Category Archives: marketing

Book Review: Car Spy – an Inside Look at an Auto Culture Past

Car Spy is entertaining, funny, and sardonic. It captures the voice of Dunne – caveat here – whose adventures I sometimes participated in, whose photos I ran in various publications and still run in AutoInformed.com, and whose stories related in Car Spy I heard first hand. Continue reading

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Milestones: 20 Years of FAW-Volkswagen in China

FAW-Volkswagen is currently the second largest of China’s largest automobile manufacturers, behind GM and its Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and FAW partners. Continue reading

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Revised Porsche 911 Debuts at 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show

In a nod to the Japanese and the global video game culture, the instrument cluster has five round instruments – one of them a high resolution multifunction screen – shame on you Porsche. Continue reading

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GM’s Woodward Test Resulted from Real Durability needs of the Street Racing that the Woodward Dream Cruise Honors

In the hay day of the Detroit Three, who were really the Big Three in the 1960s, General Motors used Woodward Avenue not only as a rolling marketing clinic about what kids were driving, but also as a model for a durability test still in use. Continue reading

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Lexus 2013 GS 350 Debuts at Pebble Beach

The 2013 Lexus GS changes from previous rounded Lexus designs by way of its more angular sculpted exterior. Lexus said it will lead the rest of the lineup in an “entirely new direction” that appears derivative of front and rear themes developed by Ford of Europe, Audi, BMW and Cadillac. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a “significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design,” according to Lexus. Continue reading

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Infiniti JX Concept at Pebble Beach Teases 2013 Model

Previous attempts to use CVTs with V6 engines have failed – so this appears to be a daring move on Infiniti’s part prompted no doubt by impending fuel economy regulations. This potentially sets up a Lexus – clearly the luxury hybrid leader with more applications coming – versus Infiniti, which eschews hybrids in favor of parent company Nissan’s CVT technology. Continue reading

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Mini Shows $52,000 Goodwood Version at Pebble Beach

The Mini “Inspired by Goodwood” – how about MIBG? – has luxury accouterments at a luxury price of $52,000 (but that includes $700 in handling and delivery fees), when advanced orders begin later this month. MIBG will be produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units – 140 of which will be available to U.S. punters – and is said to combine driving fun with the same craftsmanship, select materials, styling and all-round ‘typical British understatement’ that are hallmarks of Rolls-Royce.
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August New Vehicle Sales Barely Up. U.S. Economy Still Stalled

It looks like the new vehicle retail sales for August will continue at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of a mere 9.9 million units since sales for August are projected at 898,000 units. The retail selling rate is just … Continue reading

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Volkswagen Continues Growth in July. China Largest Market

Despite ongoing EU economic woes and profligate government debts, Volkswagen deliveries in Europe totaled 1.02 million models to customers in July (0.94; +8.1%), of which 556,500 (541,500; +2.8%) were delivered in Western Europe excluding Germany. Deliveries on the home market of Germany were, not surprisingly, better, with 352,700 (325,100; +8.5%) vehicles handed over to customers. Continue reading

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AMG Driving Academy Video Series on Facebook, YouTube

Starting with basic seating position, drivers at home will have the opportunity to experience a series of “classroom sessions ” aimed at honing driver skills. At the conclusion of the video series, viewers will have a basic understanding of the ‘race craft’ techniques used by professional drivers. Continue reading

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Porsche Sales Down in July, But Set New Record in China

Porsche said it had record sales in the Chinese market in July with deliveries of 2,484 vehicles, the best monthly result in China ever. In total the sports car manufacturer delivered 14,751 vehicles in the current financial year in what is now Porsche’s second largest market. This marks a 72.6 % increase compared with the period January to July 2010. The Cayenne especially is in strong demand in Asia. Continue reading

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High Fuel Prices Having Little Impact on Vehicle Choice?

Rising fuel prices are having little effect on the type of vehicles U.S. buyers are considering. This latest research conundrum comes from consultancy AutoPacific, which claims that while drivers are complaining about fuel costs, the choice of a future vehicle appears decoupled from them. Continue reading

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Toyota Yaris Now $14,875! Tundra and Sienna also Increase

The strong Japanese Yen is making itself felt on this side of the Pacific Ocean as Japanese automakers continue to raise prices. Japanese automakers are facing an unprecedented change in their competitiveness – they no longer have a price advantage over the Detroit Three or Korean automakers. In fact, companies that are heavily dependent on Japanese production of components and vehicles have a price disadvantage amounting to thousands of dollars per vehicle.
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Fiat Starts First Ad Campaign in U.S. for the Tiny 500 Model

Last night the Fiat brand launched a marketing and advertising campaign, the first since its return to the North American market with the 500. The campaign combines broadcast, print, digital and so called “experiential initiatives.” The introduction of a new … Continue reading

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July Used Car Sales Boom. Have Automakers Priced New Vehicles – Now with an Average $30,000 Price – Too High?

The latest research shows that sales of used cars and light trucks in the U.S. grew strongly – up more than 13% for the month of July. About 4.5 million previously owned vehicles changed hands. That’s the best July since 2005… Continue reading

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