Car Blog

Saatchi LA is pleased to announce that the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck will return to the Super Bowl with a new actual demonstration ad in Super Bowl XLIII. The edge-of-your-seat :30 spot, “Killer Heat,” will debut during the Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show.

Continuing on the same theme as the current campaign for the full-size pickup truck, Tundra “Killer Heat” will demonstrate the truck’s impressive capabilities by putting the Tundra in an against-all-odds scenario. The award-winning Toyota Tundra campaign officially began with two actual demonstration spots in Super Bowl XLI in 2007, “See Saw” and “Ramp.” Following its Super Bowl premiere, a making-of video for “Killer Heat” will be available exclusively on www.howstuffworks.com and www.youtube.com/user/ToyotaUSA.

“Super Bowl viewers have come to expect white-knuckle drama and brute strength from our Tundra ads, and ‘Killer Heat’ will not disappoint. It may be our most spectacular Tundra ad yet,” said Kim McCullough, corporate manager of marketing communications for Toyota.

Tundra “Killer Heat” is one of two Toyota ads that will air during the big game; the other is “Faces” from Burrell Communications, Toyota’s African American agency of record, in support of the launch of the new 2009 Toyota VENZA.

The Tundra campaign is inspired by insights learned from “true truckers,” who depend on their trucks day in and day out. They are the true opinion leaders among full-size truck owners and are highly credible because they demand the most out of the pickups they buy. The Tundra creative is anchored in moments of truth, those key situations where the truck buyer must be given the solid facts about why they should consider Tundra.

“Saatchi LA and Toyota have created the most authentic and effective voice in full-size truck advertising with the Toyota Tundra campaign,” said Paul Mareski, President, Saatchi LA. “We’re thrilled to have another Tundra ad in this year’s Super Bowl.”

Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.; Saatchi LA

Anticipation is growing as Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) today announced pricing of the exciting new 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD small premium utility. With a starting price of just $37,200* for the well-equipped XC60, buyers will have it all: Class-leading safety, stunning design and unrivaled driving dynamics. The new Volvo XC60 goes on sale this March.

The XC60 is Volvo’s entry into the growing small premium utility segment. Features such as leather seating surfaces with a power driver’s seat, SIRIUS satellite radio (with complimentary six-month subscription), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports are all standard. As a special introductory offer, the unique Panorama moonroof will be offered at no charge. Customers may also opt for Volvo’s DVD-based navigation system with integrated back-up camera and two new colors: Lime Grass Green or Terra Bronze.

Continuing Volvo’s quest as a pioneer and leader in vehicle safety systems, the XC60 introduces a new world’s first — City Safety — as standard equipment. City Safety is a driver-support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less.

The new Volvo XC60 is the first production expression of Volvo’s new design DNA. As a crossover, it artfully blends a dynamic mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakable, immensely capable XC pumps up its muscles creating a strong athletic body that is mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up top the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged T6 engine is based on Volvo’s naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline all-aluminum six-cylinder that was introduced in the Volvo S80 in 2008. The T6 delivers 281 horsepower with torque of no less than 295 lb.-ft., combining for best-in-class performance. Maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm and remains on tap throughout the rev range. The result is swift acceleration and impressive passing performance. Volvo’s all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction is standard in the new XC60.

The XC60 is also included in Volvo’s recently announced Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance program, which covers the first three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance helps reduce the cost of ownership by providing customers the first four maintenance visits to their Volvo retailer as complimentary. A wide range of services are covered by the program, including oil and filter changes, cabin filter replacement, complete fluid level top-offs and a check of the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system.

VCNA, part of Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

The 2009 Volvo Cars model lineup includes the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the stunning C70 retractable hardtop convertible and the dynamic C30.

2010 Volvo XC60 T6 Pricing

MSRP $37,200
Destination Charge $825
OPTION PACKAGES
Climate Package $1,000
Heated front seats
Heated rear seats
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Rainsensor windshield wipers
Headlamp washers
Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)
Humidity Sensor

Technology Package $2,700
Dynaudio(R) Premium Sound System, Dolby
Pro-Logic II(R) Surround Sound, 650-watt
amplifier, 12 Dynaudio(R) speakers, rear
seat headphone jacks, audio controls
Volvo Navigation System with Real Time
Traffic, DVD map data and remote control
Rear Park Assist Camera

Collision Avoidance Package $1,695
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB)
Distance Alert (DA)
Driver Alert Control (DAC)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Convenience Package $1,000
Grocery bag holder
12V power outlet in cargo area
Front and rear park assist
Power tailgate
Homelink remote garage door opener

OPTIONS
Black Sapphire Metallic $525
Electric Silver Metallic $675
Maple Red Pearl $525
Barrents Blue $525
Silver Metallic $525
Lime Grass Green Pearl $525
Savile Grey Pearl $525
Terra Bronze Pearl $525
Dual onboard two-stage child booster seats
with adaptive seatbelts and power child
rear door locks $495
Dual Xenon with Gas Discharge Headlights
with Active Bending Light $800
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) $695
Personal Car Communicator (PCC) with
Keyless drive $550
Nordic Light Oak inlays $295
Panorama moonroof n/c

*Price does not include destination charges of $825

Source: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC

Hyundai Motor America announced that it is extending its commitment to offering factory-installed digital HD Radio technology beyond the Genesis by launching the technology on additional vehicles in the 2011 model year.

The HD Radio system allows drivers to receive digital transmissions from local radio stations with crystal-clear sound quality. HD Radio technology also allows radio stations to broadcast alternative programming on the same frequency, and this programming can be received with Hyundai’s HD Radio receiver.

Today, HD Radio technology is factory-installed standard on Hyundai Genesis models equipped with navigation systems. For the 2010 model year, Hyundai will expand the availability of HD Radio on Genesis to select models without the navigation feature. And the 2011 Hyundai lineup will feature additional models with available HD Radio technology.

“HD Radio technology is another example of how Hyundai enhances the in-vehicle experience for our customers,” said Scott Margason, national manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “With our state-of-the-art audio systems, Hyundai is quickly becoming an in-vehicle entertainment leader.”

Developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation and supported by the leaders of the broadcasting, consumer electronics, retail and automotive industries, HD Radio technology is available to more than 84 percent of Americans. More than 1,800 HD Radio stations are already on the air plus over 900 new multicast FM channels. HD Radio broadcasts offer listeners the quality, choice and interactivity that consumers have come to expect from digital technologies, including:

• HD2/HD3 multicast channels, which dramatically expand the amount and diversity of radio content by allowing multiple channels of programming to be broadcast over a single FM frequency.

• Data services, such as text information (e.g., artist names and song titles).

• Static-free, crystal-clear reception on both AM and FM.

• No subscription fee.

HD Radio technology, along with a state-of-the-art Lexicon audio system, debuted with Hyundai in July 2008, when the all-new Genesis sedan reached dealerships across the country. Hyundai aims to shatter premium automobile paradigms with the introduction of this new flagship vehicle, which was named 2009 North American Car of the Year. With capabilities and features comparable to the world’s leading premium sports sedans, Genesis is offered at a starting price of $33,000, offering first-class quality and style at a more affordable price point.

Source: Hyundai Motor America