a future MAZDA3, Mazda's best-selling car globally. For the first time ever in the auto industry, the victor will work with Franz von Holzhausen, director of Mazda Design in North America, and his team, to bring the concept to life, live on stage at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

To enter, contestants must submit a 150-word description of their vision of the 2018 MAZDA3 including an optional sketch drawing. The Mazda Design team will then judge each entry, choosing 10 semi-finalists. Five finalists will be chosen by the Facebook community. Each of the five finalists will be paired with a Mazda designer to hone their concept, which will then be judged and voted on in a second round by fellow Facebook members.

Voting will take place over the course of a week, with the winning designer traveling to Los Angeles to hone their work with the Mazda Design team. Over the course of the ten-day auto show, the winner will bring their vision to fruition, ending with a full-scale model that represents their view of what the 2018 MAZDA3 will be.

"The 'Mazda Design Challenge' is an exciting, interactive competition that capitalizes on the power and influence of social networking," said David Klan, director of marketing, MNAO. "By inviting young voices into the highly classified and secretive design process, Mazda will prove it's a company involved in an active partnership with its customers."

"Usually the design ideas come from inside our studio, but this is a rare opportunity for my team to look at design through our potential customers' eyes," added von Holzhausen. "Never before has any other automaker built a concept car on the show stand, in full view of show attendees. The pressure's really going to be on all of us - especially the contest winner - to get it finished in time for the closing weekend of the show."

Travel, accommodations, $1,000 spending cash and a new MAZDA3 to drive during their stay awaits the winner. In addition, the winner will have the opportunity to take the microphone to introduce the final concept at its unveiling on the final day of the show.

The contest is open only to residents of the United States, and begins on September 25 and ends on November 7, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Participants must enter by visiting Facebook.com.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts, accessories and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de México in Mexico City.

Wango Tango! Dance Marathon for a Dodge Durango in Texas

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:19:01 EDT

Anyone who's seen "Hands on a Hardbody" knows Texans will endure all manner of tediousness to win a truck. Not content to give Nissan the last word, Dodge is sponsoring an endurance dance contest, the "Dodge Durango Tango" at the State Fair of Texas today. The enduring hoofer — partnered with a life-sized doll dressed up with wardrobe props — will win a 2008 Dodge Durango. Appearing at the event will be Emmitt "Lost: Answers to the Name of 'Dignity'" Smith, who will endure his own marathon of PR copywriters' "dancing with the cars" puns. C'mon now, it's for charity. Every hour the contest lasts, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas will receive $500. Now get out there and jingle-jangle your bone spurs.

Prancing Phone: Vertu Ascent Ferrari 60 Limited Edition

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:15:33 EDT

High-end cell-phone builder Vertu has a new titanium ear pillow for Ferraristi. It's the Vertu Ascent Ferrari 60, inspired by the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. It's an extremely limited-edition follow-up to the company's Ascent Ferrari 1947, and like it, commemorates Ferrari's 60th anniversary. The Ascent 60 comes with wallpapers and ringtones featuring the 612 Scaglietti, and sports the same style of philips screws and leather covering found on Ferrari models. Of course, the titanium Ferrari shift gate on the back is worth the yet-undisclosed entry fee. [Sybarites via Carscoop]

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]

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said ready to name ...

Ray Wert — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:15:00 EDT

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said ready to name Lexus Marketing VP Deborah Meyer as its first CMO. [AdAge]

¡Vaya Con Vios! Or, Er, The Loch Ness Monster

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:27:13 EDT

If you are a Malaysian sort and find yourself jogging the edge of Loch Ness, a word of warning to all y'all, even if you're roughly a micron-sized percentage of a pinch of our readership — you may end up owning a Toyota Vios. Or being consumed by a controversial lake creature. Your choice, really. [Thanks to Tiffany for the tip.]

Gonna Move into The Country, Gonna Drive Me a Lot of ZAZes!

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:00:00 EDT

If you're a dork in 1984 and your phone rings while you're washing your car, what do you do? Well, if you're a ZAZ man, you hit the fuckin' road, snackcake! And that's exactly what this Estonian man does, tearing up Baltic roads like Walter Rörhl on bad PCP. No, really.

The Manta Goes and Feeds You an Omelette of Disease

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:45:00 EDT

It walks the streets at night. It goes where eagles dare. It picks up every movement. It picks up every loser. With revised eyes and features, you think it really cares? The Manta ain't no goddamn sonofabitch. You better think about it, baby.

Porsche 959 Decals!

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EDT

The poor guy who created this page had no idea that one couldn't create one's own repro decals by scanning them and printing them out. It reminds us of being a youngster and finding out that 150dpi RGB images were no good for four-color, on-press printing. What's more, he's optimistic in thinking that copying a decal set by a vector artist will cost him a mere fifty samoleons. Nevertheless, the man does have a great archive of '80s-era R/C car decal sheets. Our favorite is the one from Tamiya's wonderful 959 kit. We kind of want to make our own life-size Rothmans water-slip decals and post them on every transparent surface within a three-block radius. [Vintage R/C Web]

My Name Is Joe, And I...Am...A Dodge Ram Shill!

Ray Wert — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 10:30:00 EDT

After seeing this new commercial for the Dodge Ram we kind of feel like the BBDO creative team may have been suffering from some creative copying. Anyone remember those Molson Canadian "My Name Is Joe" ads? Take another gander at one of them below the jump if you don't remember, and then tell us what you think in the comments below — any similarities in look and feel?

Won't Blow Over, Might Blow Up

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:00:00 EDT

Back in the days when the American idea of a compact car was a Chevy II, Falcon or Valiant, it took some convincing to sell folks used to larger domestic iron to take a chance on a weensy car. So the braintrust handling Ford's advertising decided that they'd set up a whole bunch of wind-tunnel-grade fans and demonstrate the diminutive runabout's lack of propensity to be blown into oncoming traffic. Guess what? It didn't replicate the topsoil in 1930s Oklahoma! Sadly, there was that little explosion issue.

Dodge Nitro Kills Dog, Makes Us Cry A Little

Ray Wert — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EDT

We think we know where Dodge is going with this little ~~commercial~~ viral video we're assuming was made for the Euro market showing the Dodge Nitro electrocuting a dog that gets too close to those chrome rims. We think they're trying to separate themselves as the Chrysler Group's "boy brand." But our only issue is — should a brand all about the message of "Grab Life," be taking it away? Just askin'...and plus, isn't the dog getting it in the end kinda anticlimactic? We still cried a little, but you know, still?

1981 Chevrolet Chevette S/R

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:30:00 EDT

This South American spot illustrates the sheer insanity of 1.6 liters of raw madness wedged between the bulging, straining framerails of GM's legendary T-platform. You're gonna need a smoke afterward, too, Broseph.

Open the Doors and Kill all the Sheeple: Scion Online Game

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:31:00 EDT

What could Scion be going for with its new "Little Deviants" online game that involves bloodshed exacted on a race of "Sheeple"? Well, the brand that was supposed to be a niche marque for youthquakers has been partially co-opted by 50-somethings drawn to the quirky xB for mulch and home-goods hauling duty. What the brand needs is some juicy vid-kid irreverence and ultraviolence to alienate some of those boomers and pull the average buying age downward — possibly even below 30. The company's also aiming to preserve its niche status by cutting production targets from 170,000 to 150,000 for 2008. Maybe the killing of Sheeple, as the Little Deviants do in this game, represents Scion's subconscious desire to castrate many of its own buyers. The hour's up. Please co-pay on your way out. [Littledeviant.com via Slate]

Carrera Libido

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EDT

A fine specimen of precision double-xx chromosomal engineering gives a sterling hunka-hunka burnin' Bruce a thrill. Ah, those wacky Germans.

Yes, Rolling The Buick Ball

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:15:00 EDT

Employing a league of Sino-Sisyphans, the General markets its red-hot Buick property to the upwardly-mobile pilgrims of the People's Republic of China. We once tried to push our '70 Skylark up a hill. We wish we'd had these graduates of PRC sports academies at our back. Steroids, of course, optional.

Renault 5, Rockin' Yer Face!

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:45:00 EDT

The Pete Best of subcompacts stands up and shouts without words in this oddball German clip. We can safely say that the Le Car has seen a million faces, but has it truly rocked them all? You make the call. Sorry about the muffly sound quality. Now let us see your lighters out there!

Subaru WRX: The "Legend" Reborn?

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

Hey, how did those quote marks get in there! Anyway...hey Subie fans, you know what they say: "Once you go black, you never go back to boy racer blue."

Oh Kapitän, Mein Kapitän!

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:45:00 EDT

Ja Hans, das ist eine prima Idee! Ve shall mach zee auto invisible und haff ein small man drive around with zee non-car to demonstrate our neue Kapitän! Zee volk, zhey shall luff zis small man und also our Kapitän! They shall sturm zee dealerships. Vee shall make a million Deutschmarks! Ganz toll!

Werbung Opel Kapitän [YouTube]

Related:
Manta! Cheetah! [Internal]

In Soviet Russia, Volga Wears YOU!

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:15:00 EDT

The GAZ-3102 was obviously a mighty special iteration of the Volga. Just eyeball that cheese-grater grille. Or better yet, bust out a brick of romano and top off your bowl of minestrone. Also not to be missed is what's apparently the heigh of proletariat fashion in the 1980s. Both the outfit and the Volga promise to offer comfort and convenience for many years. Thankfully, the swift comrades at the ad bureau were smart enough to avoid a false-advertising suit by touting style.

Vintage Automotive Advertising [Found in Mom's Basement]

Related:
In Soviet Russia, Volga

Renault Clio RS Spot

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:45:00 EDT

We were watching a Tivo'd episode of On The Lot last night and thinking about how genuinely bad the short films were. Kudos, however, to the guy who cast Reginald VelJohnson. Poor Reginald. On the other hand, this little gem of a clip for the Renault Clio RS features danger, ingenuity and panache. And it's pretty to look at, as well. Why must American car commercials insist on being so unfortunate?

Related:
Yay! Smoking in Cars! [Internal]

Omnibot!

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:15:00 EDT

He doesn't transform, but he does have wheels and an apparent attraction to vacuum cleaners. Plus, he's the lean, mean, poppin', breakin' music machine. And he's from just beyond your imagination! So he's got that goin' for him. Would he pass muster with Wert? What do you think?

Trons Am?

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EDT

The true secret of Pontiac's 3rd-Generation F-Body is out: the machine was obviously designed with wind-cheating ferocity in mind by some sort of Master Control Program buried 361 feet below and 500 yards north-northeast of the Ham Center in Warren, Michigan. Was FLAG technology involved? Only Devon Miles knows, and he's saying nothing.

Studebaker Daytona Wagonaire!

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 18:45:00 EDT

The Envoy XUV was not the first sliding-top family hauler, and like the Studebaker Daytona Wagonaire, it went the way of the dodo. Nevertheless, this slick Stude featured a dashboard vanity for the ladies, disc brakes and a flat area to throw the kids, dog and some playground equipment. Not to mention a handy-dandy integrated step! Sometimes we get very sad that Studebaker failed. This is one of those times. Besides, when was the last time any GMC spot featured a jingle this swingin'?

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.

Taunus as Toro

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:45:00 EDT

Although it's only one letter off from the iconic jellybean-shaped 1980s family phenom recently reborn with Dave on its face, the Ford Taunus was named after a mountain range. Nevertheless, this Argentine Ford spot seems to indicate that the charging Taunus was equally at home playing either bull or matador. And no, it did most certainly did not come pre-loaded with a set of Pavement eight-tracks, as both Malkmus and Cosloy were still in short pants.

Related:
The Last Cortina [Internal]

Manta! Cheetah!

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:15:00 EDT

By the time the Opel Manta B dropped, GM's Rüsselheim Krush Krew had dropped the silly nonsense regarding Egon and his new auto. Instead, it was all about the power, strength and beauty of the cheetah. Seeing as we're suckers for both Mantas and really freaking fast cats, it put a little bit of the giddy in our step and a twinkle in our eye. Manta Manta Manta Manta...

Related:
Ad Watch: Leaked Opel Manta Spot: Sportlich! [Internal]

Not Leprechaun's Hat, White Hat Special!

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:15:00 EDT

While we harbor a not-so-secret crush on the Dodge Rebellion girl, this cartoon spot for the White Hat Special '69 Dodge Charger lacks any sort of element that would appeal to a discriminating Charger-driving badass like Brock Samson. Hank and Dean might enjoy it, though. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Shelby Dodges: More Turbo Emblems! [Internal]

CNBC Rolls Out Poser Pundit David Poland To Talk Transformers

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

With the Transformers movie officially opening today, CNBC's Squawk Box rolled out what we're only able to describe as a "poser pundit" this morning to talk Transformers and General Motors. We think this David Poland doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. Doesn't he realize VW told the folks at Paramount they couldn't use the New Beetle as Bumblebee because it'd be portraying a "warrior." Jeesh — of course the obvious choice for anyone thinking but unable to get a "New Beetle" is "Camaro." Duh. Silly critic — he didn't even like the movie — what does he know anyway? – Ray Wert

Related:
Happy Transformers Movie Day!; all of our Transformers coverage [internal]

Ferrari Stampede!

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EDT

The kids over at VODCars have assembled a tight little package of explosive Prancing Horse goodness in honor of the marque's 60th anniversary. In fact, we're just playing it over and over, listening to the engines while we write. Seriously. Yum. We think we might be high. We're at the very least lightheaded. – Davey G. Johnson

Yay! Smoking in Cars

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:15:00 EDT

A couple of Los Jalops are ex-smokers. A couple of us are current smokers. And while we may or may not partake of cylindrical tobacco products, it's safe to say that we are all proponents of making fleshy union. We may not be huge proponents of the Renault Grand Scenic, but a commercial that combines cigarettes, sex and cars? This would never fly on American television. Which puts us down squarely on the side of the wine 'n' cheesers. We advise clickage. And don't worry, it's work-safe. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Classic Ad Watch: The Ruh-Nowlt Doe-Feen [Internal]

The Last Cortina

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:00:00 EDT

As solid as a rock, as reliable as time and as comfortable as your favorite armchair. Yes, bwas and grills, it's the 1982 Ford Cortina. Having lost its Sixties mini-Falcon spunk and quirk and early-Seventies swagger, the Cortina was the perfect car for the grey, dreary life of the traveling salesman in Mrs. Thatcher's Britain. Thankfully, this was its last model year, saved from ruining a glorious legacy by our beloved Sierra.

Related:
Classic Ad Watch: Hairy Old Cortina [Internal]

Mike Rowe Sold Purses Before He Sold Ford F-150 Trucks

Ray Wert — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:45:00 EDT

Who would have thought the man who shills for the F-150 and doer of other "Dirty Jobs" used to sell purses on QVC? Well, at least Mike Rowe's "relatively secure in his masculinity." We wonder if Toby Keith thinks he's "relatively" secure as well? Although Rowe may have something over Keith due to his love of cartoon women. [Hat tip to Eric] – Ray Wert

Mike Rowe's Greatest Television Moments.... on QVC [Blog You Like A Hurricane]

Take On Supra, Take Supra On, We'll Be Gone

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EDT

Somebody was a little enamored with a certain ah-ha! video when coming up with the creative brief for this Supra spot. Seeing as the Mk III Supra debuted as an '86.5 model-year vehicle and "Take On Me" debuted in 1985, this doesn't exactly come as a surprise. What does make us feel old is that in reading the comments we realize that some of you out there are younger than both the video and the commercial. We had to suffer through the '80s. We'll make you whippersnappers do it by proxy. – Davey G. Johnson