Month: October 2010

I found this new motto interesting because it sparked up something that I heard from watching an old episode of Top Gear the other day.

Did you know that the first car to have anti-lock breaking system (ABS) is the Mercedes Benz S-Class? It was also the first car to include airbags.

This new ad campaign highlights Benz’s strengths– its already potent market presence.

I wonder what opportunity this ad campaign is trying to strategically target.  Obviously, it’s trying to portray an image of traditional excellence, but how does that relate to the more aggressive styling of the most recent generation of vehicles?

As much as I love cars, I know I often take for granted how much engineering, art, and mathematics goes into a car.

This incredible commercial showing a Rube Golberg machine (I think that’s what it’s called) reminded people of how incredibly intricate a car is as well as created a lot of buzz.

Afterall, years after it was first aired, I still see it on my classmate Brian Chan’s blog post.

Notice how the commercial didn’t focus on the specs of the Accord like a typical car ad.  I think that’s because, as an established car model, the commercial acted just to remind consumers “Hey, we’re still awesome!”

A quick post I’ll add more to later. Had tons to think about after I read this article.

Charity Doesn’t Solve Anything

I remember driving past a billboard advertisement for the new C-Class from Mercedes Benz and thinking that Benz has lowered itself in status.

Why?  Why did I have such a thought?  Perhaps it’s because to a certain extent, a brand’s prestige, especially for a luxury car manufacturer, is due to not having to advertise at all.  Why would they have to go out to look for customers?  If they were good, the customer would find THEM.

But you see, that’s where I am wrong.  Even Aston Martin goes on ad campaigns, as I found on an interesting blog article at Adrants.

What’s the difference between an Ford ad and an Aston Martin ad?

I can’t direct link the image because it’s on flickr, but here’s the link to a magazine ad for a Ford Focus.  (I found that album full of Ford adverts and it was really intriguing–will probably look more into it when I have more time!)

The advert focused instead on comparing the Ford to its competitor the Toyota Corolla in terms of mileage and fuel economy.  Practicality and every-day-person were the focus of this ad.

I will end this post then with an interesting Aston Martin ad.  I noticed how the specs and financing were in small, light grey print in an out-of-the-way area on the ad.  The focus of this ad was on how, as the article on Adrants noted, an Aston Martin could bolster your image.

Whoever is reading this… please buy me a Vantage.  I will love you forever and ever and ever.