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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]

Aston Martins Look Lame In New James Bond-Flavored Coke Zero Commercial

Mark Arnold — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EDT

With everyone looking forward to the new James Bond movie, Quantum Of Solace, there isn't a brand out there that doesn't want a slice of juicy cross-promotion. We can't imagine Bond to be the type that would prefer a sugar-free cola over a normal Coke, but that doesn't matter right now. We're just let down by how cheesy the CG Aston Martins look in this otherwise cool, stylized opening-credits-like ad. [via CarDomain]

Chevy Aveo Billboard Makes Cents, Weighs Untold Pounds

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EDT

Chevy's UK arm commissioned this one-of-a-kind billboard made out of 20,000 one-pence coins (about $400). Though the Chevy Aveo's selling better stateside as of late due to the price-per-gallon of gas, it's become a little more popular in Europe thanks to billboards like this one as well as its Citroen destroying capabilities and giving them away to beauty pageant winners. But back to the ad at hand, how long did this clever billboard last?

It took passersby just 30 minutes to strip off the coinage, which will surely be invested responsibly into a coffee can that'll never be touched again. Said a Chevy rep "There have been some great car adverts before, but none that has stopped traffic and actually put money back into the motorist's pocket so this is certainly a first. We're glad we've topped up lots of people's wallets, purses and, in some cases, rucksacks, but it would have been nice for the billboard to last a little longer than 30 minutes."Well, people are greedy bitches. Good thing they issued a press release. [GM Chevy UK via Carscoop]

Having No Back Seats Can Be Smart

Mark Arnold — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EDT

While we know firsthand that you can fit more than two people in a Smart ForTwo, there really isn't enough room in the back to sit comfortably... or hide discreetly. Smart acknowledges this, and sees it as a good thing. After absorbing the scare tactics featured in this banned commercial, we sort of agree.
[via LiveLeak] Hat Tip to Dan!

Michael Schumacher Wants You To Get Wasted Responsibly

Mark Arnold — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:20:00 EDT

We all know that seven-time Formula One Champ Michael Schumacher loves to race taxis to the airport. But apparently when he goes out for a drink, he lets the cab driver take the wheel. Schumacher has just produced this short spot in partnership with Bacardi to encourage responsible drinking. It will be shown internationally, though we doubt that means you'll see it on your telly in the states.
[via Bacardi]