Automotive marketing
Pure Motorsports Marketing helps racing teams secure sponsorships
My friend Perry Iannuzzi has just launched a new company that helps race drivers and their teams prepare marketing packages aimed at securing sponsorship agreements. Perry has been involved with motorsports for most of his adult life and has helped many drivers (including his own racing team) land lucrative sponsorship deals with companies such... »
Adventurer rides motorcycle across five continents
In 1997, Jugatsu Toi embarked on a journey that most of us only dream about: riding a motorcycle around the world. Mr. Toi, an illustrator, freelance reporter and film director, travelled more than 120,000 kms across five inhabited continents, finishing his journey at the Honda Headquarters in Aoyama, Tokyo, in November 2009. Along the way, Mr.... »
Automotive pioneer Carroll Shelby to be honoured in Toronto
In February 2010, the Canadian automotive community will bestow a deserving honour on Carroll Shelby, one of North America’s most influential automotive designers and race drivers over the past 50 years. A Gala Reception to recognize the lifetime achievement of Carroll Shelby is planned for the South Metro Toronto Convention Centre, hosted by the Canadian... »
Canadian auto dealers hope to boost sales through Kijiji
Canadian auto dealers have been using Kijiji to recruit employees to their stores with some success. Now they’ll be able to use the popular classified site to sell more vehicles, thanks to a new partnership between Kijiji Autos and some of Canada’s top inventory management and data collection companies. Canadian Auto Dealer reports that Boost... »
Hyundai wins Ad Age’s Marketer of the Year
Readers of Ad Age have voted Hyundai “Marketer of the Year,” beating out heavyweights such as McDonald’s, Amazon and Walmart In a lengthy and engaging article about Hyundai’s surge in popularity and improved performance, Ad Age talks about Hyundai’s bold marketing initiatives that promoted its Assurance Program and the company’s entry into the premium car... »
Advertising Standards Canada says ‘no’ to unsafe car ads
Advertising Standards Canada (ASC) has introduced new guidelines aimed at preventing the depiction of unsafe driving in car ads. The thinking is that auto ads featuring any form of reckless driving (speeding, distracted drivers) could influence motorists to behave in a similar fashion, thus endangering themselves and others. ASC said it’s responding to an increasing number... »
Ford promotes Fiesta using Facebook and other social networks
Ford recently stepped into the social networking arena to promote the launch of its 2010 Fiesta in North America. The Detroit automaker provided 100 people in their 20s with the new subcompact to drive for six months. Ford encouraged these drivers to share their experiences online using Facebook, Twitter, personal blogs and other social networking... »
TAD Foundation pledges $2 million to Ronald McDonald House Toronto
On September 29, the TAD Foundation, the charitable arm of the Toronto Automobile Dealers’ Association (TADA), pledged $2 million to Ronald McDonald House Toronto (RMHT) towards a campaign to build a new House that will accommodate more out-of-town families with seriously ill children. Mike Karim, President of TAD Foundation, presented a cheque for $1 million... »
General Motors wants your feedback on concept vehicles
As part of its reinvention strategy, General Motors has introduced an interactive blog, where visitors are encouraged to provide feedback on future vehicles. GM is promoting the site as a type of online focus group. The site is called The Lab, and it’s an attempt by GM to try and better understand what car buyers... »
Automakers divided over Ontario’s electric car program
Automakers wasted no time weighing in on the Ontario government’s rebate program aimed at purchasers of plug-in and electric cars. Toyota Canada was apparently caught off guard with the announcement. Stephen Beatty, managing director of Toyota Canada Inc., was quoted in the Windsor Star: “The question is: Is this a well thought-out industry strategy? Or is... »
