German auto parts giant ZF announced Wednesday that it is developing an autonomous electric delivery vehicle for “last mile” solutions with a $14 billion investment in the next five years. Even if you’ve never heard of ZF, it’s likely that your car, truck, or SUV uses parts...Read More»
If you’re waiting for the IKEA delivery truck carrying your new Liatorp media storage set to roll up, you may need to listen listen closely. The vehicle it rolls up in will likely be silent. The Swedish furniture and home goods giant said last week that it plans to make all home deliveries in...Read More»
If you're a fan of 80s movies, here's a little something to brighten up your Monday: Domino's has dropped a new Ferris Bueller's Day Off-themed ad campaign, and one of the clips stars a familiar face--and fascia. So far, the campaign consists of two clips. One references the beginning of the film...Read More»
Traditionally, BMW's biggest rivals have been luxury automakers with massive market share--companies like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. In press releases and news articles, those are the companies to which BMW compares itself and its sales. But a new pair of BMW ads takes aim at a much, much smaller...Read More»
To the people who create car commercials, horsepower and technology aren't always strong selling points. They're wonky, factual, bullet-pointy things that might persuade someone who's paused to pore over a newspaper ad, but in a 30-second TV spot? Boring. That's why commercials--the best ones...Read More»
The Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal began making headlines over six months ago, so you might think that the worst of it would be over by now. You would be wrong. In recent days, VW's U.S. dealers and its German executives have met at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las...Read More»
Everyone knows that the Super Bowl isn't just about football. The Super Bowl is an event -- a huge event -- and events are marketing opportunities. On this very special day, we're encouraged to consume, consume, consume: to drink more beer, to eat more pizza, or, if football isn't our thing, to...Read More»
We have good news and bad news. The good news is, Honda has launched one of the most innovative commercials we've seen in a very long time. Some ads succeed with thoughtful writing, some ads benefit from dazzling camera work, and others achieve greatness because of a clear, simple concept...Read More»
There were three ways to view "Poolside", Cadillac's recent ad for the ELR electric car: 1. Wow, that's a nice-looking car. 2. Wow, that's a nice-looking car and it's eco-friendly. 3. Wow, that guy in the ad is a schmuck. ALSO SEE: The Best-Selling Cop Car Is Actually An SUV Unfortunately for...Read More»
Put yourself in these shoes: you've just graduated from college, and you love using video to bring stories to life, so you've started a company to do just that. That's the good news. The bad news is that you're based in the intensely competitive arena of Los Angeles, California, and you have just...Read More»
At noon Eastern, Chevrolet unveiled two commercials on YouTube: one for the all-new Chevy Traverse, the other for Chevrolet, the brand. "Why should that matter?", you ask. "Don't automakers post clips to the web on a daily basis?" They do, but these are special: they're intended for TV, and they...Read More»
The television has been dusted, the batteries in the remote have been changed, and the Rotel is bubbling quietly in a crock pot: the Super Bowl is here, featuring Queen Latifah, an opening-seconds safety, and Audi apparently losing its mind on Snapchat. Of course, football fans aren't the only...Read More»
Last week, Audi and its parent company, Volkswagen, posted teasers for their upcoming Super Bowl ads. Now, the automakers have revealed their official game-day spots, and though the two aren't technically competing against one-another, there's still a very clear winner. Undoubtedly, that winner is...Read More»
With every passing hour, we edge closer to Super Bowl XLVII. And with every passing day, we encounter another teaser for a new Super Bowl ad. Today's teaser comes from Audi, which has asked folk temptress and Lilith Fair mastermind Sarah McLachlan to bring you a special message about a poor...Read More»
It's that time of year again: time to stock up on Rotel, replace the springs in the sectional, and prepare for the Super Bowl and its many amazing ads. Or not so amazing, if Volkswagen's teaser for Super Bowl XLVIII is any indication. Once upon a time, advertisers went to great lengths to keep...Read More»
It's a big week for directors, grips, and gaffers -- and not just because of the Golden Globes. The North American International Auto Show is up and running in Detroit, and today on the show floor, awards are being doled out for the best recent car ads. The Automobile Advertising of the Year Awards...Read More»
To some folks, the holiday season ended last week. To others, the fun has just begun. In New Orleans, Venice, and elsewhere around the globe, Carnival season kicked off yesterday. Football fans are gearing up for the playoffs. And movie buffs are eagerly watching actors, directors, and producers...Read More»
Since the 1960s, university students have vigorously debated the politics of identity: what does it "mean" to be a woman? Is there an "authentic" African American experience? Which parts of LGBT culture have been "appropriated" by the hegemony? Scare quotes have proliferated. Critics dismiss such...Read More»
A few weeks ago, we took a spin down memory lane, recalling some of our favorite (and least-favorite) car commercials. But auto marketing is more than just celebrity spokespeople, clever plot lines, and computer-generated hamsters. As high-tech as the advertising industry has become, one thing...Read More»
