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

Ford establishes a Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations office to integrate and drive a more consistent and compelling connection with customers around the world

Elena Ford named to new position of director, Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations to lead implementation of the company’s “One Ford” marketing vision

New global Ford Focus small car in 2010 will be the first product to benefit from global coordination

Ford Motor Company announced changes to its Global Marketing organization to create a more consistent and compelling connection with customers worldwide, while better leveraging the company’s global assets and capabilities.

Leading the effort will be Elena Ford, 42, who has been named director, Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations, reporting to Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. Elena Ford, who is currently executive vice president, Ford Motor Credit Company Global Brand and Marketing, begins her new assignment Feb. 1.

“Enhancing the Global Marketing organization is the next step in our One Ford vision to integrate Ford’s worldwide operations and leverage our scale and expertise,” Farley said. “Elena brings a wealth of experience to the new position and is the ideal leader to drive a coordinated approach for our worldwide marketing efforts and speak with one consistent and compelling voice to customers.”

This marketing approach follows consolidation of Ford’s global product development activities in 2006 and global purchasing operations in 2008. It also reflects an aggressive move to global vehicles. All Ford vehicles competing in global segments will be common in North America, Europe and Asia within the next five years. They include Fiesta- and Focus-sized small cars, Fusion- and Mondeo-sized mid-size cars and utilities, and commercial vans.

In the newly established role, Elena Ford will be responsible for:

• Leading Ford’s Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations to drive commonality and standardization of marketing resources. This includes integrating the company’s marketing team members, global agencies and other supplier partners with a common and integrated plan to bring new global vehicles to market.

• Driving a governance process on strategic and operations matters across Marketing, Sales and Service.

• Enhancing Ford’s brand image around the world.

• Driving greater presence of the Ford brand at global auto shows and other consumer-facing events to create a more experiential connection with customers.

• Expanding the offering of Ford-branded licensed merchandise around the world.

The new Ford Focus global small car – which will be introduced in North America, Europe and Asia nearly simultaneously in 2010 – will be the first vehicle to benefit from global coordination. The new Focus’ introduction will build on lessons learned from the current launch of the new Fiesta, the company’s first global product under its One Ford vision.

In addition to a more consistent and higher-quality communication of the new Focus around the world, Ford expects that a globally integrated marketing launch will result in millions of dollars of cost savings.

“Our new products are being recognized for excellence around the world, and they are leading the competition in quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technologies,” Farley said. “Now, our job is to more effectively and efficiently connect these great products with our customers and build on Ford’s strength as one of the world’s most admired companies and brands.”

Elena Ford joined the company in 1995 as the truck advertising specialist for Ford Division. She has held marketing leadership positions representing all regions and brands around the world.

Prior to her current assignment at Ford Credit, she has served as: director of North America product marketing, planning and strategy; director of North America product marketing; director of Ford Division product marketing; and director of Business Strategy for International Automotive Operations.

Before joining the company, Elena Ford was a senior account executive for Wells, Rich Green Advertising in New York. She is the great-great-granddaughter of company founder Henry Ford.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000, employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Online customization, mobile alerts, self-service kiosks and other high-tech channels are preferred by millennial customers when shopping for cars, trucks and SUVs.

Technology may be the key to engaging the estimated 80 million people of the “millennial generation” — those born between 1981 and 2000(1) — as automotive consumers, according to a new survey released by Microsoft Corp.

The Microsoft “Millennials in Automotive Survey 2009,” conducted by Washington, D.C.-based KRC Research, found that not only do millennials have heightened expectations as to how automakers should interact with them via high-tech channels, but also they expect to use newer, more innovative technologies in their eventual places of employment.

“Millennials represent an untapped market for many automakers, as these younger adults are now entering the workplace and purchasing vehicles on their own for the first time,” said Dave Graff, U.S. automotive industry solutions director, Microsoft. “However, for automakers to court these tech-savvy consumers, they need to embrace newer technologies as a way to communicate and sell more effectively to them.”

Millennials as Automotive Consumers

According to Microsoft research from 2008(2), millennials reported using a wide variety of technology tools in their day-to-day lives, such as social networking sites (77 percent), instant messaging (IM) (71 percent), and wikis (59 percent). Half of those surveyed subscribed to more than one social networking site, 64 percent frequented them daily and 33 percent reported spending 30 minutes or more for each visit.

Because of this proclivity toward using technology in their personal lives, millennials have similar preferences in interacting with companies and brands. In the Microsoft “Millennials in Automotive Survey 2009,” 91 percent reported that it is important for auto manufacturers to offer Web sites that give a full view of purchase options and service history, while 86 percent and 87 percent, respectively, said that Web-based auto financing and service requests, and customization of car options, such as color and add-ons, were important.

Beyond the Web, millennials in the survey reported wanting to interact with automakers through IM (56 percent) and other popular high-tech channels. For example, 74 percent want to be able to visit automotive company-hosted blogs to post concerns or ask questions; 52 percent want to get mobile alerts regarding new car releases, price drops and more; and 44 percent sought to network with other auto enthusiasts through automotive company-supported social networking sites, Facebook or MySpace groups.

When comparison shopping for a car, the majority of millennials prefer to visit dealers in person (91 percent), but roughly half (52 percent) would prefer to use self-service kiosks or mobile devices at the dealership to automate the shopping process versus talking to a person. In addition, 89 percent will compare products, services and rates on company Web sites, while large percentages of millennials report they will seek advice from third-party consumer Web sites (65 percent), third-party consumer blogs (45 percent), friends or colleagues via social networking sites (61 percent), and friends and family (87 percent).

Millennials as Automotive Workers

Although the current economic crisis has limited the ability of automakers and other companies to hire, the average age of an American autoworker is now 55 — creating a potential labor shortage for the industry in the near future(3). To court millennials as employees, automakers will need to leverage technology as a recruiting tool, according to the survey. In fact, 87 percent of millennials stated that being able to work with “newer, innovative technologies” in the workplace would make them more likely to consider a job opportunity.

Millennials surveyed who are employed also had clear expectations of their employers’ providing specific types of technologies for their use in the workplace. These included company-provided PCs (62 percent), mobile and smartphones (32 percent), internal company IM (32 percent), access to social networking sites (28 percent), company intranet and portals (49 percent), and company-provided virtual meetings (27 percent).

However, a potential hurdle in recruiting younger workers into the automotive industry may be their perception of the industry itself, the survey found. Fifty-six percent of millennials believe the industry is “old in general,” while large percentages also mentioned the industry “does not offer career stability” (52 percent), has “older workers” (55 percent) and has a “poor public image” (53 percent).

“Automakers and dealers already face enormous problems around operational costs, union contracts and the credit crisis,” Graff said. “As the largest wave of consumers entering the market since the baby boomers, millennials represent an amazing opportunity for automakers to tap into a new customer base. However, this requires a larger strategy toward leveraging customer-facing technology for competitive advantage — such as social networking sites, instant messaging and mobility.”

About the Microsoft “Millennials in Automotive Survey 2009″

Washington, D.C.-based KRC Research conducted the Microsoft “Millennials in Automotive Survey 2009,” from Jan. 5 to Jan. 12, 2009, and garnered responses from 400 young adults in the United States born 1980 to 1990. Portions of a previous KRC Research-conducted survey, the Insurity/Microsoft “Millennials in Insurance Survey 2008,” were also referenced in this release. That survey was conducted from April 21 to April 27, 2008, among more than 700 young adults in the United States and Canada, born 1980 to 1990. The full survey results can be downloaded at http://www.microsoft.com/automotive.

Microsoft in Automotive

Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry for more than a decade. The Microsoft Automotive and Industrial Equipment vertical works with industry partners to develop solutions based on Microsoft technologies that enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers and customers to improve efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge across the business. Business applications, Microsoft .NET Framework-based technologies and enterprise platform support help manufacturers accelerate time to market, collaborate globally with engineers, reduce costs by leveraging the power of the Internet, and increase visibility into their production and supply chain processes. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/automotive.

Hagerty Announces its Annual Hagerty Hot List: Top 10 Future Collector Cars Under $50,000

After witnessing in Scottsdale, Arizona last week a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider sell for $4.95 Million at Gooding & Company and a record price of $660,000 for the first production 1955 Ford Thunderbird at Barrett-Jackson, many car enthusiasts are left wondering who could possibly afford a collector car? With Hagerty’s Hot List, you might already have the collector car of tomorrow sitting in your garage.

To help the future collector, McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance Agency and a respected collector car valuation expert, has compiled his choices for Hagerty’s Top 10 Future Collector Car picks.

“In creating this year’s list we took a look at cars available as new models for 2009 that will have collector appeal in 15 or 20 years,” says McKeel Hagerty. “These are mass produced cars with a MSRP of less than $50,000. Included are a wide range of models that span many different market segments.”

1. Acura TSX: This could be the car that the young “tuner car” enthusiasts of today choose to purchase as their “tuner collector” of tomorrow.

2. BMW 1-Series Twin Turbo: This is a new car launch that has the right ingredients: superior engineering, affordable price, nimble and fast
performance.

3. Chevrolet Camaro: Just like the new Mustang and Challenger, this is a retro throwback that will stand out as a collectible bowtie down the
road.

4. Dodge Challenger SRT: Mopar enthusiasts have been waiting a long time for this much anticipated tribute to one of the icons of the muscle car era.

5. Ford Flex: This is a different (and we think cool) vehicle for Ford this year. It is edgier than the Edge, and still caters to the growing crowd who cannot decide between a station wagon, mini-van or SUV.

6. Ford Mustang: The 2010 Mustang will be available in early 2009. Even though this is a refresh of the current retro model, it has features never before offered on a Mustang. The interior creature comforts such as dual climate control, impressive stereo/navigation systems, and a back-up camera make this more than just an American muscle car.

7. Mini Clubman S: The Clubman is a slightly larger version of the already popular Mini. Mix this new model with the performance of the “S” model Mini and we’re certain this will have a following by collector car enthusiasts.

8. Pontiac G8 GXP: This new affordable family sedan with a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds definitely stands out in a segment filled with many not-so-exciting competitors.

9. Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe: The Solstice has been out for several years now, but only in the form of a convertible. The convertible has been positively received and we predict the first year for the new Coupe version will stand out in the future as well.

10. Nissan 370Z: Throughout the nearly 40-year history of the Z car, these always seem to gain collectible status. The new 370Z appears much less an evolution of the previous 350Z and more of a tribute to the original Z car design. We like this Z and expect you will too.

Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. is the leading insurance agency for collector vehicles in the world and host to the largest network of collector car owners. Hagerty offers insurance for collector cars, motorcycles and motorcycle safety equipment, tractors, automotive tools and spare parts, and even “automobilia” (any historic or collectible item linked with motor vehicles).

www.hagerty.com.