Archive for the ‘Marketing’ Category

The Smart ForTwo is impossible to ignore. It inspires adoration (because it's cute and convenient for city-dwellers) or antipathy (because it's ugly, cramped, expensive, and not nearly as green you'd think), but little in-between. That said, Smart's new print campaign designed by BBDO NY is awfully attractive -- possibly more attractive than the cars themselves. But we'll let y'all be the judge of that. [AnimalNewYork]

Tomorrow marks the big unveiling of Chrysler's five-year recovery plan. There's been a lot of speculation about the company's new strategy, and now comes a bit more: sources familiar with the recovery document say that CEO Sergio Marchionne will scrap plans to sell most Chrysler brands outside North America. The sole exception? Jeep, which will instead receive a boost to its international marketing budget, especially in emerging markets like Brazil. Chrysler vehicles will appear on distant shores, but only as part of the shared technology underpinning other brands like Lancia and Alfa Romeo. Stay tuned for full, factual details tomorrow. [...

Here at TheCarConnection.com, we read a lot of automaker press releases. A week ago today, a pretty unusual one landed on our desks: GM was touting the text of a letter from a "disgruntled owner" of its new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

Surprise, surprise, the owner wasn't actually unhappy. Instead, it was a mock complaint citing all the wonderful aspects of the 2010 Camaro in the guise of problems.

For instance, "it's too sexy." And, "they gave me the wrong motor" because "this thing is way too fast for a V6. It practically LEAPS when I step on the gas." And so forth.

It was so in line with GM's talking points that we figured it had been written...