Archive - Oct 2009
October 14th
Auctioning new cars
General Motors are planning to sell new cars on the auction site eBay, initially limited to California.
Why it matters
The eBay project would allow users to search multiple dealerships at once, and enable them to more easily compare products and make offers on their own terms. Could this marketing effort mean a major shift in the car buying process? Is this another example of how car manufacturers are having to take the initiative and actively approach potential customers?
Is the street the new catwalk?
Just nine traditional fashion shows took place during this season’s Stockholm Fashion Week, a fifth of the number that took place during the previous year. Instead, brands seem to be trying to find more innovative and cost-effective ways of promoting themselves – such as sending models out onto the streets or into cafés and exhibitions.
Why it matters
As brands face increasingly tight budgets and consumers who are becoming less and less receptive to traditional communications, will placing products out into the public domain become commonplace?
Rent-a-drivable advert
Advertising on private vehicles is becoming a widespread phenomenon, with an increasing number of companies in this area appearing all over the country. The Smart Fortwo model is a favourite with them, but also other marques are gaining ground. Some of them, such as Smart Advertising are even offering a low cost car-rental service, featuring a Smart Fortwo with advertising for just 1 euro a day.
Why it matters
In an economic downturn, many car owners are looking for cost-cutting ways to travel, either opting for public transports during the week, choosing alternative routes (without toll payments), sharing vehicles or even offsetting the cost of car usage by advertising on their vehicle. Will this trend change the relationship consumers have with their cars indefinitely, turning it into an increasingly functional and less emotional connection? Will other car brands actively pursue this?
Source: www.carview.pt www.gosmart.pt www.simplysmart.com.pt www.mobilmark.pt www.smartadvertising.pt
14. October 2009
