Marketing Week
Automotives

  • Sainsbury’s fuels petrol price war

    Mon, 21 May 2012

    Supermarket reduces forecourt costs and introduces price promotion, prompting rivals to follow suit.

  • GM pulls Facebook ads

    Wed, 16 May 2012

    Vauxhall owner said to have concluded that social network has little impact on purchases.

  • Citroen extends crowdsourcing campaign

    Thu, 10 May 2012

    Citroen unveils car designed by Facebook fans and invites further design contribution through the social network.

  • Ford adopts military tech for social push

    Thu, 10 May 2012

    Ford targets top social influencers with high tech push for B-Max model.

  • Taxi brand's message takes a wrong turn

    3 May 2012

    ‘Addison Lee chairman John Griffin urged his drivers to use bus lanes… then lashed out at cyclists in the company’s magazine’

  • Auto Trader to shift perception with site relaunch

    Tue, 24 Apr 2012

    Auto Trader wants to deepen engagement and become a destination beyond buying and selling cars.

  • Range Rover reveals Victoria Beckham car

    Mon, 23 Apr 2012

    Victoria Beckham has designed a special edition Range Rover as the car marque aims to enhance its luxury credentials.

  • Car brands eye social media for long-term engagement

    Thu, 12 Apr 2012

    Car brands are using social media to involve consumers in the design process as they look to stay front of mind in a sector that sees infrequent purchases.

  • BMW named England rugby sponsor

    Thu, 12 Apr 2012

    BMW is to replace Land Rover as the vehicle partner to the England rugby union team.

  • Arsenal stars turn ballet dancers for Citroën

    Tue, 10 Apr 2012

    Oxlade-Chamberlain, Song, Sagna and Szczesny team up with the English National Ballet for DS5 promotion.

  • Citroen to crowdsource design

    Tue, 3 Apr 2012

    Citroen invites fans to choose design features to develop a car ‘created for the Facebook generation, by the Facebook generation.’

  • Volvo creates global social media marketing role

    Mon, 2 Apr 2012

    Volvo wants its global PR strategy to align more closely with its marketing strategy.

  • Autoglass creates joint sales and marketing role

    Fri, 30 Mar 2012

    Autoglass marketing director’s departure allows company to overhaul structure.

  • Bentley names new marketing chief

    Wed, 28 Mar 2012

    A marketing shake up at Volkswagen Group UK sees new marketing boss at Bentley as incumbent moves to Skoda.

  • Mercedes designs furniture range

    Mon, 26 Mar 2012

    The car marque is bringing its technology and luxury design values together with a furniture range.

  • How automotive brands innovate

    Wed, 21 Mar 2012

    Nissan and Renault chief executive Carlos Ghosn has been credited with turning around failing Nissan at the end of the 1990s and for investing in green technology to produce the Leaf, the first mass-market all-electric car.What big brands can learn from start-ups -

  • Hyundai unveils Euro 2012 ambassadors

    Fri, 16 Mar 2012

    England’s Daniel Sturridge and France’s Karim Benzema to be two of ‘Team Hyundai’ in marketing campaigns for Euro 2012.

  • Honda Civic is ‘most talked about’ car

    Wed, 14 Mar 2012

    A new quarterly report aims to help marketers better understand consumers’ relationships with car brands by analysing online conversations.

  • Nissan brings ‘human emotion’ to campaigns

    Tue, 13 Mar 2012

    Car marque repositions to focus on innovation rather than specifications.

  • VW hands outdoor ads to Facebook fans

    Fri, 9 Mar 2012

    The car marque is using Facebook to create content for an outdoor campaign for its Up! model.

  • Infiniti switches to green positioning

    Thu, 23 Feb 2012

    Luxury car brand Infiniti unveils eco shift as research reveals that car marques could quadruple sales of eco cars by targeting high-end consumers.

  • Mainstream brands make a play for the super rich list

    2 February 2012

    Recession? What recession? A new set of brands is muscling in on territory that until recently was occupied exclusively by luxury goods and services providers by targeting the wealthy but time poor community.

  • Super Bowl ads 2012

    Tue, 31 Jan 2012

    The race is on to have the most popular advertisement in this year’s NFL showpiece.

  • Honda ventures into the unknown with latest Civic ad

    Tue, 31 Jan 2012

    See the campaign here.

  • Former T-Mobile marketer Lysa Hardy joins the RAC

    Mon, 30 Jan 2012

    Lysa Hardy, the lead marketer behind T-Mobile’s “Life’s for sharing” campaigns joins RAC as interim marketing director.

  • Ford looks to position as technology leader

    Wed, 25 Jan 2012

    Ford’s Real World Challenge campaign aims to raise awareness of its leading edge technology.

  • Peugeot celebrates “new car joy”

    Tue, 24 Jan 2012

    Peugeot hopes to cut through the “overblown” price deals rivals are offering by putting happiness and excitement at the centre of marketing strategy.

  • Citroen ad banned for risk to epileptics

    Wed, 18 Jan 2012

    A Citroen TV ad using flashing images has been banned for putting epileptics at risk of seizure.

  • Brand consistency is crucial for cars

    Wed, 11 Jan 2012

    Car marketers who have bucked the downward trend say a coherent strategy and differentiation are crucial to reverse the slump in car sales.

  • Honda partners with Love Hearts for tailor made ad

    Fri, 6 Jan 2012

    The car marque is offering drivers the opportunity to create a bespoke package of offers and has teamed up with sweets maker Swizzels Matlow for a Love Heart themed campaign.

  • Toyota targets youth with personalised content

    Thu, 5 Jan 2012

    The next phase of the Toyota Yaris Outsmart Life campaign lets young fans create personalised pop videos via social media.

  • Autoglass crowdsources new TV ad star from Facebook

    Wed, 4 Jan 2012

    Autoglass has launched a TV ad campaign following a competition on Facebook to find a customer to star in its new campaign.

  • Volvo signals “more direct and aggressive” marketing strategy

    Fri, 16 Dec 2011

    Volvo’s global CMO Richard Monturo outlines a more “direct and aggressive” brand strategy to boost its luxury perception.

  • Retail media: opportunity rises for online retail media

    8 December 2011

    Debate is raging as to whether online retailers should build their websites around point-of-sale presence for partner brands or focus on their own communications.

  • Nissan launches DM campaign to promote new Qashqai technology

    Mon, 5 Dec 2011

    The DM pack includes glasses that act like “eyes in the back of your head” to help drivers experience the 360 degree AVM technology in its latest Qashqai model.

  • Car industry moves to clarify eco messaging

    Mon, 28 Nov 2011

    Automotives industry moves to update guidelines on environmental marketing.

  • Volvo looks to shed stuffy image with JLS tie-up

    Fri, 25 Nov 2011

    Volvo is to appear in the latest video for boy band JLS as part of its strategy to connect with new audiences.

  • Poor marketing stalls sales of eco cars

    Mon, 21 Nov 2011

    Consumers are confused over the performance of eco-cars which is holding back the growth of the sector.

  • Castrol renews partnership with Ronaldo

    Tue, 15 Nov 2011

    The two-year extension will see Ronaldo continue to act as brand ambassador.

  • Harley Davidson launches crowdsourcing Facebook app

    Wed, 9 Nov 2011

    The motorcycle brand hopes crowdsourcing will help the business become more “customer led”.

  • Audi names marketer as top UK director

    Fri, 4 Nov 2011

    Car marque hopes Martin Sander’s CRM and retail marketing experience will drive Audi’s success in the UK.

  • Nissan launches six-year eco plan

    Mon, 24 Oct 2011

    Nissan sets out six-year environmental programme including reducing carbon footprint and increasing renewable energy.

  • Avis looks to social media to bolster European footprint

    Mon, 24 Oct 2011

    Car-rental firm Avis has unveiled its first pan-European social media campaign as it looks to generate online buzz amongst consumers.

  • Consumers are “cynical and wary” of eco car ads

    Mon, 17 Oct 2011

    Consumers are put off by too much green messaging in car marketing.

  • Viewpoint: Honda: Martin Moll, marketing director

    Wed, 12 Oct 2011

    Find out why advertisers are demanding more data for TV, click here For a viewpoint with Santander’s director of brand and communications,

  • HR Owen loses CEO Andy Duncan

    Mon, 3 Oct 2011

    Duncan steps down after just a year in the role and a month after employing first marketing head.

  • Hyundai aims to be part of London landscape

    Thu, 29 Sep 2011

    Hyundai has taken over the iconic Piccadilly Circus billboard.

  • Aston Martin retains coolest brand crown

    Wed, 28 Sep 2011

    Aston Martin has been named the world’s coolest brand for the second time running.

  • HR Owen recruits Nokia marketer

    Wed, 21 Sep 2011

    Luxury car retailer believes Nokia marketer will bring digital and premium experience.

  • Smart set of wheels

    22 September 2011

    Sophisticated data processing technologies are enabling mid-range car brands to emulate the luxury marques with systems that make the driving experience easier and safer.

  • Hyundai launches interactive activity

    Mon, 19 Sep 2011

    Car marque uses image recognition app for mobile advertising campaign.

  • Renault ends News Int boycott

    Tue, 13 Sep 2011

    Renault has u-turned on its decision to boycott advertising in all News International titles following the phone hacking scandal at the News of the World that led to the paper’s closure.

  • Children in Need ramps up partnerships for marketing support

    Tue, 13 Sep 2011

    Children in Need is looking to brands to provide more marketing support ahead of this year’s November telethon as it unveils a raft of new corporate partners.

  • Referral fee ban benefits car insurance customers

    Tue, 13 Sep 2011

    The government is set to ban lawyers from buying data on drivers involved in accidents, a practice that has been blamed for rocketing car insurance premiums. That ban could not come soon enough.

  • How Renault puts the Va Va Voom in its advertising

    Mon, 12 Sep 2011

    Campaign Focus - Publicis Modem - ’Kings and Queens of Va Va Voom’ with Simon McCarthy, Planning Director.

  • Car brands must rev up emotional appeal

    Mon, 12 Sep 2011

    Automotive brands must emphasise the emotional value of their brand to differentiate from the competition and encourage sales as the number of consumers looking to buy a car declines, according to a study.

  • OFT begins scrutiny of rising car insurance premiums

    Thu, 8 Sep 2011

    The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is to look at the UK motor insurance market after concerns that premiums are rising steeply.

  • Mercedes hopes to attract younger fans

    Mon, 5 Sep 2011

    Mercedes Benz is looking to “transform” Mercedes Benz through marketing and design as it looks to target a younger audience.

  • Autoglass invites general public to star in TV ad

    Mon, 5 Sep 2011

    Windscreen repair firm Autoglass has become the latest brand to give customers the chance to star in its next TV ad.

  • Infiniti takes on German car brands

    Mon, 5 Sep 2011

    Japanese luxury car marque Infiniti is launching its first multi-channel brand campaign in a bid to raise its profile in Europe and take on German marques Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

  • Vauxhall takes to TV with England football team

    Fri, 2 Sep 2011

    Vauxhall has launched the first TV campaign to support its sponsorship of the England football team.

  • Mini launches global adventure campaign

    Wed, 31 Aug 2011

    Mini is preparing to launch an integrated global campaign under the strapline “Another Day, Another Adventure” to celebrate the launch of the new Coupe model.

  • Chevrolet names new UK marketing chief

    Fri, 26 Aug 2011

    Chevrolet has promoted Rebecca Lawman to the role of marketing manager for the UK, replacing Les Turton who took up a new position with the US car brand in June.

  • Five brand bundling campaigns

    Wed, 24 Aug 2011

    How brand bundling can help beat budget cuts and give you the competitive edge - click here to read the cover feature What can go wrong - three top marketers

  • Mini signs up to ITV’s Jonathan Ross show

    Wed, 24 Aug 2011

    ITV’s new chat show The Jonathan Ross Show will be sponsored by Mini when it launches on ITV1 next month.

  • Volvo overhauls global strategy

    Wed, 24 Aug 2011

    Volvo is overhauling it global brand strategy to accelerate the future growth of the company.

  • Roll up for brand bundling

    25 August 2011

    How big businesses are using collective marketing campaigns to beat budget cuts

  • Toyota and Ford collaborate to build hybrid cars

    Tue, 23 Aug 2011

    Ford and Toyota, the world’s biggest seller of hybrid vehicles, are set to join forces to create a fuel-efficient system for pickup trucks and SUVs (sports utility vehicles).

  • HSBC in local drive for Scottish business

    Mon, 22 Aug 2011

    HSBC is launching a campaign to drive awareness of its extended network in Scotland to cut through the dominance of Scottish banks.

  • Brands are welcomed on to the stage

    18 August 2011

    Funding cuts in the arts and entertainment sectors have made the public more accepting of brand involvement, but the role consumers require of them is so much more than as bankrollers.

  • Jaguar shuns clichés to target women

    Fri, 12 Aug 2011

    Jaguar has partnered with British Airways to launch a direct mail campaign targeting women in an “intelligent” way.

  • Latest automotive technology on track to set pulses racing

    11 August 2011

    Nissan Motorsports president Shoichi Miyatani talks to Michael Barnett about electric racing cars and how the company’s participation in the FIA GT1 championship is benefiting the brand’s marketing department.

  • GE readies 2012 Olympic drive

    Tue, 9 Aug 2011

    GE, one of 11 worldwide Olympic partners, is preparing a heavyweight UK campaign to showcase the work it has done to deliver the 2012 Olympic Games.

  • Chevrolet celebrates 100 years with new campaign

    Tue, 2 Aug 2011

    Chevrolet is hoping that its American heritage will appeal to European drivers as it launches a brand campaign to celebrate its centenary and introduce five new cars.

  • Brands cash in on Rihanna tour

    Tue, 2 Aug 2011

    Brands are looking to cash in on Rihanna’s popularity as both Renault and Nivea launch major promotions in the run up to the pop singer’s US and European tour.

  • Toyota ranked top global green brand in Interbrand study

    Tue, 26 Jul 2011

    Toyota has been named the world’s greenest brand by Interbrand.

  • Ford scraps CDs in digital move

    Tue, 26 Jul 2011

    Ford is to scrap CD players in its latest Ford Focus Range to reflect the increasing popularity of digital music.

  • Ford names UK marketing chief amid reshuffle

    Fri, 22 Jul 2011

    Ford has named Anthony Ireson as its new UK marketing chief following the promotion of Mark Ovenden to managing director for Britain.

  • Renault pulls ads from all News Int newspapers

    Fri, 8 Jul 2011

    Renault has become the first brand to say it will cease advertising in all News International newspapers, following the phone hacking scandal at News of the World that led to the paper’s closure.

  • Audi names marketing chief

    Fri, 8 Jul 2011

    Audi has appointed former LG and Vodafone marketing chief Dominic Chambers to lead its UK marketing ahead of a £10bn investment in the brand and new models.

  • Star Wars maker pulls plug on Greenpeace ad

    Mon, 4 Jul 2011

    Greenpeace’s spoof of Volkswagen’s Darth Vader ad has been pulled by YouTube because of a copyright dispute with LucasFilm.

  • Ford appoints managing director for Britain

    Mon, 4 Jul 2011

    Ford’s British division has appointed its former marketing director, Mark Ovenden, as its new managing director.

  • BP launches first TV ad since Gulf of Mexico oil spill

    Fri, 1 Jul 2011

  • Everyone has a role to play in this never ending story

    Wed, 29 Jun 2011

    Brands from every sector are paying close attention to gamification - the latest way of giving content a life beyond its original form, says Ruth Mortimer.

  • Why honesty is the best green policy

    Wed, 29 Jun 2011

  • Hi-tech health: Ford

    Wed, 29 Jun 2011

    Q+A: Pim van der Jagt, managing director Ford Research Centre

  • On the pulse

    30 June 2011

    The consumer brands using technology to enter the health sector

  • Greenpeace slams Volkswagen with Darth Vader spoof

    Tue, 28 Jun 2011

    Greenpeace has attacked Volkswagen’s environmental credentials with a spoof of its recent Darth Vader ad campaign.

  • Tuition fees will cause marketing brain drain, says recruiter

    Thu, 23 Jun 2011

    Brands are facing a marketing brain drain because of their insistence on recruiting from what is likely to be a “shrinking pool” of graduates, a report has warned.

  • Don't let your customers fade from view

    23 June 2011

    Latest figures indicate that people are becoming less inclined to hand over their personal details in return for benefits such as discounts and samples, challenging marketers to step up their powers of persuasion.

  • UK ad spend growth weaker than forecast, says AA/Warc

    Tue, 21 Jun 2011

    The forecast for UK advertising spend growth in 2011 has been halved in the latest Advertising Association (AA)/Warc figures.

  • Peugeot ad scares Peppa Pig viewer

    Wed, 15 Jun 2011

    Peugeot has been banned from running a television ad during kids’ shows after a child was scared by the spot airing during a Peppa Pig programme.

  • Don’t fall for the myth of repositioning

    16 June2011

  • The sky’s the limit for cloud consumption

    09 June 2011

    With more and more consumers seeking less responsibility and greater flexibility, brands are taking the concept of cloud technology from the virtual world to the real worlds of fashion and motoring.

  • True pioneers talk the customer's language

    09 June 2011

    Just what must a brand do to be considered truly innovative? A report seen exclusively by Marketing Week provides six pointers.

  • All marketers should act like direct marketers

    Mon, 6 Jun 2011

  • Hyundai to advertise at London’s Piccadilly lights

    Mon, 6 Jun 2011

    Hyundai has agreed a multi-million pound deal with Land Securities to advertise on London’s Piccadilly lights.

  • Sainsbury’s revs up motor insurance to take on Tesco

    Mon, 6 Jun 2011

    Sainsbury’s has relaunched its motor insurance business in a bid to take on Tesco.

  • Audi unveils Champions League final ad

    Thu, 26 May 2011

    Watch the ad here.

  • F1 winner Sebastian Vettel signs as Infiniti brand ambassador

    Wed, 25 May 2011

    Japanese luxury car marque Infiniti has signed Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel as its first global brand ambassador.

  • Costa claims Brand of the Year at MW Engage Awards 2011

    Wed, 25 May 2011

    The marketing industry partied and celebrated success far into the night at the Marketing Week Engage Awards 2011 on Tuesday (24 May).

  • Fleeing to fantasy

    19 May 2011

    Escaping from reality has long been a reason to go to the cinema, but could these austere times be driving consumers to seek out even more exciting and immersive experiences? Finding ways to help forget abouteveryday realities is on the rise.

  • Peugeot launches space age ad campaign

    Tue, 17 May 2011

    An online prize draw to win a flight into space is part of a new advertising campaign by car giant Peugeot.

  • Rolls Royce enlists Rankin for centenary campaign

    Thu, 12 May 2011

    Rolls-Royce is partnering with photographer Rankin as part of a global campaign to celebrate 100 years of its brand figurine Spirit of Ecstasy, which appears on the bonnet of every Rolls Royce.

  • Viewpoint: Mark Ritson

    Wed, 11 May 2011

    Click here to read this week’s cover story, a full analysis of the BrandZ top 100 most valuable brandsHow can a 160-year-old financial service come accross as modern and flexible?

  • Pre-flight experience hits heights of luxury

    12 May 2011

    Holidaymakers may be spending more on big-ticket items at airports, but research seen exclusively by Marketing Week reveals that brands need to do more to target business travellers. By Maeve Hosea

  • The most valuable brands in the world

    12 May 2011

    We scrutinise BrandZ’s top 100 list

  • Hyundai readies biggest ever online campaign

    Tue, 10 May 2011

    Hyundai will launch its biggest ever online-only launch campaign later this year for its Veloster coupe model.

  • Marketing Academy unveils second year of future leaders

    Tue, 10 May 2011

    Potential marketing leaders of tomorrow have been selected for the second year of The Marketing Hall of Legends’ (MHL) intensive coaching and mentoring scheme, The Marketing Academy.

  • NewsCorp confirms F1 interest

    Wed, 4 May 2011

    Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation has confirmed its interest in taking over Formula One (F1) racing.

  • Ford to launch in-car WiFi

    Wed, 4 May 2011

    Ford will introduce in-car WiFi in its Ford Focus models from next year.

  • Brands feeling the pinch need to tailor offers

    05 May 2011

    As consumers work harder at saving money, brands that understand their customers’ needs will come out on top, according to research seen exclusively by Marketing Week.

  • BP ads fail to repair reputation

    Thu, 28 Apr 2011

    BP’s campaign to highlight the progress it has made in restoring the Gulf of Mexico to its pre-spill glory has so far failed to reverse the negative perception the general public has of the oil company.

  • Citroen TV ad banned pre-watershed

    Wed, 27 Apr 2011

    Citroen’s television ad featuring cyclists chasing a C4 motor car has been slammed by the advertising watchdog in case it causes copycat behaviour by children.

  • FMCG-style product labelling on cards for cars

    Thu, 21 Apr 2011

    The government wants car marques to carry information on their running costs in brand communications so consumers can see which models are better for the environment.

  • News Corp mulls Formula 1 takeover

    Wed, 20 Apr 2011

    Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation is thought to be considering a bid to acquire Formula 1 racing.

  • Seat partners Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean

    Wed, 20 Apr 2011

    Watch the ad here

  • A fairytale union of brand and heritage

    21 April 2011

  • Audi launches UK's first internet TV campaign

    Tue, 19 Apr 2011

    Audi has launched the UK’s first web-connected TV campaign to promote its A7 Sportback range.

  • Npower launches UK's first electric vehicle tariff

    Wed, 13 Apr 2011

    Npower is set to launch Britain’s first electric vehicle tariff this summer in a bid to push its green credentials.

  • BP ads try to repair image

    Mon, 11 Apr 2011

    Oil giant BP has launched an ad campaign to help repair its reputation following last year’s major oil spill.

  • Peugeot names new marketing director

    Fri, 8 Apr 2011

    Peugeot has appointed Morgan Lecoupeur to oversee the French car marque’s brand strategy in the UK.

  • Toyota partners with Microsoft

    Thu, 7 Apr 2011

    Toyota drivers will be able to access internet-based services in their vehicles following a partnership with Microsoft.

  • Shell tops table in survey of corporate reputation values

    Thu, 7 Apr 2011

    Corporate reputation is worth a total of £480bn a year to the UK’s 350 biggest companies, according to a study by Echo Research and Bestra Brand Consultants.

  • Driving home the benefits of green wheels

    07 April 2011

    The potential for hybrid and electric cars is significant with 1 million predicted to be on UK roads by 2020. But brands are not explaining their benefits clearly enough, and purchase prices need to be reduced.

  • Tesco drives into the car sales market

    Mon, 4 Apr 2011

    Tesco is moving into the automotive market with the launch of a second hand car sales website.

  • Mercedes Benz appoints marketing director

    Fri, 25 Mar 2011

    Mercedes Benz has appointed former Volkswagen marketing director David George to the same role.

  • Hyundai launches free app off back of sponsorship idents

    Thu, 24 Mar 2011

    Hyundai has created an iPhone app inspired by the brand’s TV idents for its sponsorship of Euro 2012 games.

  • Toyota is making a mistake by scrapping marketing role

    Wed, 23 Mar 2011

  • Directing the online traffic

    Digital Strategy Supplement - March 2011

    Since Kia Motors embraced online marketing, brand interest and sales have rocketed, and it’s so successful the company is now thinking the unthinkable - dropping TV campaigns altogether, discovers Nicola Smith.

  • Toyota axes UK marketing director

    Fri, 18 Mar 2011

    Toyota GB has scrapped the role of marketing director as part of a senior management restructure designed to enable faster decision making.

  • Toyota unveils strategy to double profit

    Wed, 9 Mar 2011

    Toyota is to give more marketing control to its regional divisions as part of an overhaul of its corporate strategy aimed at doubling profit.

  • Total relaunches reward scheme to drive data capture

    Fri, 4 Mar 2011

    Petrol station chain Total UK is relaunching its loyalty programme to build customer relationships by enhancing the data it collects about its customers.

  • Mercedes restructures marketing team

    Thu, 3 Mar 2011

    Mercedes-Benz, the luxury car marque owned by Daimler, is on the hunt for a UK marketing director following a reshuffle of its senior marketing team.

  • Skoda overhauls identity to modernise brand

    Tue, 1 Mar 2011

    Skoda has introduced a new brand and corporate identity as part of an overhaul of its marketing strategy aimed at giving the car marque a more modern image.

  • Mercedes-Benz claims “Superbrand” crown

    Mon, 28 Feb 2011

    Mercedes-Benz has been named the UK’s top consumer “Superbrand”, while Rolls-Royce is the premier business brand, according to a study.

  • Ford launches first global campaign

    Fri, 25 Feb 2011

    Ford is adopting a new global approach to its brand messaging with a launch campaign for the Ford Focus which includes 50 short adverts spotlighting technology.

  • Volvo appoints global marketing chief

    Thu, 24 Feb 2011

    Volvo has appointed Richard Monturo as global marketing chief to lead its global brand strategy.

  • Why revolutionaries are the mother of evolution

    24 February 2011

    Brands can learn a lesson from the ’punctuated equilibrium’ academic theory that argues revolutionis necessary.

  • Sheila’s Wheels sees European gender ruling as an “opportunity”

    Tue, 22 Feb 2011

    Sheila’s Wheels, the car insurance brand “designed with women in mind” has dismissed suggestions that a European ruling on removing gender discrimination for insurance products will affect its positioning.

  • Kylie fronts Lexus ad push for hybrid model

    Tue, 22 Feb 2011

    Watch Kylie in new CT 200h ad here.

  • BMW unveils premium eco sub-brand

    Mon, 21 Feb 2011

    BMW has revealed a sub-brand “BMW i - Born Electric” for its sustainable vehicles division as part of its plan to develop premium products and services tailored to consumers’ rapidly changing mobility needs.

  • Ford launches outdoor augmented reality campaign

    Thu, 17 Feb 2011

    Ford is launching an augmented reality outdoor campaign to put its new C-Max model in the palm of consumers’ hands.

  • Peugeot takes on Toyota with eco cars

    Thu, 10 Feb 2011

    Peugeot is taking on Toyota with the launch of its first hybrid car in the autumn as the company looks to bolster its credentials as a green manufacturer.

  • Engagement strategy aims to take long-term interest rates higher

    10 February 2011

    When Honda launched the UK’s first TV ad that links to an iPhone app, the car maker sent a clear signal that the focus of its marketing strategy has moved from driving sales to increasing engagement.

  • Speeding towards a whole new attitude

    10 February 2011

  • Peugeot launches comeback car

    Tue, 8 Feb 2011

    Peugeot is aiming to make a “comeback” into the larger car market with the launch of its new 508 model.

  • Peugeot creates Envy "whodunnit" campaign

    Fri, 4 Feb 2011

    Peugeot is creating an interactive “whodunnit” style adventure as part of an integrated campaign to promote its limited edition Envy model.

  • BP counts cost of oil spill

    Tue, 1 Feb 2011

    BP swung to a loss of £4.9bn (£3.1bn) last year, hit by the cost of cleaning up the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Honda Jazz ad jumps from TV to smartphone

    Mon, 31 Jan 2011

    See the interactive Honda Jazz ad here.

  • Land Rover speeds away with top newspaper ad award

    Wed, 26 Jan 2011

    Land Rover’s press campaign that ran during severe weather conditions last year has won the Newspaper Marketing Agency’s (NMA) top prize for creativity.

  • Toyota faces further recalls

    Wed, 26 Jan 2011

    Toyota has recalled a further 1.7 million vehicles worldwide following safety fears over leaking fuel systems.

  • Toyota world’s biggest carmaker

    Mon, 24 Jan 2011

    Toyota has been named the world’s biggest carmaker for the third successive year, despite recalling millions of vehicles due to safety issues last year.

  • Škoda appoints head of marketing

    Tue, 18 Jan 2011

    Škoda has appointed a new marketing chief ahead of its biggest ever investment in the brand.

  • Citroën brings in Orla Kiely for limited edition DS3 model

    Fri, 14 Jan 2011

    Citroën has enlisted designer Orla Kiely to produce an exclusive line of its DS3 model.

  • BMW launches branded sunglasses

    Fri, 14 Jan 2011

    BMW is to lend its brand name to a range of premium branded sunglasses in China.

  • McLaren appoints marketing chief for sports car business

    Thu, 13 Jan 2011

    McLaren has appointed Greg Levine to oversee marketing and sales for its soon to launch range of high performance sports cars.

  • Nissan breaks the norm with CRM approach to car launches

    Wed, 12 Jan 2011

    Nissan is looking to take a more CRM-led approach to launching new models in order to foster greater consumer emotional engagement.

  • Ford plans centenary marketing campaign

    Wed, 12 Jan 2011

    Ford is planning a year-long celebration to mark its 100th year in Britain.

  • Toyota Prius to become sub-brand

    Tue, 11 Jan 2011

    Toyota is expanding its range of Prius hybrid cars to bolster its green credentials.

  • Nissan leads Micra launch with CRM activity

    Mon, 10 Jan 2011

    Nissan is for the first time adopting a CRM-led approach for the launch of its latest Micra model.

  • Event backers drive audience participation

    6 January 2011

    Event sponsorship is as much about long-term audience engagement as it is about a brand raising its profile during a show or tournament.

  • Ford readies first ever in-car digital radio campaign

    Thu, 23 Dec 2010

    Car manufacturer Ford is to run the first ever radio campaign about in-car digital radio, promoting the format's benefits to drivers.

  • Toyota appoints commercial director to drive UK growth

    Tue, 21 Dec 2010

    Toyota GB has appointed Matt Harrison as commercial director to lead sales and marketing operations in the UK.

  • Toyota ad to star Supergrass’ Gaz Coombes

    Thu, 16 Dec 2010

    Toyota is launching an ad campaign starring Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes to promote its Yaris model to young women.

  • Halfords creates group brand marketing director role

    Tue, 14 Dec 2010

    Halfords has appointed former Superdrug marketing director Gerry Murphy to become its first group brand marketing director as the company looks to grow its retail and car service businesses.

  • China Mobile tops Chinese most valuable brand list

    Tue, 14 Dec 2010

    Millward Brown has unveiled a list of the Top 50 most valuable Chinese brands which together have a total value of $280bn (£177bn).

  • Audi to launch A7 Sportback ad during X Factor final

    Fri, 10 Dec 2010

    Watch the Audi ad here.

  • Advertising campaigns go green

    Tue, 7 Dec 2010

    Honda and Heineken are bidding to reduce the environmental impact of their advertising campaigns following the launch of new technology by Starcom MediaVest Group.

  • Mazda first with display ads on Google Images in UK

    Fri, 26 Nov 2010

    Mazda is among the first advertisers to use a new display ad format on Google Images as the search giant continues to test advertising on the site.

  • Car brands prepare price-led campaigns before VAT rise

    Thu, 25 Nov 2010

    Auto brands are stepping up their price-focused marketing in preparation for January’s VAT increase, which is expected to put pressure on new year sales.

  • Chevrolet timeline

    25 November 2010

  • Marketer 2 marketer

    25 November 2010

    Click here to read the cover feature - a profile of Chevrolet’s UK managing director, Mark Terry

  • Q&A: A European overview with Mark Terry, managing director of Chevrolet UK, and Wayne D Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe

    25 November 2010

    Click here to read the cover feature - a profile of Chevrolet’s UK managing director, Mark Terry

  • Selling the American dream to a digital generation of drivers

    25 November 2010

    Chevrolet’s UK managing director explains how the iconic car brand is combining digital marketing techniques with its American heritage to sell a new crop of GM models to a younger generation of drivers this side of the Atlantic.

  • Chevrolet looks to PR to build brand in UK

    Tue, 23 Nov 2010

    Chevrolet is to combine PR and an “unconventional” marketing approach to raise the profile of the US car brand in the UK.

  • Aston Martin's cygnet will prove an ugly duckling

    Wed, 17 Nov 2010

  • Bauer puts the brakes on Max Power

    Mon, 15 Nov 2010

    Bauer Media is to end regular publication of its custom car title Max Power and axe the accompanying website.

  • Volkswagen Polo unveils ‘Last Tango’ ad

    Wed, 10 Nov 2010

    Watch the latest Volkswagen campaign.

  • Renault to launch The Simpsons branded car

    Wed, 10 Nov 2010

    Renault has partnered with Twentieth Century Fox to launch a limited edition Simpsons branded family car.

  • Škoda targets new audiences with 'Cake' ad sequel

    Mon, 1 Nov 2010

    Watch the latest Skoda ad here.

  • Nissan begins global recall of 2m cars

    Thu, 28 Oct 2010

    Nissan is recalling an estimated 2.1 million of its cars after a fault with the engine control system was discovered.

  • Gullwings land Mercedes in lap of luxury

    Wed, 27 Oct 2010

  • Michelin introduces sound logo

    Wed, 27 Oct 2010

    Michelin has developed an audio logo for the brand to act as a “sonic seal of recognition”.

  • Creating a new roadmap for One Ford’s marketing

    28 October 2010

    Ford’s vice-president of global marketing on his ’holy bananas’ social media epiphany, the importance of PR, and why he’s following Tesco’s lead to drive the auto firm’s ’one-size-fits-all’ global strategy. By Guy Bird.

  • Stuart Smith on Chevron's latest charm offensive

    28 October 2010

  • Retailers hold key to sustainable behaviour

    Tue, 26 Oct 2010

    Brands must work more closely with retailers to make their sustainability activities more tangible for consumers, according to a report by Havas Media.

  • Range Rover recruits stars for Twitter campaign

    Mon, 25 Oct 2010

    Range Rover has launched a social media campaign that features celebrities tweeting about its new car.

  • ITV signs Kia Motors as FA Cup sponsor

    Fri, 22 Oct 2010

    ITV has signed up Kia Motors to be the full sponsor of its FA Cup coverage.

  • Citroën appoints new marketing director

    Fri, 22 Oct 2010

    Citroën has appointed Jules Tilstone as marketing director following the departure of Ian Hughes.

  • Toyota’s reputation hit by further recalls

    Fri, 22 Oct 2010

    Toyota is facing further reputation damage as it recalls 1.5 million cars globally after fears about the safety of brake and fuel injection systems in some of its high end models.

  • Jaguar promotes marketing to the board

    Tue, 19 Oct 2010

    Jaguar Land Rover has appointed the first global brand directors for both Jaguar and Land Rover and given them a seat on the board in an overhaul of its senior management structure.

  • Land Rover to launch global campaign for Freelander 2

    Thu, 14 Oct 2010

    Land Rover is poised to launch a global marketing campaign for the 2011 Freelander 2 model.

  • BMW hopes to excite men about Minis

    Wed, 13 Oct 2010

    BMW is hoping that its Mini brand’s return to motorsport will help broaden the appeal of the iconic car beyond its current core market of women.

  • World’s richest man Carlos Slim enters F1

    Wed, 6 Oct 2010

    Carlos Slim, the world’s richest man, is using the might of his global telecoms giant Telmex to enter F1 after the shock failure of the BMW Sauber project.

  • BMW brand image goes into reverse after safety recall

    7 October 2010

    YouGov BrandIndex data shows Buzz rating slide to -4.

  • Toyota to launch "ground-breaking" film

    Tue, 5 Oct 2010

    Toyota is to launch a cutting-edge film featuring the latest projection mapping techniques to showcase the hybrid technology available inside its new Auris.

  • BMW recall comes as Toyota campaign restores sales

    Fri, 1 Oct 2010

    BMW, the German car manufacturer, is to recall hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to a braking problem. Some Rolls Royce cars are also affected.

  • Hyundai names European marketer

    Wed, 29 Sep 2010

    Hyundai Motor Europe has appointed Mark Hall as its first marketing director for the region as it readies models to move into new market segments.

  • Nissan readies experiential campaign

    Wed, 29 Sep 2010

    Nissan is to launch an interactive brand experience at the O2 arena to build customer engagement with its cars.

  • Green Flag opts for animated ant brand character

    Fri, 17 Sep 2010

    Green Flag, the rapid breakdown cover provider, is launching an advertising campaign featuring an animated ant character voiced by comedian Harry Hill.

  • Mazda names new lead marketer

    Thu, 9 Sep 2010

    Mazda Motors UK has promoted Claire Andrews to the role of marketing director, following a restructure of the sales and marketing team.

  • Channel 4’s Andy Duncan joins luxury car dealership

    Tue, 7 Sep 2010

    Former Channel 4 chief executive and Unilever marketer Andy Duncan has signed up to take the same title at luxury car dealership HR Owen.

  • Autoglass doubles marketing spend to become "superbrand"

    Wed, 1 Sep 2010

    Autoglass is doubling its marketing spend and ramping up its digital activity in a bid to become a “superbrand”.

  • BSM puts dual theory to the test

    2 September 2010

    Helped by a tie-up with Fiat, BSM is using its centenary to take its marketing in a new direction by targeting the two key elements of its customer base - young learner drivers and their parents.

  • Toyota recalls one million cars in new safety scare

    Fri, 27 Aug 2010

    Toyota is facing another customer backlash after the Japanese car maker announced another recall involving more than one million cars in the US with potentially faulty engine control systems.

  • Suzuki to recreate graffiti-themed TV ad in Westfield

    Wed, 25 Aug 2010

    Suzuki is to recreate its current grafitti-themed TV ad for its Swift model at a live event at the Westfield Shopping Centre next week.

  • UBS revs up global rebranding with Formula 1 partnership

    Tue, 24 Aug 2010

    Swiss bank UBS is to become a global partner of Formula 1.

  • Saab unveils ad blitz for 9-5 saloon

    Thu, 19 Aug 2010

    Watch the latest Saab campaign here.

  • Asda slashes fuel in cost cutting drive

    Tue, 17 Aug 2010

    Asda has slashed fuel prices in the latest of a slew of cost cutting measures to ease customers’ shopping bills in the face of rising commodity costs.

  • Citroën unveils humorous digital marketing campaign

    Tue, 17 Aug 2010

    Citroën has launched a humorous digital marketing campaign called “Wash Me If You Can” which revolves around the C3’ Zenith windscreen.

  • Vauxhall unveils compilation ad for lifetime warranty scheme

    Mon, 16 Aug 2010

    Watch the latest Vauxhall campaign here.

  • Jaguar Land Rover to sponsor England 2018 bid

    Thu, 12 Aug 2010

    Jaguar Land Rover has signed up as an “Official Supporter” of England’s 2018 Football World Cup bid.

  • Lexus unveils DM push for its hybrid range

    Tue, 10 Aug 2010

    Lexus is launching a direct and digital campaign to generate interest in its full hybrid range.

  • Lotus Racing owner to sponsor Premier League refs

    Fri, 6 Aug 2010

    Tune Group, the Asian travel and leisure company, is to sponsor Premier League referees from next season to help build recognition of its hotel brand ahead of a UK launch later this year.

  • BD Network acquires We Love Mobile

    Fri, 6 Aug 2010

    Independent digital agency BD Network has bought creative agency We Love Mobile for an undisclosed sum to execute campaigns for its clients including Molson Coors and Peugeot before the close of this year.

  • Electric car company appoints CMO

    Thu, 5 Aug 2010

    THINK, a manufacturer of the THINK City electric car, has appointed Michael Lock to be its chief marketing officer.

  • Renault Mégane launches Borat-style campaign

    Thu, 5 Aug 2010

    Watch the latest Renault campaign here.

  • BP's brand value sinks dramatically

    Wed, 4 Aug 2010

    BP has been leaking $72m (£45.1m) worth of brand value every day since its Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and started polluting the Gulf of Mexico in May, according to Brand Finance.

  • BMW adopts fan page on Facebook as official presence

    Wed, 4 Aug 2010

    BMW has taken control of a Facebook page set up by a fan of the car brand to use as its official presence and capitalise on the 1m people within the pre-existing community.

  • Why Ford's focus is best in the business

    Wed, 4 Aug 2010

  • Volvo emphasises cars' beauty with global campaign

    Wed, 4 Aug 2010

    Watch the new Volvo campaign here

  • Fable of the Chinese horse and Norwegian rat

    Mon, 2 Aug 2010

  • Nissan rolls out ‘Urbanproof’ campaign after UK trial

    Wed, 28 Jul 2010

    Nissan is pushing its credentials as a ’crossover’ car manufacturer in a new campaign that incorporates digital media and live street art.

  • Car brands turn to digital media to promote their latest models

    Wed, 28 Jul 2010

    Nissan, Seat and Skoda are rolling out digital campaigns as car marques ramp up online activity ahead of the seasonal launch of new models.

  • Marketers crave job opportunities with BP

    Wed, 21 Jul 2010

    Damage caused to BP’s reputation by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill presents the ultimate challenge for brand recruiters, according to a poll of industry experts.

  • Shell ready to take up consumer champion role

    Wed, 21 Jul 2010

    Shell is looking to boost confidence in the embattled oil industry by focusing on fuel efficiency and positioning the company as a consumer champion in its latest marketing push.

  • Nissan unveils £8m launch campaign for Juke

    Wed, 21 Jul 2010

  • Jack Osbourne fronts Seat battle of the sexes car challenge

    Wed, 21 Jul 2010

    Spanish car marque Seat is teaming up with television show Fifth Gear to launch a branded online reality show pitting men against women in a series of driving challenges.

  • Chrysler runs 'anti-British' ad campaign in US

    Tue, 20 Jul 2010

    American car manufacturer Chrysler is targeting a growing anti-British sentiment in the US, following the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, in its latest ad campaign.

  • Follow the leaders

    22 July 2010

    What qualities do marketers need to reach the top and have the ear of the CEO? Research among some of the UK’s most senior marketers identifies the traits that separate the best from the rest and which secure a key role in shaping business strategy.

  • Jaguar boosts associations with cricket through club sponsorship deal

    Mon, 19 Jul 2010

    Jaguar has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Edgbaston Cricket Ground, becoming the official naming rights partner to the ground’s premium hospitality lounge and boosting its association with cricket.

  • BP sponsorship at risk as costs continue to mount

    Mon, 19 Jul 2010

    BP’s woes from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill seem to be continuing as the company reveals it has now spent $3.95bn (£2.58bn) tackling the spill, while the International Olympic Committee warns that its sponsorship of the 2012 London Olympics is at risk if it is found guilty of negligence.

  • Vauxhall unveils new Pop Art ad featuring competition winner

    Thu, 15 Jul 2010

    Vauxhall’s latest advertising campaign will feature a competition winner in full pop art glory on the gallery wall of the latest Pop Art inspired Corsa TV commercial.

  • Ford creates new global marketing role under centralisation plans

    Thu, 15 Jul 2010

    Ford has promoted its group vice president Jim Farley to become the company’s first global leader for marketing, sales and service.

  • BP timing poor for Nectar promotion

    Wed, 14 Jul 2010

    BP’s attempts to restore its public reputation in the UK by offering double Nectar points has been slammed as “derisory” in light of the ongoing oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Teutonia asks Lowe to review brand ahead of UK expansion

    Wed, 14 Jul 2010

    Teutonia, the premium pushchair and car seat manufacturer owned by Newell Rubbermaid, has appointed Lowe & Partner to act as the company’s brand consultants.

  • Honda unveils first crowd-sourced activity

    Tue, 13 Jul 2010

    Honda is launching its first crowd-sourced, social media activated, documentary film, Live Every Litre, following a nationwide search for ideas.

  • BP looks to win back customers with double loyalty points offer

    Tue, 13 Jul 2010

    BP is attempting to restore its image in the UK with an offer of double Nectar points for customers who use their petrol stations.

  • Toyota plans to use customer accolades in campaign

    Wed, 7 Jul 2010

    Toyota is to highlight user experiences and industry accolades in its latest marketing push in an attempt to reassure consumers following a spate of recalls and faults.

  • Don't forget the first rule of marketing...

    8 July 2010

    Ford is to begin selling its new cars online. This announcement met with predictable scepticism by the many dinosaurs in the motor trade, but I fear it is they who’ll be heading for the scrapyard if they refuse to move with the times.

  • Fading star on the road to recovery

    8 July 2010

    Mercedes-Benz hopes its ’the best or nothing’ brand repositioning will help the struggling automotive giant attract younger, affluent consumers and meet an ambitious 1.5 million unit sales target. By Guy Bird

  • BP oil spill costs reach £2bn mark

    Mon, 5 Jul 2010

    BP has revealed the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has so far cost it a total of $3.12bn (£2bn).

  • Victoria Beckham designs new Range Rover Evoque

    Fri, 2 Jul 2010

    Range Rover has unveiled its new ’compact’ Range Rover and revealed the interior is to be designed by Victoria Beckham, in a bid to attract younger, fashion-conscious buyers.

  • Nissan campaign plays on rivalry

    Fri, 2 Jul 2010

    Nissan is launching an outdoor campaign to highlighting its superiority over German rival sports car brand Porsche.

  • Peugeot and Disney launch Toy Story 3 campaign

    Thu, 1 Jul 2010

    Peugeot and Disney are launching a European-wide campaign to capitalise on the upcoming release of the latest movie in the Toy Story franchise.

  • MG Motor eyes expansion with new agency

    Thu, 1 Jul 2010

    MG Motor has appointed DCH to help drive the expansion of its model range beyond the current TF sports car.

  • Toyota crisis set to deepen after engine faults emerge

    Thu, 1 Jul 2010

    Toyota is facing another backlash after the automotive firm warned of a potential fault with the engines of about 270,000 cars it has sold worldwide.

  • Comparethemarket opens pitch for digital agencies

    Thu, 1 Jul 2010

    Comparethemarket has called a media and digital pitch as part of a review of its marketing strategy.

  • Mind the gap

    1 July 2010

    The gap between consumers’ perceptions of a brand’s image and the actual experience, as measured by The Promise Index, raises some tricky questions for marketers.

  • Vauxhall shifts focus to customer experiences in board reshuffle

    Mon, 28 Jun 2010

    Vauxhall is reshuffling its marketing department in a bid to develop new strategies for the struggling company.

  • Kia unveils tactical campaign playing on England defeat

    Mon, 28 Jun 2010

    Kia Motors has launched a tactical advertising camapaign to promote its seven-year warranty on the back of England’s crushing 4-1 defeat by Germany yesterday (27 June).

  • New Audi campaign uses sculpture to highlight technology

    Thu, 24 Jun 2010

    Audi’s new national print campaign seeks to demonstrate every detail of its flagship A8 car is ’relentlessly refined and perfected’ through pioneering technology.

  • BP oil spill hits brand reputation more in the US than the UK

    Tue, 22 Jun 2010

    BP’s reputation has not been hit as badly in the UK as it has in the US following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Toyota and EDF join forces in electric car scheme

    Tue, 22 Jun 2010

    Toyota is entering into a three-year partnership with EDF Energy as the companies attempt to ramp up their association with green energy.

  • Honda looks within for head of UK marketing

    24 June 2010

    Honda has promoted Martin Moll, currently head of marketing for its power division, to the newly created role of head of UK marketing for all its products.

  • Vodafone unveils ad featuring Button and Hamilton

    Fri, 18 Jun 2010

    Vodafone has unveiled its latest Power to You television campaign, fronted by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

  • BP continues to suffer from aftermath of oil spill

    Fri, 18 Jun 2010

    BP’s brand reputation took a turn for the worse yesterday after a US Congressional panel blasted the firm for ignoring dangers when drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • BP agrees to suspend dividend and create compensation funds

    Thu, 17 Jun 2010

    BP has agreed to set aside a $20bn (£13.5bn) compensation fund for victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and says it will withhold dividends until the end of the year, following a meeting with US President Barack Obama last night.

  • Greenpeace warns Olympic chiefs over BP partnership

    Wed, 16 Jun 2010

    Greenpeace has warned London Olympic chiefs that the 2012 Games risk being “tarnished” by their partnership with BP.

  • Mercedes Benz promotes SLS with 3D campaign

    Tue, 15 Jun 2010

    Mercedes-Benz is to launch its SLS AMG car in 3D as part of a £1m integrated campaign featuring former F1 driver David Coulthard.

  • Honda promotes new motorcycle with digital push

    Tue, 15 Jun 2010

    Honda has unveiled a pan-European online campaign to promote its latest motorcycle model, the VFR1200F Dual Clutch Transmission.

  • BSM unveils online campaign to boost brand engagement with younger demographic

    Tue, 15 Jun 2010

    The British School of Motoring (BSM) is increasing its online activity with the launch of a six-figure integrated summer ad campaign, as it looks to establish itself as the key destination site for young drivers.

  • Toyota bid to rebuild brand reputation still in slow lane

    17 June 2010

    Car manufacturer hit by recall crisis sees reputation rise, according to YouGov.

  • Renault advertises new models with online reality show

    Mon, 14 Jun 2010

    Renault has unveiled an integrated marketing push to promote the launch of its Mégane Coupé Cabriolet and Wind models, centred on an online reality television show.

  • Pressure on BP increases from US government

    Mon, 14 Jun 2010

    BP is coming under increased pressure to shelve plans to pay its shareholders a dividend and take its corporate responsibilities to those affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill more seriously.

  • Mercedes unveils global brand campaign

    Fri, 11 Jun 2010

    Mercedes is unveiling a new global brand campaign, which features its employees reinforcing the brand’s new strapline “the best or nothing”.

  • BP brand faces further damage as oil crisis deepens

    Fri, 11 Jun 2010

    BP’s woes in the Gulf of Mexico seem to be deepening after the US Geological Survey said the oil spill crisis could double the number of estimates previously thought.

  • Lexus readies below the line push for “baby Lexus”

    Wed, 9 Jun 2010

    Lexus, is launching a direct and digital campaign to boost awareness and generate interest in its “baby Lexus” model, ahead of production later this year.

  • Jaguar seals sponsorship deal with England and Wales Cricket Board

    Wed, 9 Jun 2010

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has signed a four-year sponsorship deal with Jaguar.

  • Toyota assigns highest share of marketing spend to online for pair of ad campaigns

    Wed, 9 Jun 2010

    Toyota has made its biggest online investment to date with the launch of two branding campaigns, to back the release of its Auris Hybrid model and promote its overall brand.

  • Honda readies major ad push for CR-Z hybrid coupe launch

    Tue, 8 Jun 2010

    Honda is unveiling a pan-European integrated campaign to co-incide with the launch of its hybrid coupe, the Honda CR-Z.

  • Hertz champions Wimbledon partnership in latest ad drive

    Tue, 8 Jun 2010

    Hertz is unveiling a Wimbledon themed campaign to drive awareness of its partnership with the tennis Championships. 

  • The Car Shop unveils new ads to boost awareness

    Mon, 7 Jun 2010

    Automotive supermarket The Car Shop has unveiled an integrated advertising campaign in a bid to boost awareness of its services.

  • Toyota features employees in its latest reassurance push

    Mon, 7 Jun 2010

    Toyota has begun rolling out its “Your Toyota is My Toyota” advertising campaign, which features real employees championing the marque following its global recall crisis.

  • Lotus poised to relaunch brand with McCann’s help

    Fri, 4 Jun 2010

    Group Lotus, the sports car maker, has appointed McCann Erickson Central to handle the relaunch of the Lotus brand.

  • Car sales rise but Toyota continues to falter

    Fri, 4 Jun 2010

    New car sales in the UK rose 13.5% in May, compared with the same month a year ago, but Toyota is continuing to see sales fall according to the latest industry figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

  • Infiniti hires Nissan marketer to steer European expansion

    Thu, 3 Jun 2010

    Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury marque, has appointed Jean-Pierre Diernaz as its new marketing director in Europe.

  • Mercedes hires former VW marketer to lead UK cars division

    Thu, 3 Jun 2010

    Mercedes-Benz UK has appointed former Volkswagen group sales and marketing director Gary Savage has been appointed as its new managing director.

  • BP continues attempts to restore brand reputation

    Thu, 3 Jun 2010

    BP is attempting to prevent further brand damage from its oil spill crisis by offering to pay for the construction of six sand barriers off the coast of the US state of Louisiana.

  • Vauxhall targets mums with campaign for Meriva model

    Wed, 2 Jun 2010

    Vauxhall is launching an online hub within Mothercare’s parenting website Gurgle as part of its £10m strategy promoting the relaunch of its Meriva family model.

  • Marketing Week readies flagship conference for the smarter marketer

    Wed, 2 Jun 2010

    Marketing Week is gathering leading chief marketing officers, vice-presidents of marketing and global marketing strategists from the highest levels of management at the world’s most successful brands to help launch its new flagship conference, The Annual.

  • New Mazda ad is adrenalin-driven

    Tue, 1 Jun 2010

    Mazda UK is launching a multimillion pound campaign for the Mazda MX-5 focusing on the thrill of extreme experience.

  • Hicklin Slade & Partners merges agencies under Crayon brand

    Tue, 1 Jun 2010

    The Hicklin Slade & Partners Group has combined its four separate agencies - Crayon, data.HS&P, Legends and the Loyalty Practice - under the Crayon digital marketing brand.

  • British Gas redesigns vans

    Thu, 27 May 2010

    British Gas has overhauled the design of its van fleet as part of a modernisation of the brand’s image.

  • Big names reach out to grab iPad opportunities

    Wed, 26 May 2010

    Stephen Fry, BMW, The FT and Ministry of Sound are among the first major publishers and brands to roll out UK iPad apps ahead of the device’s much-anticipated European launch tomorrow.

  • Ford uses dual screens to target dads and kids

    Mon, 24 May 2010

    Ford is launching a dual screen digital outdoor campaign for its new 7-seat Galaxy model targeting dads while entertaining their kids.

  • Greenpeace uses national ads to attack BP

    Thu, 20 May 2010

    Greenpeace has unveiled a press advertisement accusing BP CEO Tony Hayward of cutting investment in clean energy in favour of dirty sources of oil.

  • Asda sparks petrol pump price war

    Wed, 19 May 2010

    Tesco and Asda are sparring over petrol prices as both supermarkets cut petrol prices.

  • Robin Auld joins ChipsAway as marketing director

    Wed, 19 May 2010

    Domino’s Pizza’s former sales and marketing director Robin Auld has joined automotives paintwork repair specialists ChipsAway as its marketing director.

  • Toyota faces new recall blow

    Wed, 19 May 2010

    Toyota is preparing to recall as many as 12,000 vehicles from its luxury Lexus marque for problems related to steering.

  • Congratulations to the winners of the Marketing Week Engage Awards

    Wed, 19 May 2010

    The winners of the inaugural Marketing Week Engage Awards have been revealed amid a shower of champagne corks and streamers.

  • Oil brands stay resilient as BP crisis continues

    Tue, 18 May 2010

    BP’s brand reputation crisis following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has left rival petroleum companies relatively unscathed, according to YouGov BrandIndex data.

  • Motors.co.uk unveils “Motor Sensei” as new brand icon

    Fri, 14 May 2010

    Motors.co.uk, the Daily Mail and General Trust owned used car network, has unveiled a major advertising push starring a new brand icon, called the “Motor Sensei”.

  • Ford uses Mumsnet to promote new cars

    Thu, 13 May 2010

    Ford is to carry out a series of advertising campagns on parenting community Mumsnet through 2010 to promote new family cars.

  • Oil spill crisis costs BP £235m with more fees to come

    Mon, 10 May 2010

    BP says the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has cost it $350m (£235m) so far, and is set to increase as the crisis escalates.

  • Suzuki to sponsor MTV Europe Music Awards

    Thu, 6 May 2010

    MTV Networks International has signed Suzuki as its latest pan-European sponsor for its annual Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

  • Aston Martin appoints new marketing director and seeks new agency

    Thu, 6 May 2010

    Aston Martin has appointed Harley Davidson’s director of marketing operations Markus Kramer as its new global marketing director.

  • Holiday Autos ignites new brand campaign

    Wed, 5 May 2010

    Car hire broker Holiday Autos is launching its first UK brand campaign in over three years.

  • Toyota to launch TV reassurance campaign starring staff

    Wed, 5 May 2010

    Toyota has confirmed that it is launching a cross platform pan-European campaign featuring its employees as part of its drive to reassure customers following the recall crisis

  • Charley Boorman to be face of Carole Nash insurance

    Tue, 4 May 2010

    Carole Nash, the UK and Ireland’s biggest motorcycle insurance specialist has signed up actor and motorbiking adventurer Charley Boorman as its new brand ambassador.

  • Shell promotes cleansing oil using transparent car

    Fri, 30 Apr 2010

    Shell has unveiled a global integrated campaign to promote its cleansing engine oil, Shell Helix Ultra.

  • Renault promotes new models with reality TV contest

    Thu, 29 Apr 2010

    Renault is unveiling a digital and print advertising campaign to promote the launch of the new Mégane Coupé Cabriolet and Renault Wind coupé-roadster, by offering consumers the chance to become online reality TV stars.

  • Honda brings back “Impossible Dream” ad

    Mon, 26 Apr 2010

    Honda is to re-launch an “enhanced and extended version” of its ’Impossible Dream’ television advert which features past and present Honda products.

  • Porsche appoints Bernhard Maier as board level marketer

    Tue, 20 Apr 2010

    Porsche has promoted Bernhard Maier to head up sales and marketing on the company’s board.

  • Get your share of the century-old consumer

    22 April 2010

    The number of consumers aged over 75 is set to escalate, opening up a ’virgin territory’ of opportunities for brands. But tomorrow’s ageing population will look vastly different from that of today’s, demanding new communication and targeting techniques.

  • Renault to appear in The Sims 3

    Mon, 19 Apr 2010

    Renault and Electronic Arts have signed a deal to enable players of The Sims 3 to integrate Renault’s forthcoming range of electric vehicles into the game.

  • Halfords ad account up for grabs

    Mon, 19 Apr 2010

    Car accessory retailer Halfords is running a pitch for the advertising business for the recently acquired Nationwide Autocentres, which it will rebrand as Halfords Autocentres.

  • Nissan seals O2 Arena sponsorship deal

    Mon, 19 Apr 2010

    Nissan has signed a deal to become the Official Automotive Partner for The O2 Arena.

  • Kwik-Fit ad features Knight Rider car

    Fri, 9 Apr 2010

    Kwik-Fit’s latest television advertising campaign brings the Kwik-Fit fitters out of the service centre and features the KITT car from the television show Knight Rider.

  • New car sales rise by 26% thanks to scrappage offers

    Thu, 8 Apr 2010

    New car sales increased by 26.6% in the last month, largely driven by uptake of the scrappage scheme.

  • Daimler, Renault and Nissan set to sign partnership deal

    Wed, 7 Apr 2010

    Renault and Nissan are to jointly take a 3.1% stake in Daimler and the German car maker will take a 3.1% stake in each of the other manufacturers’ businesses.

  • US transport department to fine Toyota

    Tue, 6 Apr 2010

    Toyota is facing a record $16.4m (£10.7m) fine in the US for failing to notify the Department of Transportation about potential problems with its accelerator pedals, according to reports.

  • Renault ad banned for misleading claims

    Wed, 31 Mar 2010

    A Renault television advert promoting a range of zero emissions cars has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

  • Geely signs deal to buy Volvo from Ford

    Mon, 29 Mar 2010

    Chinese manufacturer Geely has signed a deal to buy Volvo from US firm Ford for $1.8bn (£1.2bn).

  • Mercedes-Benz appoints new customer services managing director

    Fri, 26 Mar 2010

    Mercedes-Benz UK has appointed its sales director Simon Oldfield to managing director customer services group.

  • Castrol launches TV campaign

    Thu, 25 Mar 2010

    Castrol is to launch its first television campaign for two years as part of a £3.5m drive to educate the public about engine oil.

  • Autoglass launches £10m TV push

    Tue, 23 Mar 2010

    Autoglass, the consumer automotive service brand, has appointed integrated agency Breakfast to create a £10m television campaign.

  • Hyundai uses VoD service for campaign to launch ix35

    25 March 2010

    Hyundai is launching an integrated multimedia campaign to push its new ix35 model and to help change perceptions of the marque.

  • Ford of Europe marketing business folded into new WPP unit

    Mon, 22 Mar 2010

    Ford of Europe’s marketing business is to be consolidated into a new WPP Group unit called Blue Hive.

  • Toyota tells customers it is "more committed to quality than ever"

    Mon, 22 Mar 2010

    Toyota has launched a further reassurance drive in the wake of the recall crisis with press advertisements that claim it is “more committed to quality than ever”.

  • Fiat Professional unveils "whole new approach to marketing"

    Fri, 12 Mar 2010

    Fiat Professional is to unveil a new campaign focusing on a sitcom to promote its range of vehicles, which it claims will be the start of “a whole new approach to marketing.”

  • Michelin unveils UK elements of global ad campaign

    Fri, 12 Mar 2010

    Tyre manufacturer Michelin is to unveil its ongoing global advertising campaign in the UK for the first time on Monday (15 March) as exclusively revealed by Marketing Week last week.

  • Honda unveils new campaign as it boosts agency roster

    Thu, 11 Mar 2010

    Honda has unveiled a new digital affiliate marketing campaign to promote its hybrid sports coupé, the CR-Z. The marque has also appointed Elvis to handle its pan-European direct marketing and digital advertising account after a pitch against undisclosed agencies.

  • NCP splits marketing team as part of brand refresh

    Wed, 10 Mar 2010

    Car park provider NCP has boosted its marketing team and split it into two divisions, as part of its brand refresh project.

  • Toyota refutes claims of faulty electronics problems

    Tue, 9 Mar 2010

    Toyota is continuing to protect its brand from any further damage by rejecting claims that faulty electronics are behind its worldwide recall of more than eight million cars.

  • Goodyear Dunlop promotes UK MD to European role

    Mon, 8 Mar 2010

    Goodyear Dunlop Tyres Europe has promoted its UK managing director Mark Brickhill to the new position of vice-president of the consumer business unit EU.

  • Honda promotes marketers to Europe division under restructure

    Fri, 5 Mar 2010

    Honda UK is restructuring its marketing department ahead of David Hodgetts joining as its new managing director on 1 April.

  • Peugeot invites test drives through mobile campaign

    Fri, 5 Mar 2010

    Peugeot has launched a mobile ad campaign to encourage people to book a test drive.

  • Nissan plots integrated campaign for new Qashqai push

    Fri, 5 Mar 2010

    Nissan has unveiled the latest extension to its ‘Urbanproof’ saga advertising theme, with an integrated marketing campapign supporting the reveal of the new Nissan Qashqai.

  • Mercedes unveils "I am" campaign targeting young car buyers

    Fri, 5 Mar 2010

    Mercedes-Benz is launching an integrated advertising campaign called “I am Mercedes Benz” in a bid to deepen the connection it has with young car buyers.

  • Toyota UK recalls result in 1.8% fall in market share

    Thu, 4 Mar 2010

    Toyota’s UK market share only fell by 0.47% in February compared to the same time last year despite its nationwide recall crisis, according to the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures.

  • GQ teams up with Citroën to launch branded car

    Wed, 3 Mar 2010

    GQ has partnered with Citroën to launch its own concept car, which will be available for readers to view in this month’s issue, out tomorrow (4 March).

  • GM pledges almost £2bn to European brands

    Tue, 2 Mar 2010

    General Motors has pledged to spend €1.9bn (£1.7bn) to restructure its European marques Opel and Vauxhall.

  • Back to the future

    04 March 2010

    A look back into the past can offer insight that brands can draw inspiration from. Some, like French tyre company Michelin, are using their marketing heritage to drive them into new territory.

  • Stuart Smith on Toyota's ad dilemma

    04 March 2010

    Sack him, or back him? That’s the dilemma facing Toyota chief Akio Toyoda as he mulls the advice from his agency chief, Bob Seelert - chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide.

  • Saab promotes independence in new advertising push

    Mon, 1 Mar 2010

    Saab has been promoting its new ownership following its sale from General Motors with an “independence event” which concludes today.

  • FA signs Fiat as sponsor

    Fri, 26 Feb 2010

    The Football Association has signed a four-year sponsorship deal with Fiat.

  • Toyota launches new reassurance push

    Tue, 23 Feb 2010

    Toyota is continuing with its reassurance marketing push and has taken out a new series of full page newspaper adverts headlined “We’re pulling together to put things right.”

  • Vauxhall creates branded events and festival

    Tue, 23 Feb 2010

    Vauxhall is launching a season of branded events for car enthusiasts to make its VXR racing brand the “ultimate car cub”.

  • Toyota suspends production for two weeks after recall crisis

    Fri, 19 Feb 2010

    Toyota is to close one of its UK factories for an extra week over Easter, as the marque continues to feel the pressure from the global recall crisis.

  • Honda hands consolidated European media account to Starcom

    Thu, 18 Feb 2010

    Honda has appointed Starcom to handle its €150m (£130m) pan-European consolidated media planning and buying assignment.

  • Halfords expands its car service offering

    Thu, 18 Feb 2010

    Halfords has expanded its car servicing and repairs offering after buying Nationwide Autocentres for £732.2m.

  • Seat extends Cupid-themed Cupra ad onto Facebook

    Wed, 17 Feb 2010

    Seat is to extend its Ibiza Cupra ad campaign which features an adult Cupid, by taking it onto Facebook.

  • BMW pushes 5 series in major outdoor campaign

    Wed, 17 Feb 2010

    BMW is running a three-week digital and poster outdoor campaign in London’s Holland Park Roundabout and selected premium shopping centres to promote its new BMW 5 series range.

  • Toyota's crash leaves hyundai in driving seat

    18 February 2010

    Hyundai is perched on the crest of a great opportunity but the car giant should remember the bigger they are, the harder they fall

  • Seat boosts UEFA sponsorship with local football tournaments

    Mon, 15 Feb 2010

    Seat is expanding its UEFA sponsorship with the launch of a nationwide five-a-side football tournament.

  • Smart to launch new international brand campaign with hot dogs

    Mon, 15 Feb 2010

    Smart, the compact automotive manufacturer, is launching a new international brand campaign, called “surprisingly different time and again”, featuring dancing hot dogs.

  • Toyota to offer incentives and warranties in customer fightback

    Mon, 15 Feb 2010

    Toyota’s new marketing approach will involve offering heavy incentives and warranties in an effort to combat mounting consumer concerns about the car manufacturer amid its recall crisis.

  • Fiat hires Krow to run Fiat Professional ads

    Thu, 11 Feb 2010

    Fiat has appointed Krow to handle its £3.5m advertising business for the Fiat Professional division.

  • Volvo adds EHS 4D Cirencester to roster ahead of potential sale

    Thu, 11 Feb 2010

    Volvo has added direct marketing agency EHS 4D Cirencester to its roster of global agencies, ahead of closing negotiations for the brand to be sold.

  • BMW adds Synergy and WCRS to its agency roster

    Thu, 11 Feb 2010

    BMW UK has appointed Synergy as its strategic sponsorship agency partner for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. WCRS has also won a global brief to handle the launch advertising for BMW’s upcoming 6-Series model.

  • Citroën uses John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe to promote DS3

    Thu, 11 Feb 2010

    Citroën is using John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe in TV advertisements debuting this weekend, to launch the new DS3.

  • Fiat to sponsor British Cycling

    Tue, 9 Feb 2010

    Fiat has signed up to become the official supplier to British Cycling, which includes the Great Britain Cycling and Para-Cycling Teams.

  • Toyota will bounce back after current recall crisis

    11 February 2010

    Toyota will bounce back after current recall crisis

  • Toyota woes continue with global recall of Prius planned

    Mon, 8 Feb 2010

    Toyota is understood to be planning a global recall of the Prius range, its flagship hybrid model, following fears over the safety of brake pedals on the models. The news adds to consumer fears over the brand following last week’s recall of seven other models.

  • Alfa Romeo launches Space Invaders themed TV ad

    Fri, 5 Feb 2010

    Alfa Romeo is launching a Space Invaders themed television advertisement to launch its new MiTo MultiAir models.

  • Toyota launches press reassurance campaign

    Fri, 5 Feb 2010

    Toyota has taken out a press campaign to reassure customers over its product recalls as it is hit with fresh safety concerns.

  • Luxury car marques kick off media reviews

    Thu, 4 Feb 2010

    BMW and Porsche are kicking off media planning and buying account reviews, as they seek to boost interest in their luxury models.

  • Toyota forced to hold back on new sales to settle recall crisis

    Thu, 4 Feb 2010

    Toyota is to halt deliveries of new cars in order to repair the defective accelerator pedals on certain models, which has resulted in a worldwide recall crisis.

  • Honda launches new crowd-sourcing initiative

    Thu, 4 Feb 2010

    Honda Motor Europe is launching a new crowd-sourcing project called ‘Live Every Litre’.

  • Toyota faces further backlash from recall crisis

    Wed, 3 Feb 2010

    The backlash against Toyota’s car recall crisis is building across the world after the marque has been ordered by Japan’s Ministry of Transportation to investigate a rash of consumer complaints about braking problems.

  • Nissan to take design-led positioning

    Wed, 3 Feb 2010

    Nissan will use the launch of its Cube model next week to unveil a repositioning of the car marque as a design-led brand.

  • Toyota moves to reassure consumers through YouTube

    Tue, 2 Feb 2010

    Toyota has used YouTube to deliver a message by Jim Lentz, president of Toyota’s US marketing, to reassure consumers over concerns surrounding the safety of its cars.

  • Kia and News Corp team up for World Cup campaign

    04 February 2010

    Kia Motors UK, an official sponsor of the 2010 World Cup, is teaming up with News Corp media brands to create a joint platform for fans to engage with the tournament. The £1.5m deal marks the first time News Corporation operations have worked together to deliver a fully integrated sporting campaign for a commercial partner.

  • Mobilise the people to shape your brand

    04 February 2010

    The ability of personal recommendation online to sway purchasing decisions is well known, but some major brands are taking the concept of consumer influence a step further, harnessing its power to reposition brands, develop new products and broaden appeal.By Jo Roberts

  • Honda unveils Channel 4 doc idents

    Mon, 1 Feb 2010

    Honda UK is launching a series of idents to support its sponsorship of all Channel 4 documentaries for the coming year.

  • Government relaunches graphic road safety ads

    Mon, 1 Feb 2010

    The Department for Transport is to re-screen its £1.3m hard-hitting Think! campaign reminding drivers of the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt.

  • Toyota launches recall campaign for faulty pedals

    Mon, 1 Feb 2010

    Toyota has launched a pan-European recall campaign in Europe for potential accelerator pedal issues in eight models. The campaign is being advertised in print titles and via digital communications.

  • Castrol signs up for Euro 2012

    Thu, 28 Jan 2010

    Castrol has strengthened its relationship with football by signing a deal with UEFA to sponsor the EURO 2012 tournament.

  • Honda print ad takes top newspaper advertising award

    Wed, 27 Jan 2010

    The top prize at the Annas newspaper advertising awards has gone to Wieden & Kennedy for its Honda “Bacon” ad.

  • Saab brand sold to Spyker but will remain in use

    Wed, 27 Jan 2010

    General Motors and Spyker Cars have confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile, worth an estimated $400m (£248m). UK marketing assets will be included in the sale and are currently being negotiated.

  • Vauxhall to launch pop-art themed ad campaign for Corsa

    Tue, 26 Jan 2010

    Vauxhall is launching a new pop-art themed TV ad campaign to promote the new Corsa range.

  • Volvo Ocean Race names Miall as commercial director

    Thu, 21 Jan 2010

    Volvo Ocean Race, the round the world offshore sailing race, has recruited former Sport managing director Greg Miall as commercial director.

  • Putting a new face on your brand

    21 January 2010

    Calling time on TV advertising for alcohol brands looks more likely after a Health Select Committee’s report last week. But an allout ban need not spell disaster for this already promotionally fettered industry: it could lead to new highs of creative strategic thinking.

  • Honda takes Everything ad campaign onto TV

    Mon, 18 Jan 2010

    Honda UK is launching its “Everything” ad campaign onto UK TV screens today (18 January) following a successful run in cinemas.

  • Car scrappage to become brand popularity contest in final month

    Fri, 15 Jan 2010

    A quota system based on brand popularity will be introduced to the car scrappage scheme for its final weeks, the government has confirmed.

  • Peugeot unveils new 2010 logo

    Thu, 14 Jan 2010

    Peugeot has unveiled a new logo as it prepares to celebrate its 200th birthday this year.

  • Volkswagen to launch campaign for Transporter van

    Wed, 13 Jan 2010

    Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is unveiling a new national advertising campaign to launch the new Volkswagen Transporter van.

  • Seven-year warranty at centre of Kia campaign

    14 January 2010

    Kia is launching a pan-European campaign to promote the extension of its seven-year warranty scheme to every model in the range.

  • UPDATE: F1’s Ecclestone bids for Saab as GM begins to wind down business

    Fri, 8 Jan 2010

    UPDATE: General Motors has begun the process to close Saab, but has said it will also continue efforts to find a buyer for the Swedish carmaker.Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has emerged as the latest bidder for Saab, as the Swedish car marque waits to hear of its fate.

  • Car sales down for 2009

    Thu, 7 Jan 2010

    New car sales fell by 6.4% in the past year, but the figures were boosted by take-up of the scrappage scheme.

  • General Motors retains Carat to £400m account

    Thu, 7 Jan 2010

    General Motors Europe has completed its strategic review of its media planning and buying and retained Carat as its agency of choice.

  • Balance of power in global car industry moves east

    07 January 2010

    With the US toppled from its position as the world’s leading car manufacturer, how well will the Chinese wear their new crown?

  • Channel 4 scraps motoring site

    Mon, 4 Jan 2010

    Channel 4 has scrapped its decade-old motoring site 4Car due to the “downbeat commercial market”.

  • Ford close to selling Volvo brand

    Wed, 23 Dec 2009

    Ford has reportedly reached an agreement with China’s Geely to sell its Volvo unit.

  • Seat promote new Ibiza extension

    Tue, 22 Dec 2009

    Seat is launching a new integrated advertising campaign to promote its new Ibiza Cupra model, featuring an adult cupid.

  • Stihl re-signs as Superbike Championship sponsor

    Mon, 21 Dec 2009

    Outdoor power tool company Stihl GB has re-signed with commercial rights holder MotorSport Vision as an Official Sponsor of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship for the third consecutive year.

  • Late offer could save Saab brand

    Mon, 21 Dec 2009

    General Motors says it is “evaluating” inquiries from several parties into its Swedish car business Saab, despite previously suggesting the marque was to close.

  • Saab brand to close

    Fri, 18 Dec 2009

    General Motors is to fold the Saab brand after it failed to sell the Swedish car brand.

  • Ford to launch new Focus with global marketing push

    Fri, 18 Dec 2009

    Ford is to unveil its first global marketing launch campaign for its 2011 Focus at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

  • Seat to sponsor Shakira tour

    Thu, 17 Dec 2009

    Car manufacturer Seat has become the official sponsor of popstar Shakira’s forthcoming European tour to promote her latest album She Wolf.

  • Vauxhall back on TV with Astra campaign

    Wed, 16 Dec 2009

    Vauxhall is to return to TV screens for the first time since parent company General Motors retracted its intention to sell the marque.

  • Renault extends contract with Publicis Groupe

    Wed, 16 Dec 2009

    Renault has extended its advertising contract with Publicis Groupe for a further three years.

  • Castrol launches Extreme Football campaign ahead of World Cup

    Tue, 15 Dec 2009

    Castrol has launched an Extreme Football campaign to promote its Edge engine oil as part of the brand’s Fifa World Cup sponsorship.

  • Honda launches new cinematic ad

    Tue, 15 Dec 2009

    Honda is launching a new ad campaign called Everything, which will break during screenings of blockbuster movie Avatar.

  • Competition entries will publicise new Nissan model

    17 December 2009

    Nissan is using entries submitted for a recent design competition to advertise its new Qashqai Influencer model.

  • Part of Saab sold to Chinese firm

    Mon, 14 Dec 2009

    General Motors has confirmed it has sold components of Saab to China’s Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings (BAIC).

  • TomTom to measure billboard ad views

    Fri, 11 Dec 2009

    Advertisers can now know which billboards are most likely to be read by drivers, using new software from satellite navigation specialists TomTom.

  • Renault to stay in F1

    Fri, 11 Dec 2009

    Renault is expected to stay in Formula 1 next year, despite being shrouded by controversy through most of the last campaign.

  • ITV signs up Lucozade and Hyundai for World Cup

    Wed, 9 Dec 2009

    ITV has signed a deal with Hyundai and Lucozade Sport for the brands to be joint sponsors of the broadcaster’s coverage of the World Cup 2010.

  • Fiat moves £20m UK media account to Maxus

    Wed, 9 Dec 2009

    Fiat has moved its £20m UK media planning and buying account, handing it to WPP agency Maxus as part of its global realignment.

  • Car maker mergers not a silver bullet

    Wed, 9 Dec 2009

    Moves by automotive giants Volkswagen and Peugeot to create superbrands through mergers with Porsche and Mitsubishi respectively will fail to reignite the struggling car industry, branding experts have warned.

  • VW to buy 20% stake in Suzuki

    Wed, 9 Dec 2009

    Volkswagen is to buy a 20% stake in Japan’s Suzuki Motor for 222.5bn yen ($2.5bn; £1.5bn) as it continues to bid to increase its group size.

  • Skoda names marketing head

    Tue, 8 Dec 2009

    Volkswagen has appointed Chris Newitt as the head of marketing for Skoda.

  • Volkswagen takes 49% stake in Porsche

    Tue, 8 Dec 2009

    Volkswagen has completed an agreement to take a 49.9% stake in Porsche AG, clearing the way for the two brands to merge and former an integrated company.

  • Drink-drive campaign gets support from Coke

    10 December 2009

    The Department for Transport (DfT) is partnering with the soft drinks and pub industry to reduce the number of drink drive casualties.

  • General Motors appoints new European president

    Fri, 4 Dec 2009

    Vauxhall’s former managing director Nick Reilly has been named as the new president of General Motors Europe.

  • Car sales increase 57% in November

    Fri, 4 Dec 2009

    UK car sales rose by 57.6% in November compared with a year earlier, proving the scrappage scheme is having an impact on the struggling industry.

  • Peugeot eyes stake in Mitsubishi

    Fri, 4 Dec 2009

    PSA Peugeot Citroen has confirmed it is looking to buy a stake in Mitsubishi Motors in a move that would pitch it directly against rival Volkswagen, it has been reported.

  • Renault launches new TV channel

    Thu, 3 Dec 2009

    Renault is expanding its brand with the launch of a new Sky TV channel, called Renault TV, which goes live today (December 3) on Sky channel 883.

  • BMW calls agencies pitch

    Thu, 3 Dec 2009

    BMW is reviewing its UK advertising, digital and direct marketing agency requirements.

  • General Motors CEO resigns

    Wed, 2 Dec 2009

    Struggling car manufacturer General Motors is facing more boardroom pressure after chief executive Fritz Henderson announced he is to resign from the company with immediate effect.

  • Audi plans centenary marketing push

    Wed, 2 Dec 2009

    Audi is looking to boost global interest in its brand with a marketing campaign celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary.

  • Virgin Racing F1 team set for debut next season

    Tue, 1 Dec 2009

    Manor GP will be rebranded as Virgin Racing from next season after the Richard Branson led business took a shareholding in the Formula 1 team.

  • Kia Motors to sponsor hit Sky TV shows Lost and 24

    03 December 2009

    Kia Motors is to be the new sponsor of Sky’s lynchpin series Lost and 24 to promote its new models Kia Venga and Kia Cee’d.

  • Coke launches safe driving campaign

    Mon, 30 Nov 2009

    Coca-Cola has launched its annual Christmas campaign for designated drivers, featuring Perry McCarthy, the BBC’s original Stig on Top Gear.

  • Honda launches pan-European digital campaign

    Fri, 27 Nov 2009

    Honda is launching a digital campaign to support the launch of its new motorcycle.

  • Shell to sell Waitrose food

    Mon, 23 Nov 2009

    Shell and Waitrose have announced a trial partnership that will see the supermarket’s food on sale at UK forecourts.

  • Britax appoints St Luke’s

    Thu, 19 Nov 2009

    Britax Excelsior, Britain’s largest children’s car seat maker, has appointed St. Luke’s Communications to launch an advertising strategy to “reinvigorate” the brand.

  • BMW signed as 2012 sponsor

    Wed, 18 Nov 2009

    BMW has signed up to be the 24th sponsor of the London 2012 Games.

  • Secret Marketer sounds off about car sales

    19 November 2009

    Our ‘man on the inside’ provides a view from the top of the marketing tree.

  • Mercedes buys Brawn GP F1 team

    Mon, 16 Nov 2009

    The car maker has taken a 75.1% stake in Brawn, which will be rebranded as the Mercedes GP team from next season.

  • British bobsleigh signs deal with LV=

    Fri, 13 Nov 2009

    Insurance, investment and pensions group LV= has signed a sponsorship deal with the British Bobsleigh Association to promote its road rescue brand Britannia Rescue.

  • Auto Trader consolidates £10m media account

    Thu, 12 Nov 2009

    Auto Trader, part-owned by Guardian Media Group, has overhauled its £10m media planning and buying business to consolidate the account into a combined team from Aegis Media’s Carat and Diffiniti.

  • GM appoints interim Vauxhall head

    Tue, 10 Nov 2009

    Vauxhall’s former managing director Nick Reilly is to head the brand until a new chief executive is appointed.

  • Stuart Smith on the Maclaren recall

    12 November 2009

    Maclaren, the British baby pushchair brand, has just landed itself in the biggest crisis of its 44-year history after mishandling a recall of its products.

  • DoT launches climate change campaign

    Mon, 9 Nov 2009

    The Department for Transport has today (9 November) launched an advertising campaign aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from car use.

  • Alfa Romeo runs Twitter campaign for MiTo model

    Mon, 9 Nov 2009

    Alfa Romeo has launched a social media campaign to promote its MiTo model to a younger audience.

  • General Motors reverses Opel/Vauxhall sale

    Wed, 4 Nov 2009

    General Motors has reversed its decision to sell its Vauxhall/Opel brand in Europe to Canadian group Magna International and its partners.

  • Bridgestone to end F1 deal

    Mon, 2 Nov 2009

    Bridgestone Motorsport is to pull-out of Formula 1 at the end of the next season to cut costs.

  • Ferrari to open theme park

    Mon, 2 Nov 2009

    Ferrari, the luxury Italian car brand, has announced its latest brand extension, a theme park in Abu Dhabi.

  • TW Steel partners with Renault F1

    Wed, 28 Oct 2009

    TW Steel, the Dutch watch firm, has become the first brand to sign a sponsorship deal with Renault F1 since the team was involved in the race-fixing scandal.

  • BSM targets youth with multichannel campaign

    Fri, 23 Oct 2009

    BSM, the driving school, has launched a multichannel campaign to promote its partnership with the Fiat 500.

  • Aston Martin creates global sales role

    Tue, 13 Oct 2009

    Aston Martin has appointed former Harley Davidson marketer Michael van der Sande into the new role of chief commercial officer in a bid to drive global sales.

  • Jaguar Land Rover secures £500m in funding

    Wed, 7 Oct 2009

    Jaguar Land Rover has secured £500m funding facilities, including a £175m loan from the State Bank of India.

  • Audi drops Sky TV channel to focus on video content site

    Wed, 7 Oct 2009

    Audi has axed its Sky TV channel to focus exclusively on distributing video content online.

  • Update: Govt to extend scrappage scheme

    Mon, 28 Sep 2009

    Update: The Government is expected to announce the extension of its car scrappage scheme.

  • Industry bodies rally for more car scrappage funding

    Mon, 28 Sep 2009

    The government is coming under increasing pressure from industry bodies to extend its car scrappage scheme, with the CBI, the EEF and the Automobile Association lobbying for more funding.

  • Apple reigns supreme in CoolBrands survey

    Mon, 28 Sep 2009

    Apple’s iPhone has unseated luxury classic car Aston Martin from the top spot in the SuperBrands CoolBrands survey.

  • UK car manufacture drops by nearly a third

    Fri, 25 Sep 2009

    The number of new cars built in the UK dropped 31.5% in August but this is the smallest fall in 56-months and has been secured as a result of the car scrappage scheme.

  • ING dumps Renault F1

    Fri, 25 Sep 2009

    ING, the title sponsor of Renault F1, has severed all ties with the team immediately in the wake of the race-fixing scandal.

  • ING “hugely disappointed” by Renault ban

    Thu, 24 Sep 2009

    ING, the primary sponsor of the Result F1 team, is “hugely disappointed” over the “crashgate” scandal involving the team.

  • MIB campaign targets cash-strapped motorists

    Thu, 24 Sep 2009

    The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is to launch a campaign targeting recession-hit drivers who might be considering not renewing their insurance policies.

  • F1 scandals give sponsors cause for concern

    Wed, 23 Sep 2009

    The two-year suspended ban handed to the Renault F1 team for race-fixing is the latest controversy to engulf the sport in the past 12 months and could discourage potential sponsors looking to partner with teams, according to sponsorship experts.

  • Mercedes allocates half its UK marketing budget to digital

    Wed, 23 Sep 2009

    Mercedes-Benz is now allocating 50% of its UK marketing budget to digital media, according to its VP for brand communications, Anders Sundt Jensen.

  • Govt urged to extend car scrappage scheme

    Fri, 18 Sep 2009

    The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is calling on the government to extend the car scrappage scheme that has boosted the ailing automotive industry.

  • Peugeot prepares cosmetic surgery themed DM pack

    Thu, 17 Sep 2009

    Peugeot has developed a direct mail pack wrapped in bandages to promote the “cosmetic enhancements” made to its 207 range.

  • Lotus rejoins, BMW departs F1

    Tue, 15 Sep 2009

    Lotus is set for a return to Formula 1 next season alongside BMW Sauber, following its sale.

  • Renault appoints former VW marketer

    Fri, 11 Sep 2009

    Renault UK has hired former Volkswagen marketer Chris Hawken, as marketing communications manager to oversee brand marketing.

  • GM deal for Opel/Vauxhall

    Thu, 10 Sep 2009

    General Motors plans to sell a majority stake in its Opel/Vauxhall division to Canadian company Magna International and Sberbank.

  • Sky axes motoring site

    Wed, 9 Sep 2009

    Sky is to close its Sky Motoring site as it continues to focus on core traffic-generating sites.

  • Saab launches first campaign since split from GM

    Wed, 9 Sep 2009

    Saab is launching its first marketing activity since its split from General Motors to promote its new 9-3X model.

  • Seat sings up as lead sponsor for Europa League

    Tue, 8 Sep 2009

    Seat is to be the main sponsor of the new Europa League after signing a three-year deal.

  • New car sales continue to climb

    Fri, 4 Sep 2009

    New car sales in the UK enjoyed a second consecutive increase, up 6% during August, according to the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures.

  • Nissan launches campaign through Yahoo!

    Wed, 2 Sep 2009

    Nissan has this week launched an integrated pan-European mobile online ad campaign aimed at pushing the automaker’s “Simplicity” positioning.

  • Audi unveils “reworked” logo

    Wed, 2 Sep 2009

    Audi has unveiled its first new logo in almost 20 years to coincide with the marque’s 100th birthday.

  • Toyota in direct marketing drive

    Fri, 21 Aug 2009

    Toyota is launching a direct mail campaign to promote its models with optimal drive as standard, and encourage potential car buyers to test drive the cars.

  • Anti-drug driving TV campaign debuts

    Mon, 17 Aug 2009

    The Department of Transport is launching a £2.3 million national television campaign to tackle drug driving.

  • VW Golf ad focuses on classic values

    Fri, 14 Aug 2009

    Volkswagen is launching a new television ad for its Golf marquee that sees return to communicating the classic values of the car, rather than the fantasy approach of recent campaigns like the controversial “Fight” campaign

  • DVLA chooses Arena BLM to develop strategy

    Tue, 11 Aug 2009

    The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has appointed media agency Arena BLM to help join up its different strands of marketing activity.

  • Car scrappage scheme reaches halfway mark

    Tue, 11 Aug 2009

    More than 154,000 cars have been bought through the government’s scrappage scheme, with more than half the money set aside to fund the initiative already spent.

  • Customisation drive for the IS

    13 August 2009

    Lexus is launching a direct and digital marketing campaign to promote an upgrade offer to consumers, giving them free customisation of paint colours and alloy wheels or factory fitted satellite navigation systems.

  • Mass market electric cars from Nissan split opinion

    13 August 2009

    Consumers are still largely divided over whether or not to buy an electric car, according to Marketing Week’s latest online poll.

  • Toyota and Lexus promote marketers

    Mon, 10 Aug 2009

    Lexus Great Britain general manager of marketing and strategy Mark Roden, has been appointed to the role of general manager for Toyota and Lexus fleet and vehicle remarketing.

  • Toyota and BMW hit by global sales slump

    Tue, 4 Aug 2009

    Carmakers Toyota and BMW have been hit by the slump in global car sales, both posting losses in the three months to the end of June.

  • Toyota promotes new MPV

    Thu, 30 Jul 2009

    Toyota GB is launching a direct marketing and email campaign to promote its next generation Verso multipurpose vehicle (MPV).

  • BMW to quit F1

    Wed, 29 Jul 2009

    BMW has confirmed it will pull out of Formula 1 at the end of this season because the sport does not fit in with its sustainability positioning.

  • Castrol readies Ronaldo campaign

    Wed, 29 Jul 2009

    Castrol is to launch a global campaign featuring newly signed brand ambassador Cristiano Ronaldo in September as part of a World Cup-themed push in the run up to next year’s tournament.

  • Volkswagen appoints new head of marketing

    Mon, 27 Jul 2009

    Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced changes to its sales and marketing team, with David George promoted to the role of head of marketing.

  • Kia to launch raft of green-friendly cars

    Mon, 27 Jul 2009

    Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is planning to launch a raft of eco-friendly Kia vehicles in Europe as part of a £2bn investment in “green growth”.

  • GM appoints McCann Erickson to £30m retail account

    Fri, 24 Jul 2009

    General Motors UK has appointed McCann Erickson to handle its estimated £30m retail marketing account.

  • Ford manages Q2 profit rise despite tough market

    Thu, 23 Jul 2009

    Ford, the US carmaker, has managed to return a $2.26bn (£1.37bn) profit in the second quarter of the year, while its rivals have been forced into bankruptcy.

  • Porsche chief exit could hasten VW merger

    Thu, 23 Jul 2009

    Porsche chief executive Wendelin Wiedeking has resigned, leaving the possibility of a swift merger with Volkswagen (VW) even more likely.

  • Honda promotes tie-up with charity

    Wed, 22 Jul 2009

    Honda is launching a campaign to push its partnership with Do-it.org.uk, the charity that aims to encourage people to volunteer for projects.

  • Publicis downgrades losses to “new GM”

    Wed, 22 Jul 2009

    Publicis Groupe has downgraded its exposure to losses from client General Motors, after the US carmaker emerged out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy to create a new company.

  • GM awards McCann Erickson £70m Astra account

    Tue, 21 Jul 2009

    General Motors has awarded McCann Erickson Frankfurt the £70m pan-European ad account to launch its latest Astra model.

  • Nissan latest in push to make eco-friendly cars

    Mon, 20 Jul 2009

    Car manufacturers are racing to create more eco-friendly cars, with Nissan the latest to announce plans to build a new generation of electric cars.

  • Lexus to launch ‘21 second test drive’

    Fri, 17 Jul 2009

    Lexus, the Toyota-owned marque, is launching a direct and digital marketing campaign to promote the new Lexus convertible model available this month.

  • Mediaedge:cia wins £120m Daimler media account

    Wed, 15 Jul 2009

    Mediaedge:cia has been appointed as the German media agency for the Daimler AG group, which owns Mercedes Benz.

  • Renault UK appoints new marketer

    Tue, 14 Jul 2009

    Renault UK has hired Phil York as its new marketing director replacing Emmanuel Bouvier who is moving to a new post within the car company.

  • Toyota GB drafts new marketing director

    Tue, 14 Jul 2009

    Toyota Great Britain has appointed John Thomson to the role of marketing director.

  • Rolls-Royce hires former Volkswagen marketer

    Tue, 14 Jul 2009

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars UK has recruited former Volkswagen South African sales and marketing director Jolyon Nash to take the same role.

  • Revamped Jaguar tries new route to market

    16 July 2009

    Keen to keep costs down but still inspire affluent consumers, Jaguar is ditching TV for an experiential launch strategy involving PR, roadshows and sponsorship.

  • Castrol drafts BP retail director

    Wed, 8 Jul 2009

    Castrol, the motor oil company, has appointed former BP director Chris Sedgwick as marketing director for UK and Ireland.

  • British Rally Championship on look-out for title sponsor

    09 July 2009

    Training ground for world rally champions seeks partner following Tesco’s decision not to renew its deal with the BRC for the 2010 season

  • BSM ads aim to give brand a youthful appearance

    09 July 2009

    BSM is looking to persuade young people that learning to drive is an affordable and accessible option, with a new marketing drive and brand refresh.

  • Williams F1 seeks more partners

    Mon, 6 Jul 2009

    Williams Formula 1 is looking for agencies to help promote its museum and to explore new sponsorship opportunities.

  • Fall in car sales arrested by scrappage scheme

    Mon, 6 Jul 2009

    The Government’s scrappage scheme has helped minimise the fall in new car sales during June, with a drop of 15.7% recorded.

  • Government considers role in Vauxhall bail out

    Fri, 3 Jul 2009

    The Government says it would consider underwriting the planned takeover of General Motors’ European operations in a bid to save jobs in the UK’s Vauxhall plants.

  • Volkswagen ad looks on the bright side of life

    Fri, 3 Jul 2009

    Volkswagen is launching a summer campaign for its Passat model, telling consumers to think positive despite the doom and gloom of the recession.

  • AA reviews direct marketing account

    Thu, 2 Jul 2009

    The AA, a leader in the roadside assistance market, is reviewing its DM account and is believed to be considering a boost in its advertising activity.

  • VW claims commercial range is sound investment

    02 July 2009

    Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is launching a marketing campaign as part of a strategy that aims to reposition its vehicles as sound investments.

  • PSA Peugeot Citroën consolidates Euro media account

    Fri, 26 Jun 2009

    PSA Peugeot Citroën has consolidated its pan-European media buying account into MPG and OMD, knocking Vizeum off the roster.

  • GM sells Saab to Swedish carmaker

    Tue, 16 Jun 2009

    General Motors has reached a preliminary agreement to sell its Saab business to Koenigsegg, the Swedish sports carmaker.

  • Drive to promote Volkswagen lifestyle vehicles

    Tue, 16 Jun 2009

    Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is launching a nationwide integrated campaign to promote its range of lifestyle vehicles.

  • Honda campaign to celebrate Swindon re-opening

    Fri, 12 Jun 2009

    Honda is launching a print, radio and outdoor campaign to mark the re-opening of its production line in Swindon.

  • Hertz opens vehicle rental market to teenagers

    11 June 2009

    Hertz is to launch a new product targeting students as part of a strategy to drive brand loyalty among young drivers.

  • Publicis could lose £48.6m from GM bankruptcy

    Fri, 5 Jun 2009

    Publicis Groupe, owner of Starcom and Saatchi & Saatchi, has revealed that its exposure to the losses of now bankrupt client General Motors could be up to £48.6m.

  • Kia drafts Toyota sales director as MD

    Thu, 4 Jun 2009

    Kia Motors UK has appointed Toyota GB sales director, Michael Cole, to the role of managing director.

  • New car sales continue to fall

    Thu, 4 Jun 2009

    New car registrations fell 24.8% in May compared to the same month last year, with the Government’s car scrappage scheme yet to be reflected in the figures.

  • Magna to acquire Opel as fears mount over UK jobs

    Mon, 1 Jun 2009

    General Motors is today (June 1) expected to file for bankruptcy, while the German Government is set to agree a deal for Magna International to takeover its European arm.

  • Citroen names David Savage MD

    Tue, 26 May 2009

    Former marketer Gary Savage has been appointed as the new managing director for Citroen UK.

  • Honda Insight kicks off UK campaign in cinemas

    Fri, 15 May 2009

    Honda starts its campaign for its Insight hybrid model to the UK with cinema advertising alongside films such as Angels & Demons via a £1.3 million deal with Digital Cinema Media.

  • Volvo to launch new spring campaigns

    Thu, 14 May 2009

    Volvo, the Ford-owned car company, is launching two spring campaigns to promote its new Ice White model and push its DRIVe range of cars.

  • Peugeot partners with classical quartet Bond

    Thu, 7 May 2009

    Peugeot is tying up with the all-female electronic string quartet Bond to help promote the launch of the Peugeot 308 CC.

  • Three strikes and mclaren really will be out of the race

    Thu, 7 May 2009

    Having been caught in two scandals in two years, F1 team McLaren’s survival chances look slim if it stumbles into a third

  • Car giants in search of a few small comforts

    Thu, 30 Apr 2009

    Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Just ask the world’s car makers that are turning their attention away from large gas-guzzlers

  • Car makers sign up for scrappage scheme

    Fri, 24 Apr 2009

    Leading car makers have shown support for the Governments car scrappage scheme announced in the Budget this week, with Ford and BMW already advertising models available under the plan.

  • Understanding consumers in the recession

    Thu, 23 Apr 2009

    For advertisers to survive the recession and start planning for when consumers regain the confidence to spend again, they need to understand people’s fears and priorities. Joe Fernandez explores insights from Arena BLM’s ‘Crunchonomics’ research

  • GM looks to offload Opel/Vauxhall at zero cost

    Mon, 20 Apr 2009

    General Motors is understood to be preparing to part with a controlling stake in Opel/Vauxhall for nothing and will look to invest in a new company formed from its European business, according to reports.

  • CMW offers Peugeot drivers a 308 CC experience

    Thu, 16 Apr 2009

    Peugeot is launching a direct marketing campaign to support the launch of its new luxury model.

  • Volkswagen to sponsor Channel 4 shows

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009

    Volkswagens commercial vehicles division has signed a deal with Channel 4 to sponsor the broadcasters new Adventure on 4 programming strand.

  • Jaguar Land Rover warns on more job cuts

    Wed, 25 Mar 2009

    Jaguar Land Rover has warned that it will need to make further job cuts unless the British government provides financial aid to the marques.

  • Volkswagen readies Golf V1 campaign

    Thu, 19 Feb 2009

    German car maker Volkswagen is to launch the second wave of a campaign aimed at raising awareness of its Golf V1 model. The move comes as rivals Suzuki and Volvo also ready new direct mail campaigns.

  • Virgin in Honda F1 bid

    Wed, 18 Feb 2009

    Virgin Group has made a bid to purchase the Honda Formula One team.

  • Kitcatt Nohr scoops Toyota DM business

    Thu, 29 Jan 2009

    Toyota GB has appointed Kitcatt Nohr to handle its direct marketing account. The agency will take on all customer acquisition and retention activity with a particular focus on cultivating new customers, with a unified team working across Toyota and sister marque Lexus, which it took on last summer.

  • Government considers subsidy for carmakers

    Wed, 28 Jan 2009

    The Government is considering giving car manufacturers a subsidy to help cover the wages of workers whose hours have been cut over the past few months. It follows a meeting between business secretary Lord Mandelson and industry representatives today (January 28) urging the Government to help ailing car makers bring ...

  • Mandelson to hold second meeting with UK carmarkers

    Mon, 26 Jan 2009

    Business Secretary Peter Mandelson will meet UK carmakers on Wednesday (January 28) to discuss possible measures to help the ailing industry survive the economic downturn. It is the second time Mandelson has met with industry representatives.

  • Jaguar-Land Rover chief in plea for help

    Fri, 23 Jan 2009

    Jaguar-Land Rover chief executive David Smith is calling on the Government to "put oil back into the engine" of automotive companies. He says the UK car industry faces a "double whammy" where "consumers aren't spending and consumers aren't lending".

  • Toyota considers UK job cuts

    Fri, 23 Jan 2009

    Toyota is the latest car manufacturer looking at cutting its workforce. The Japanese car marque says it is considering axing some permanent employees in the UK and USA amid rapidly declining sales.

  • Fiat signs tie-up with Chrysler

    Tue, 20 Jan 2009

    Fiat has agreed a deal with Chrysler to form a strategic partnership with the struggling Detroit automaker. The deal would see Fiat take a stake of up to 35% in US-owned Chrysler and help it launch a series of smaller electric models over the next five years.

  • Green Flag launches campaign

    Mon, 19 Jan 2009

    Green Flag, the RBS Insurance-owned roadside recovery brand, is launching a press and direct response TV advertising campaign. The campaign has been inspired by car maintenance manuals.

  • Panasonic renews Toyota F1 sponsorship

    Mon, 19 Jan 2009

    Panasonic has renewed its title sponsorship of the Toyota Formula 1 team. The consumer electronics company’s deal was due to expire at the end of the 2009 season but this has now been extended until 2012.

  • Toyota names UK chairman

    Thu, 15 Jan 2009

    Toyota has appointed Naoya Taniguchi as its new UK chairman. He joins Toyota Great Britain from Toyota Motor Company’s global marketing division, where he was brand planning general manager.

  • Alfa Romeo promotes head of marketing

    Thu, 15 Jan 2009

    Sergio Cravero, Alfa Romeo's head of marketing, has been promoted to chief executive of the car marque. The position became available when Luca De Meo, who was also chief marketing officer for the Fiat Group, left the company last Tuesday.

  • Mini business up for grabs

    Thu, 15 Jan 2009

    BMW is seeking to appointed an international ad agency to work on the Mini brand as part of a review of its strategy. It claims the move will not affect its local relationships, which includes WCRS in the UK.

  • Car marques to unite under green banner at US motor show in Detroit

    Thu, 15 Jan 2009

    Car manufacturers are planning to put on a "united front" at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which launches later this week. It is thought there will be a big "green" focus to deflect attention from the industry's wider troubles.

  • Nissan to slash 1,200 jobs in UK

    Fri, 9 Jan 2009

    Nissan is slashing 1,200 jobs in the wake of a continuing fall in sales. It is planning to make the cuts at the UK's biggest car manufacturing plant in Sunderland.

  • CMW wins Peugeot fleet business integrated account

    Thu, 8 Jan 2009

    Peugeot has appointed CMW to handle the 1m integrated account for its fleet business following a five-way pitch against undisclosed agencies. There was no incumbent.

  • Mazda puts Waring incharge of marketing

    Thu, 8 Jan 2009

    Mazda Motor Europe has promoted vice-president of sales Philip Waring to chief operating officer. He will handle the marketing responsibilities as part of his new role.

  • Euro RSCG wins Peugeot dealer account

    Mon, 5 Jan 2009

    Peugeot has moved the advertising for its dealership network into Euro RSCG following a pitch. Incumbent agency McCann Erickson Manchester was involved in the review and will retain the media planning and buying account.

  • Streetcar answers our desire to cut emissions

    Fri, 19 Dec 2008

    Streetcar is a pay-as-you-go car hire service that allows people to use a vehicle as if it were their own, but without the hassle and cost of true car ownership. The idea works in larger cities that have congestion problems and the success of the internet has taken this idea to a new, higher level of customer experience.

  • US carmakers get $17.4bn bail-out

    Fri, 19 Dec 2008

    The US Government has agreed to a $17.4bn (11.6bn) bail-out loan for the troubled Detroit Three - General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. President George W Bush says the carmakers will get $13.4bn (9bn) in short-term financing from the $700bn (468bn) Wall Street financial services bail-out funds, and another $4bn (2.7bn) will be provided later.

  • Government in bail-out talks with Jaguar

    Thu, 18 Dec 2008

    The Government is in emergency talks with Jaguar Land Rover over a state-funded bail-out plan. Business Secretary Peter Mandelson has confirmed that discussions were in play, but warned that he did not have an "open chequebook".

  • GM and Chrysler may get new bailout deal

    Tue, 16 Dec 2008

    The US government is understood to be finalising a bailout deal for General Motors and Chrysler using money set aside to help ailing banks. An announcement could be made as early as tomorrow (December 17).

  • Suzuki pulls out of World Rally Championship

    Mon, 15 Dec 2008

    Suzuki has pulled its team out of the World Rally Championship today (December 15). The news comes a fortnight after Honda announced it will withdraw from Formula One unless a buyer can be found for its team in the next three months.

  • US car industry bail-out plans fail

    Fri, 12 Dec 2008

    The $14bn (9.4bn) bail-out of the US car industry has failed to get enough support in a vote in the Senate. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday (December 10), but it failed to garner enough support from Republicans.

  • Honda appoints W&K to Insight brief

    Mon, 8 Dec 2008

    Honda has appointed agency Wieden & Kennedy to develop a 100m environment-focused advertising strategy for the marque next year. The agency, which is already the companys lead agency, won the business after a five-way pitch against undisclosed agencies.

  • BMW sees 26.2% global sales fall

    Fri, 5 Dec 2008

    Premium carmaker BMW has seen its sales around the world fall by 26.2% during November compared with the same period last year. Its UK-based subsidiary, Mini, similarly saw a 20.8% fall in sales.

  • Honda to scrap F1 unless buyer is found

    Fri, 5 Dec 2008

    Honda is withdrawing from Formula One unless a buyer can be found for its team in the next three months. The move is part of a desperate attempt by the Japanese carmaker to cut costs.

  • GM and Chrysler consider bankruptcy

    Thu, 4 Dec 2008

    General Motors and Chrysler are understood to be considering accepting a pre-arranged bankruptcy. The troubled carmakers are believed to be considering the move as the last resort to earn the $25bn (£17bn) US government bail-out it has applied for.

  • Car sales continue to plummet

    Thu, 4 Dec 2008

    Sales of new cars in the UK are continuing to plummet at alarming rates, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Figures for November show a 36.8% year-on-year decline.

  • Toyota and Lexus merger on cards

    Thu, 4 Dec 2008

    Toyota is mooting a restructure of its marketing division as part of wide-ranging review of it business. The company is understood to have put the review of its direct marketing account for Toyota on hold as a result of the changes.

  • Ford to sell off Volvo

    Mon, 1 Dec 2008

  • GM asks Swedish government to bail out Saab

    Mon, 1 Dec 2008

    General Motors is understood to have approached the Swedish government for financial aid for the Saab brand. The plea for funding comes less than a week after it was reported GM was considering axing Saab in a bid to cut costs and win $12bn (£7.8bn) in US government loans.

  • GM considers brand cull

    Thu, 27 Nov 2008

    General Motors is understood to be considering axing Saab in a bid to cut costs and win $12bn (£7.8bn) in Government loans. It is also looking to drop Saturn, Pontiac and Hummer.

  • Top London shopping districts escape congestion charge

    Thu, 27 Nov 2008

    The western extension of London's congestion charge zone is to be abolished following a public consultation led by Mayor Boris Johnson. The move is expected to be welcomed by retailers such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols, which will be excluded from the zone.

  • VW appoints Gen to 20m outdoor task

    Thu, 27 Nov 2008

    Volkswagen Group has appointed Gen Outdoor to its 20m outdoor planning and buying account. The account was previously handled by MediaCom through Kinetic.

  • Nissan pulls out of crucial motor show

    Tue, 25 Nov 2008

    Nissan has become the latest car manufacturer to pull out of the Detroit motor show. The company says the move aims to help rein in marketing spending amid the global downturn in sales.

  • Jaguar asks for 1bn Government loan

    Mon, 24 Nov 2008

    British-based carmaker Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly in talks with the UK Government over a £1bn loan. The plea comes just nine months after the carmaker was brought by India's Tata Group.

  • US car-makers told to justify bail-out

    Fri, 21 Nov 2008

    General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have been told to show they have a viable recovery plan in order to get a $25bn (17bn) bail-out from the US government. The car manufacturers have until December 2 to present plans.

  • Rolls-Royce to axe up to 2,000 jobs

    Thu, 20 Nov 2008

    Rolls-Royce is planning to cut up to 2,000 jobs next year. The company currently has about 39,000 employees, with 60% of its workforce based in the UK.

  • GM sells back Suzuki share in urgent funds bid

    Mon, 17 Nov 2008

    General Motors has sold its 3% stake in Suzuki back to the Japanese car maker. The $230m (£156m) deal comes amid concerns that the company will run out of cash next year.

  • GM worst hit by fall in new car registrations

    Fri, 14 Nov 2008

    New car registrations across Europe have fallen by 14.5% compared to last year, according to new figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). General Motors was the worst hit, while Volkswagen recorded the smallest fall.

  • Fiat launches first mobile ad campaign

    Fri, 14 Nov 2008

    Fiat is launching its first mobile phone-based advertising campaign. It will promote its Fiat 500 model. The six-week campaign will aim to drive potential customers to the company's WAP site.

  • Land Rover to sponsor Rough Guide To TV shows

    Thu, 13 Nov 2008

    Car marque Land Rover has announced a deal to sponsor the new series of Rough Guide To... on Five, the RTL-owned broadcaster. The deal, which starts on November 17, also includes a second series Rough Guide to Ultimate Escapes that will air next year.

  • General Motors warns it could run out of cash

    Mon, 10 Nov 2008

    General Motors has reported a third quarter operating loss of $4.2bn (2.66bn) and has warned that it will run out of cash in the first half of 2009 if economic and market conditions do not improve.

  • Honda starts agency trawl for Euro launch of hybrid Insight

    Wed, 5 Nov 2008

    Honda is talking to agencies about the pan-European brief for the launch of its new Insight hybrid model. The car is due to go on sale next spring. A spokesman for the manufacturer confirmed a brief had been completed and put out to tender, but was unable to provide further detailers. ...

  • Nissan lowers profit forecast by 53%

    Fri, 31 Oct 2008

    Nissan has reported a 39% drop in its second-quarter profit to the end of September. The car manufacturer has now been forced to lower its profit forecast by 53% for the fiscal year to March 2009.

  • Porsche increases stake in VW

    Mon, 27 Oct 2008

    Porsche has increased its stake in Volkswagen to over 40%. The company says it hopes to have a majority holding in VW by the end of the year. The sports car manufacturer announced it had increased its stake in VW yesterday (October 26) in an attempt to ease the economic uncertainty in the car market.

  • Government launches 100m "green car" scheme

    Mon, 27 Oct 2008

    The Government is launching a 100m project to promote the benefits of green motoring. Car companies have been invited to bid for the opportunity to promote their electric and ultra-low carbon vehicles across four major UK cities

  • Skoda gives Fabia Sporta youthful makeover

    Thu, 23 Oct 2008

    Skoda is repositioning its Fabia Sport model to boost its appeal to the youth market.

  • Monty Panesar to promote Jaguar

    Mon, 20 Oct 2008

    Jaguar has signed England cricket star Monty Panesar as its latest brand ambassador. The deal coincides with the 60th anniversary of the XK range.

  • TomTom deal offers real-time traffic info

    Thu, 16 Oct 2008

    TomTom, the GPRS navigation system, has signed a deal with Vodafone to offer a real-time traffic information service, based on data collected by an integrated SIM card.

  • Saab offers pre-Christmas car discount

    Fri, 10 Oct 2008

    Saab is slashing the price of its cars and giving consumers the chance to buy them at the same discounted rate as staff. The promotional offer, which will be supported by an ad campaign, could see consumers save up to £3,000.

  • GM calls on governments to restore consumer confidence

    Thu, 2 Oct 2008

    General Motors has forecasted a continued weakening of sales in the US and western European markets. The carmaker is calling on European governments to take action to restore consumer confidence during the global financial crisis.

  • Audi restructures marketing and communications department

    Thu, 2 Oct 2008

    Audi is to restructure its marketing and communications department following the departure of its brand communications manager Chris Hawken. The Volkswagen-owned marque has appointed Rob Brindley, former marketing manager at Alliance Boots, to the newly created role of centre marketing manager.

  • VCCP loses 12m Hyundai account

    Tue, 30 Sep 2008

    VCCP has been dumped from Hyundai's 12m UK advertising business after four years. The South Korean car manufacturer will now move the function to its in-house advertising division.

  • Aston Martin still the coolest brand

    Mon, 29 Sep 2008

    Aston Martin has retained its title as the UK's coolest brand for the third year running. The luxury car marque beat off competition from brands such as iPhone and Bang & Olufsen to top the 2008 CoolBrands list.

  • EasyJet promotes Berks to top marketing services position

    Thu, 25 Sep 2008

    Budget airline easyJet has promoted brand communications manager Andrew Berks to the new role of head of marketing services.

  • Digitas wins 10m Nissan Euro digital ad account

    Thu, 18 Sep 2008

    Nissan has appointed Digitas to handle its 10m pan-European digital advert-ising business. The Publicis Groupe-owned agency won the account following a three-way pitch against Tequila and incumbent Joshua G2.

  • Car firms to focus on green features

    Thu, 11 Sep 2008

    Leading car manufacturers are set to use next month's Paris motor show to put a spotlight on new hybrid and low-carbon models.

  • Electronic Arts stunt causes traffic chaos

    Fri, 5 Sep 2008

    A promotional stunt set up by Electronics Arts giving away 20,000 worth of fuel has caused traffic jams around a London petrol station today (September 5). The campaign was created to promote the launch of its new computer game Mercenaries 2: The World in Flames.

  • Volvo names Ford chief operating officer as president

    Tue, 2 Sep 2008

    Volvo Car Corporation has appointed Stephen Odell as its president and chief executive officer. He replaces Fredrik Arp, who has decided to leave the company.

  • Land Rover signs rugby sponsorship deals

    Thu, 28 Aug 2008

    Land Rover has announced a new four-year sponsorship agreement with both Premier Rugby and the Rugby Football Union. The deal includes the launch of a brand new, countrywide grass roots tournament called the Land Rover Premiership Cup.

  • VW and The Times team up to launch Passat CC minisite

    Thu, 28 Aug 2008

    Volkswagen is launching an online campaign with The Times to promote its new Passat CC.

  • The Kwik Fit fitter returns

    Mon, 18 Aug 2008

    The Kwik Fit fitter is being revived after an eight-year absence in a new campaign that aims to show the automotive retailer does more than just fit tyres. The new ads break tonight (August 18).

  • Chevrolet Volt to launch in UK as a Vauxhall

    Mon, 18 Aug 2008

    General Motors (GM) is planning to launch the Chevrolet Volt electric car in the UK under its Vauxhall marque. The US version of the plug-in vehicle is set to go into production in late 2010.

  • Honda hybrid takes on Toyota

    Thu, 14 Aug 2008

    Honda is to launch a new hybrid model next year aimed at taking on Toyota's successful Prius. The company says it hopes that annual sales of the new vehicle will reach 200,000 globally.

  • Car industry hit by economic downturn

    Fri, 1 Aug 2008

    Car manufacturers have been hit by the deteriorating global economy, with BMW and Nissan reporting falls in profit. General Motors also reported a second-quarter net loss.

  • MTV tackles teen crime with police

    Fri, 1 Aug 2008

    MTV has partnered with the Metropolitan Police and EMI Music to educate teenagers about youth violence in London. The parties have converted a former police riot van as a roving education centre to tour the capital from autumn this year.

  • Motor industry doubles spend on green ads

    Fri, 1 Aug 2008

    The motor industry doubled its spending on advertising its greenest cars in 2007 but overall spend is still biased towards the highest polluting vehicles, a new report says.

  • Hornby to focus on Corgi core business

    Thu, 31 Jul 2008

    Hornby is planning to heavily invest in iconic model brand Corgi following its takeover of the company. It will focus on its core business as well as developing new lines, including sports models to attract new collectors.

  • General Motors unveils new fuel-efficient Camaro

    Tue, 22 Jul 2008

    General Motors (GM) has unveiled a new version of the Camaro, the sports car it axed in 2002. The new car, billed as a fuel-efficient vehicle, will go into production imminently.

  • More Than and Junction team up for motor insurance product

    Mon, 21 Jul 2008

    More Than is working with Junction, the affinity arm of BGL Group, to launch a new motor insurance product, More Than Select. The brand is targeted at consumers who apply for, but do not buy, a More Than quote.

  • Ofcom raps ITV for prominence of Ford during American Idol

    Mon, 21 Jul 2008

    ITV has been critised by the media regulator for giving car marque Ford "undue prominence" in its broadcast of American Idol, but it escaped censure for product placement because the series was acquired from the US, where Ford is sponsor.

  • Renault launches high-definition Koleos outdoor campaign

    Mon, 14 Jul 2008

    Renault is launching a high-definition outdoor campaign to promote its new 4x4 crossover vehicle, the Renault Koleos. The campaign launches today (July 14).

  • BP airs green motoring tips on new TV show

    Thu, 10 Jul 2008

    BP is launching a television programme aimed at teaching motorists to drive more economically. The half-hour shows will be fronted by motoring journalist Quentin Willson (pictured).

  • Road tax hike will hit millions of motorists

    Thu, 10 Jul 2008

    Up to 9 million motorists will be hit by controversial reforms to road tax aimed at punishing high-polluting cars, the Government has admitted. The AA says the disclosure confirms its "worst fears”.

  • SWT to combine DM and digital accounts

    Thu, 10 Jul 2008

    South West Trains is gearing up for a review of its dir-ect marketing and digital accounts. It is understood that it may invite agencies to pitch for the business later in the year.

  • Toyota moots DM review

    Tue, 8 Jul 2008

    Toyota Motor Company is poised to call a review of the direct marketing account for the Toyota marque. It comes just weeks after it called a review of the direct and digital business for Lexus. It is thought that the Toyota pitch will be overseen by Agency Insight, which is also handling the Lexus review.

  • 2012 Olympics signs BP as top tier sponsor

    Fri, 4 Jul 2008

    BP has signed up as the latest tier one sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics. The deal, announced this morning (July 3), is understood to be worth at least 50m and will make the brand the official oil and gas partner.

  • Fiat adverts misled public over cost of greener cars

    Thu, 26 Jun 2008

    Fiat has been forced to withdraw press ads promoting the green credentials of its cars because the prices of models featured and CO2 emission levels did not match.

  • Car billboards must include emissions and fuel economy information

    Thu, 19 Jun 2008

    Car adverts on billboards will have to include information on fuel economy and carbon emissions by the end of this week. The move comes after pressure from lobby groups forced the Department for Transport (DfT) to revise its guidelines.

  • Europcar appoints marketing director ahead of relaunch

    Fri, 13 Jun 2008

    Europcar UK Group has appointed Catriona Lougher as its first consumer marketing director, charged with heading a multi-million pound relaunch of Europcar into the UK leisure market. She has come from Premier Inn where she was head of marketing.

  • Toyota Yaris named ETA Green Car of the Year

    Fri, 13 Jun 2008

    The Toyota Yaris has beaten 1,300 cars to be named the Green Car of the Year 2008 by lobby group Environmental Transport Association. The Dodge SRT-10 was named as the least green car.

  • More Than to take on Sheilas Wheels with womens car insurance

    Thu, 5 Jun 2008

    More Than, the Royal & SunAlliance-owned insurance brand, is launching a car insurance product aimed at women. The product, More Than Women Drivers' Insurance, will rival existing offerings such as the high profile Sheila's Wheels brand.

  • Vauxhall replaces "Little Dads" with adjustable world

    Tue, 3 Jun 2008

    Vauxhall is replacing the long running Little Dads ads for the Zafira and Meriva with a new campaign focusing on the flexibility of the two cars.

  • BP signs up brand ambassador

    Fri, 30 May 2008

    Motoring journalist Quentin Willson has signed up as a brand ambassador for BP's Castrol Oil range. His first task is to front a £3m campaign to educate drivers about motor oil.

  • Pan-European drive to cut fuel consumption

    Wed, 28 May 2008

    The European Commission has launched a pan-European promotion to encourage greener driving habits. More than 45,000 petrol stations across 29 countries will take part in the "Save More Than Fuel" campaign.

  • BMW launches outdoor ads for fuel-saving programme

    Fri, 16 May 2008

    BMW is launching a targeted outdoor campaign to promote its fuel-saving EfficientDynamics programme. The posters "thank" the various aspects of driving that allow the system to work.

  • Porsche wins support in battle against CC increase

    Thu, 1 May 2008

    The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has come out in support of Porsche in its fight against the congestion charge increase. The German car marque has applied for a judicial review into plans to increase the charge to £25-a-day for the highest polluting vehicles and the borough has registered as an ...

  • Euro RSCG gains Jaguar.com brief

    Thu, 1 May 2008

    Jaguar has awarded Euro RSCG Luxe the Jaguar.com account following a competitive pitch, charging the agency with overhauling its global website.

  • US BMW boss moves over to Rolls-Royce

    Thu, 1 May 2008

    BMW's US boss Tom Purves has been appointed chief executive of Rolls-Royce as part of a major shake-up at the German automotive group.

  • Northcliffe promotes rebranded Motors.co.uk

    Tue, 29 Apr 2008

    Northcliffe Media is launching a campaign for its rebranded classified advertising section, Motors.co.uk. The move is part of a wider strategy to take the company's online classifieds brands into its newspapers in a bid to grow revenue.

  • Price rises boost profits at BP and Shell

    Tue, 29 Apr 2008

    Europe's two largest oil companies, BP and Royal Dutch Shell, have reported a surge in profits for the first quarter of this year. Shell's profits rose by 25% to $9bn, while rival BP's nearly doubled from $4.6bn to $7bn compared to the same period last year.

  • Ferrari opens first UK store

    Fri, 25 Apr 2008

    Ferrari is opening its first store in the UK. The two-storey, 550sq metre venue will be located on London's Regent Street and opens in the autumn. Ferrari already has 20 outlets around the world, in countries from the US to China, as well as several in its home market of Italy.

  • SsangYong to attempt foray into passenger car market

    Thu, 24 Apr 2008

    Korean sports utility vehicle specialist SsangYong has announced plans to move into the passenger car market for the first time as part of its relaunch strategy.

  • Jaguar Land Rover boss dies aged 60

    Mon, 21 Apr 2008

    Jaguar Land Rover boss Geoff Polites has died at the age of 60 following a two-year battle against serious illness. The news comes just weeks after Ford announced it was selling the two marques to India’s Tata Motors.

  • Fiat completes management rejig with sales appointment

    Mon, 21 Apr 2008

    Fiat Group Automobiles has appointed Andrew Sproston as sales director to complete its new UK management line-up. Sproston will work closely with marketing director Elena Bernardelli and new managing director Andrew Humberstone, who joined to run the UK business at the end of last year.

  • Lexus appoints UK marketing director

    Thu, 17 Apr 2008

    Lexus has promoted Belinda Poole to run the marque inthe UK. She joined as director this week.

  • BMW triumphs in carbon-cutting car marque report

    Thu, 10 Apr 2008

    BMW Group has done more than any other car company to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from its vehicles in the last year, according to a new report. Four of the five most improved models came from the BMW Group, while BMW-owned Mini is now the lowest CO

  • Marketing of eco-friendly cars helps sales to soar

    Thu, 10 Apr 2008

    Sales of diesel and alternative fuel vehicles are soaring as car manufacturers increase the level of green and environmental advertising in their marketing strategies.

  • New campaign - Audi

    Thu, 10 Apr 2008

    Audi pushes RS 6's performance

  • Vauxhall promotes fashion market links

    Thu, 10 Apr 2008

    Car marque Vauxhall is aiming to strengthen its ties with the youth and fashion markets by launching "couture" shows in cities across the UK.

  • Renault pioneers interactive video ads

    Fri, 4 Apr 2008

    Renault is the first car marque to trial a new video advertising format that will allow users to interact with the ad as it is shown. The car company is trailing the format on the Lycos European network.

  • Maher Bird Associates wins 25m AA integrated ad account

    Thu, 3 Apr 2008

    Maher Bird Associates (MBA) has been appointed to handle the AA's 25m integrated advertising account. The agency beat incumbents Delaney Lund Knox Warren and Rapier to win the business.

  • Volvo Trucks UK head promoted to Euro commercial director

    Thu, 3 Apr 2008

    Volvo Trucks UK boss Markku Olkinuora has been promoted to the role of commercial director for Volvo Trucks Europe. He takes up his new position on June 2.

  • Mercedes launches outdoor ad campaign

    Thu, 3 Apr 2008

    Car brand Mercedes-Benz is launching an outdoor ad campaign to promote its "SL-Class Roadster" and "CLS-Class Roadster" models.

  • New campaign - Citron

    Thu, 3 Apr 2008

    Citro?pushes German connection

  • New campaign - Volkswagen

    Thu, 3 Apr 2008

    VW website wins award for DDB

  • Nissan raises Thomas to top Euro role in shake-up

    Thu, 3 Apr 2008

    Nissan has promoted former UK marketing chief Simon Thomas to its top European marketing role as part of a restructure.

  • Car industry calls for CO2 collaboration

    Fri, 28 Mar 2008

    The car industry says European governments must work together to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The call comes after it emerged that almost all Western European countries now have some form of CO2-related taxation.

  • Bentley goes green to meet emission targets

    Fri, 7 Mar 2008

    Bentley Motors is introducing renewable fuel vehicles across its range to enable all of its cars to meet European Commission targets on emissions by 2012. The company says the move reflects increasing consumer expectation for performance motoring with ...

  • ASA turns down requests to investigate Vauxhall ad

    Thu, 6 Mar 2008

    The latest Vauxhall campaign for the Meriva model, starring two "little dads", has been reported to the advertising regulator for being "irresponsible". The ad features the two young boys using a jack to lift up the front of the car.

  • Audi Channel to launch on-demand IPTV player

    Thu, 6 Mar 2008

    The Audi Channel is launching an on-demand media player that will make all of its content available online.

  • Chevrolet renews Euro sales drive

    Thu, 6 Mar 2008

    Chevrolet is aiming to more than treble its sales in Europe and become as big as Opel/Vauxhall within ten years, according to Jonathan Browning, vice-president of sales and marketing at parent company, General Motors.

  • Friends of the Earth head slams Porsche for fighting congestion charge increase

    Fri, 29 Feb 2008

    Friends of the Earth director executive Tony Juniper has slated Porsche for fighting against the increase in the congestion charge saying the luxury car marque "has a vested interest in keeping polluting vehicles on the road".

  • Axa appoints Publicis for review of brand strategy

    Thu, 28 Feb 2008

    French insurance giant Axa has appointed Publicis Consultants, the Publicis Groupe's brand strategy arm, to undertake a review of its global brand strategy and values.

  • Audi launches A4 marketing campaign

    Mon, 25 Feb 2008

    Audi UK is launching marketing activity to support the launch of the new A4 model. It aims to highlight the car's innovative technology.

  • Porsche launches second attack on congestion charge rise

    Fri, 22 Feb 2008

    Porsche has slammed plans to increase the congestion charge for high polluting vehicles for the second time in a week. The German car marque claims the amount of emissions saved in a year as a result of the charge will be equal to the emissions produced at Heathrow Airport in less than four hours.

  • BMW moves brand boss to chief marketing post

    Thu, 21 Feb 2008

    BMW has promoted Jan-Christiaan Koenders to its top global marketing role as part of a major restructure.

  • BMWs premium status under threat

    Wed, 20 Feb 2008

    Departing BMW UK chief Jim ODonnell will be taking a few moments to reflect on a job well done as he enters his final days in the role. During his eight-year tenure, UK sales have almost doubled and the marque has extended its product range without diluting the prestige of the famous Bavarian Motor Works brand.

  • Audi set to overtake BMW as UKs premium marque

    Wed, 20 Feb 2008

    Audi is likely to overtake BMW as the UKs biggest premium carmaker within five years, according to the countrys leading expert on the motor industry, professor Garel Rhys.

  • Porsche slams TfL for congestion charge increase

    Tue, 19 Feb 2008

    Transport for London's plans to increase the congestion charge to 25-a-day for the highest polluting vehicles has come under renewed fire from car manufacturers and green groups.

  • VW extends BlueMotion eco range

    Tue, 19 Feb 2008

    Volkswagen is extending its low emission BlueMotion range to include Golf, Jetta and Passat models. BlueMotion, which VW defines as the most efficient car in each of its ranges, was previously only available on Volkswagen Polos.

  • Seat Sport UK appoints Dave Ward as team manager

    Fri, 15 Feb 2008

    Seat Sport UK, the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) team, has appointed Dave Ward (pictured) as race team manager. Ward, who worked with the 1996 championship winning Audi team, returns to the BTCC after a ten-year absence.

  • Fiat saviour eyes Alfa after taking global marketing role

    Thu, 14 Feb 2008

    Fiat has promoted Giovanni Perosino to a group marketing role as part of a shake-up of its global marketing .

  • VW appoints Hazelwood to head Skoda

    Mon, 11 Feb 2008

    Volkswagen has promoted Robert Hazelwood to run the Skoda marque in the UK following Chris Craft's move to the main VW brand (MW January 31). Hazelwood, who was previously director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VCV), takes over at Skoda on March 1.

  • BMW UK head leaves for top American role

    Mon, 11 Feb 2008

  • Rolls Royce announces 76% increase in orders

    Thu, 7 Feb 2008

    Luxury car marque Rolls Royce says orders for new cars have increased 76% to 45.9bn, fuelled by strong sales in Asia and the Middle East where the order book doubled to 20bn in 2007.

  • Nissan appoints Euro marketer as UK head

    Thu, 7 Feb 2008

    Nissan has appointed its European marketing chief Paul Wilcox to run the marque in the UK. He replaces Gary Frigo, who is leaving after two years to return to the US.

  • Rolls Royce appoints Aston Martin’s Lenden to head of marketing

    Fri, 1 Feb 2008

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has appointed Aston Martin marketer Graham Lenden (pictured) as head of marketing. He replaces Paul Ferraiolo, who moved to Rolls-Royce North America as president last summer (MW June 28, 2007).

  • 'Bentley for Babies' appoints PHD North

    Thu, 31 Jan 2008

    Silver Cross, the upmarket pram and baby accessories brand, has appointed PHD North as its first media agency to help bolster its rapid expansion plans.

  • Fiat tries to lift marque's desirability with new 500

    Thu, 31 Jan 2008

    Fiat is focusing on making the brand more "desirable" in the UK this year on the back of its revamped 500 model.

  • New campaign - Ford

    Thu, 31 Jan 2008

    Ford ad strikes a different note

  • Land Rover pushes green credentials in press ads

    Mon, 28 Jan 2008

    Land Rover has run a series of full-page press ads outlining its green credentials. It comes just months after it revealed it would make sustainability a cornerstone of its marketing plans.

  • SsangYong appoints Kia marketer to head UK relaunch

    Thu, 24 Jan 2008

    SsangYong has appointed Kia marketer Nigel Unwin as marketing director to work on the relaunch of the brand in the UK. In his new role, Unwin reports to his former boss at Kia Paul Williams, who joined SsangYong as managing director earlier this month.

  • Renault promotes ex-UK head to Euro chief

    Thu, 24 Jan 2008

    Renault has promoted former UK managing director Christian Est? to run its Euro-Mediterranean region. Est?, who will report directly to Renault president and chief executive Carlos Ghosn, will be responsible for the marque in Western Europe, Russia and Turkey.

  • EBay and Insurancewide.com team up for car price comparison service

    Thu, 24 Jan 2008

    EBay is partnering with Insurancewide.com to provide a price comparison service on the online auction house's eBayMotors.co.uk pages. The eBayMotors community, the UK's busiest online showroom, will have access to Insurancewide.com's service, which offers a "comprehensive" choice of car insurance options.

  • Scalextric unveils BBC Top Gear and Bond tie-ups

    Thu, 24 Jan 2008

    Toy brand Scalextric has signed a licensing deal with BBC motoring show Top Gear that will see a branded game released in March.

  • Chevrolet picks Draftfcb for Epica launch

    Wed, 23 Jan 2008

    Draftfcb London has won the digital and direct marketing business for Chevrolet in the UK following a pitch. The agency has been briefed to produce creative work for the launch of the Epica model (pictured).

  • Ex-Ferrari executive joins SsangYong relaunch

    Thu, 17 Jan 2008

    SsangYong, the Korean car marque relaunching in the UK, has made its second senior hiring in two weeks by appointing Ferrari GB executive Ian Nicholson as finance and operations director. The news follows the appointment of former Kia UK chief Paul Williams as managing director at the start of last week ...

  • Kia reviews 85m pan-European account

    Thu, 17 Jan 2008

    Korean car company Kia Motors Corporation has called a review of its 85m pan-European advertising account for the Ceed hatchback model. A number of UK and European agencies have been invited to pitch for the business, with a decision expected by March.

  • Scalextric unveils BBC Top Gear and Bond tie-ups

    Thu, 17 Jan 2008

    Toy brand Scalextric has signed a licensing deal with BBC motoring show Top Gear that will see a branded game released in March.

  • Auto Trader to take digital sales in-house

    Mon, 14 Jan 2008

    Auto Trader, the motoring magazine, is taking its digital sales in-house from March 1. The move allow agencies to deal directly with the motoring website in when developing campaigns for their clients.

  • Former Kia chief to relaunch Ssang Yong

    Thu, 10 Jan 2008

    Former Kia UK chief Paul Williams has been appointed to spearhead a relaunch of SsangYong, the Korean car marque that went into administration in the UK at the end of last year.

  • Landwind set to appoint Spirit to handle 20m ad account

    Thu, 10 Jan 2008

    Landwind, the Chinese car brand launching in Europe this year, is poised to appoint Spirit Advertising to handle its £20m advertising account after a protracted pitch.

  • Toyota plans hybrid versions of every model within car range

    Thu, 10 Jan 2008

    Toyota is planning to offer a hybrid version of every model in its car range to help it achieve its goal of selling 1 million hybrid cars a year.

  • Porsche increases green focus with second hybrid

    Mon, 7 Jan 2008

    Porsche is launching a hybrid version of its new Panamera model as it increases its focus on the environment. The German marque unveiled a hybrid Cayenne SUV at last year's Frankfurt Motorshow that uses a third less fuel than a conventional model.

  • India's jewel could put the glint back into UK marques

    Thu, 3 Jan 2008

    Tata, the Indian conglomerate, has moved into pole position in the 1bn race to buy Jaguar and Land Rover and, despite the company's low UK profile, experts believe it could be the marques' much-needed white knight.

  • Honda adds two hybrids to range

    Wed, 2 Jan 2008

    Honda has stepped up its commitment to hybrid technology by announcing it will launch two models in addition to the existing Civic Hybrid. The Japanese marque says hybrid cars will account for 10% of its sales by 2010.

  • Fiat picks De Meo to run Alfa Romeo brand

    Thu, 20 Dec 2007

    Fiat Group has appointed chief marketing officer Luca De Meo to run the Alfa Romeo marque just three months after promoting him to the top group marketing role.

  • UK Lexus director moves to Toyota GB in restructure

    Thu, 20 Dec 2007

    Lexus GB director Steve Settle has moved to the new role of director of customer services at parent company Toyota GB as part of a wider restructure at the Japanese marque's UK business.

  • Renault promotes marketer to management committee

    Tue, 18 Dec 2007

    Renault has promoted senior vice-president of global marketing Stephen Norman to its management committee just three months after he joined the French marque from Fiat.

  • Lexus starts online debate about impact of hybrid cars

    Thu, 13 Dec 2007

    Lexus is creating an online forum to discuss the impact of hybrid cars on society. It says the move reflects the "changing nature of relationships" between brands and consumers.

  • General Motors sets up electric vehicle development team

    Wed, 12 Dec 2007

    General Motors is stepping up its commitment to making its cars more environmentally friendly by setting up a team dedicated to the development of electric vehicles.

  • Top RAC man defects to the AA

    Tue, 11 Dec 2007

    Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, has been poached by rival AA to become president. He will take over the role in the New Year.

  • Mitsubishi joins electric car drive

    Thu, 6 Dec 2007

    Mitsubishi Motor Corporation is planning to launch an electric version of its "i" city car in the UK. The move is a further step towards the commercialisation of electric vehicles.

  • £37m a year wasted on car ads

    Thu, 29 Nov 2007

    Car retailers are wasting £37m a year on online advertising, according to used car website fish4cars. It claims poor quality ads with no pictures cost 17m in wasted advertising spend, while ads lacking basic details such as colour or number of doors cost a further £20m.

  • Fiat opens London "experience centre"

    Tue, 27 Nov 2007

    Fiat is opening a new "experience centre" in London to act as a focal point for its brand. The site, in Wigmore Street, marks a return to Central London for Fiat, which last operated a dealership in the city in 1995.

  • Honda UK completes management team with head of car sales

    Thu, 22 Nov 2007

    Honda UK has promoted regional operations manager Janice Kennedy to head of sales for cars to complete its new-look senior management line-up. Kennedy replaces Bernard Bradley, who was promoted to the role of general manager for cars last month (MW October 11).

  • Ford of Europe creates motorsports director role

    Thu, 22 Nov 2007

    Ford of Europe has appointed Mark Deans to the new role of motorsport director. He will be responsible for developing Ford's motorsport activities through extended advertising, sponsorship, sales promotion and merchandising programmes.

  • Hyundai calls 10m pitch for pan-European launch

    Thu, 22 Nov 2007

    Hyundai Motor Europe has called a pitch for the pan-European launch of its i10 model. It is thought the business is worth up to £10m.

  • National Express overhauls marketing for united brand

    Thu, 22 Nov 2007

    The National Express Group is restructuring its marketing operations as it unites its various divisions under a single company-wide brand.

  • Subaru hands MCBD first brief for new Boxer diesel model

    Thu, 22 Nov 2007

    Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy has been handed its first brief from Subaru Europe. The UK incumbent has been appointed to handle the launch of the Subaru Boxer diesel following a pitch against other local incumbent agencies.

  • Citroen offers green health checks for cars

    Fri, 16 Nov 2007

    Citroen is launching a "Stay Green" health check to help its customers reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. For £29.99, the marque's technicians will perform a series of tests aimed at keeping emission levels and fuel consumption to a minimum.

  • Europcar reshuffles marketing team after restructure

    Fri, 16 Nov 2007

    Europcar Group has promoted Nick Harwood to the new role of sales and marketing director as part of a restructure. Harwood will head sales and marketing for the Europcar and National Car Rental brands.

  • Auto Trader to push safe driving at young

    Thu, 15 Nov 2007

    Auto Trader, the classified car ads publication, is to encourage young people to drive safely in its first social responsibility campaign. It claims the Don't Wreck the Ride campaign will take a "radically different approach" to safe driving campaigns.

  • Peugeot brand chief to lead growth plan

    Thu, 15 Nov 2007

    PSA Peugeot Citro?has promoted managing director of the Peugeot brand Frederic Saint-Geours to a senior group role to spearhead its ambitious growth plans.

  • Private equity settles in for the long ride

    Thu, 15 Nov 2007

    Since Cerberus Capital Management completed its $7.4bn (3.7bn) takeover of the once-mighty Chrysler in the summer, the car industry has been watching closely for insights into the private equity giant's intentions for the sector. It may be about to get some answers.

  • Chrysler UK head quits after takeover

    Thu, 8 Nov 2007

    Chrysler’s UK managing director Peter Lambert is stepping down following the marque’s takeover by private equity company Cerberus Capital Management.

  • Saab plots device that detects early stages of tiredness

    Thu, 8 Nov 2007

    Saab is launching an in-car warning system that detects when drivers are tired and which advises them to stop for a rest.

  • EasyCar appoints new chief executive

    Mon, 5 Nov 2007

    EasyCar.Com has appointed Bill Jones as its new chief executive. He takes up the position this week and replaces Steve Maltby who left the company in October.

  • ASA censures Citroꬠover emissions claims

    Thu, 1 Nov 2007

    Car manufacturer Citro?has been banned by the advertising regulator from claiming that its C4 model produces the "lowest" levels of CO2 in its class.

  • Fiat MD bows out as China chief steps up

    Thu, 1 Nov 2007

    Fiat Group Automobiles UK managing director Giulio Salomone is stepping down after two-and-a-half years in the role. He will be replaced by Fiat China chief Andrew Humberstone.

  • Car industry body appoints new chief executive

    Tue, 30 Oct 2007

    The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has appointed Paul Everitt as its new chief executive. He replaces Christopher Macgowan, who is leaving the body.

  • Bentley bids to boost appeal with junior clothing range

    Thu, 25 Oct 2007

    Bentley Motors is introducing a children's gift and clothing range to boost the brand's appeal with younger consumers. The luxury marque is also increasing the number of items in the range aimed at women.

  • 'Bigger than the sport' Hamilton could net 100m in sponsorship

    Thu, 25 Oct 2007

    Lewis Hamilton, the Formula One racing driver, is expected to make more than 100m from sponsorship over the next ten years, despite missing out on the Formula One World Championships at the weekend.

  • Car-makers hit back at CO2 congestion charge proposals

    Thu, 25 Oct 2007

    The car industry has hit out at London Mayor Ken Livingstone's plans to base the congestion charge on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, saying the proposal will neither reduce congestion nor significantly benefit the environment.

  • Nintendo concentrates efforts on Brain Training brand

    Thu, 25 Oct 2007

    Japanese video games giant Nintendo is rolling out a new campaign for its Brain Training brand that aims to generate a buzz among consumers and offer families a chance to prove their intelligence.

  • Ford executive to step down

    Fri, 19 Oct 2007

    One of Ford Motor Company’s top executives Richard Parry-Jones, the man responsible for the Mondeo and Focus models, is retiring after more than 30 years with the US car giant. He will step down as vice-president and chief technical officer at the end of the year.

  • Kia puts global media planning and buying account up for pitch

    Thu, 18 Oct 2007

    Kia has put its multi-million pound global media planning and buying account up for pitch. The pitch encompasses all of the car brand's corporate campaigns that are planned from its Koran headquarters.

  • Eurotunnel forced to pull 'disrespectful' Suzuki ad

    Thu, 18 Oct 2007

    Eurotunnel has been forced to pull an outdoor campaign from Suzuki after the French Customs Office complained that it was disrespectful.

  • New campaign: Audi takes it slow

    Thu, 18 Oct 2007

    Audi UK is running a 6m ad campaign to support the launch of its new R8 high-performance car with the strapline "the slowest car we've ever built". The campaign will mark the biggest investment the carmaker's UK division has ever made in a new launch.

  • Ford raids Toyota/Lexus for marketing vice-president

    Fri, 12 Oct 2007

    Ford has poached former Toyota chief Jim Farley as vice-president of marketing and communications. He will report to president and chief executive officer Allan Mulally.

  • Subaru UK to hand top job in marketing to Fossey

    Thu, 11 Oct 2007

    Subaru (UK) is tipped to promote John Fossey to its top marketing role following the departure of Jon Nealon, who left the company last week.

  • Toyota unveils Xbox Live game to promote the Yaris

    Thu, 11 Oct 2007

    Toyota is creating a game for the Microsoft Xbox that will be available to download free from the console's Live service. The game will promote Toyota's Yaris model and is the first created by an advertiser to be distributed over Xbox Live.

  • BMW establishes brand division

    Thu, 4 Oct 2007

    BMW Group is forming a new corporate and brand development division as part of a restructure following a strategic review of the business. The changes also see the company's finance chief Stefan Krause become sales and marketing director for the group.

  • Europcar to review 10m Euro account

    Thu, 4 Oct 2007

    Europcar is reviewing its 10m pan-European advertising account. The company is thought to have shortlisted a number of network agencies to pitch for the business.

  • New campaign: Subaru promotes Impreza's roadholding ability

    Thu, 4 Oct 2007

    Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy has created an integrated campaign for Subaru to mark the launch of the new Impreza.

  • Renault teams up with Nokia for branded Twingo launch

    Thu, 4 Oct 2007

    Renault is launching a limited edition version of its Twingo model in partnership with Nokia which will be kitted out with gadgets from the Finnish mobile phone giant. The car will be co-branded Twingo Nokia.

  • Mini UK invites London workers out to lunch

    Tue, 2 Oct 2007

    Mini UK is running a series of events to encourage people to learn a new skill during their lunch hours. The Other Lunch Break campaign, which has been created by experiential agency Momentum and starts tomorrow, runs twice a week for five weeks in London.

  • BMW rules out acquisitions - for now

    Fri, 28 Sep 2007

    BMW Group has ruled out buying a rival or creating a fourth brand in the short term but says it may still look to make acquisitions in the future. The German manufacturer has been linked with Ford-owned marques Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo in recent months.

  • Fiat raises Luca De Meo to group chief

    Thu, 27 Sep 2007

    Fiat has promoted Luca De Meo to the new role of chief marketing officer for the Fiat Group, in the biggest marketing shake-up at the Italian carmaker in recent years.

  • O2 and Clear Channel give taxi passengers free calls

    Thu, 20 Sep 2007

    O2 has teamed up with outdoor agency Clear Channel to offer taxi passengers free calls to all UK national and mobile numbers in O2 branded cabs in London and Birmingham.

  • Ford buys first VIP ads on Heat Radio

    Thu, 20 Sep 2007

    EMAP Advertising has signed Ford as the first "VIP advertiser" to use the relaunched Heat Radio. The station will not carry traditional spot advertising, allowing advertisers to get involved in the creative output.

  • Kwik-Fit launches the UK's first 'green' car check-up

    Thu, 20 Sep 2007

    Kwik-Fit is launching what it claims is the UK's first "green" car service to help its cutomers reduce their carbon footprint.

  • Chrysler aims for more agile image

    Tue, 18 Sep 2007

    Chrysler Group says it will be a "leaner, more agile" business under new private equity owners Cerberus Capital Management, which bought control of the US car marque from DaimlerChrysler in May.

  • Lexus launches major campaign for hybrid cars

    Mon, 17 Sep 2007

    Lexus, the Toyota-owned luxury car marque, is launching the biggest campaign for its hybrid range to date. The £6m campaign, created by CHI & Partners, breaks this week and runs for six weeks.

  • CitroꬠUK names new marketing director

    Fri, 14 Sep 2007

    Citro?UK has appointed Ian Hughes as marketing director. He replaces Mike Ibett, who is to retire after 21 years at the helm. Hughes, who joined the company last year and heads UK fleet sales and remarketing, will add marketing to his responsibilities.

  • Poor service stations undermine "Take a Break" campaign

    Thu, 13 Sep 2007

    The Department of Transport campaign urging drivers to "Take a Break" is being undermined by the poor quality of motorway service stations, according to a leading road safety group. GEM Motoring Assist says "garish shops" and "disaffected staff" discourage people from stopping on long journeys.

  • AA green group to back car trade

    Thu, 13 Sep 2007

    The Advertising Association (AA) is planning to set up a focus group on climate change to convince politicians and lobby groups about green commitments made by the automobile and energy industries.

  • New campaign: Renault goes against grain with Twingo campaign

    Thu, 13 Sep 2007

    Renault is launching its biggest advertising push of the year so far to mark the UK launch of its Twingo model. The £3m campaign has been created by Publicis.

  • Porsche gives marketing strategy a greener focus

    Thu, 13 Sep 2007

    Porsche is overhauling its marketing strategy to focus on the environment and could launch hybrid versions of all its high-performance cars.

  • Toyota appoints head marketer for financial arm

    Thu, 13 Sep 2007

    Toyota GB has appointed former Ford and Renault marketer James Starling to the new role of sales and marketing director for its financial services division.

  • Land Rover parts company with Craik Jones after 16 years

    Wed, 12 Sep 2007

    Land Rover has appointed Wunderman to handle its 5m direct marketing business, ending a 16-year relationship with Craik Jones Watson Mitchell Voelkel. The WPP agency won the business following a head-to-head pitch against Omnicom-owned Craik Jones.

  • BDH scoops 12m Nissan retail account

    Thu, 6 Sep 2007

    Nissan Europe has appointed BDH/TBWA to handle a 12m pan-European brief for the dealership network.

  • Infiniti picks TBWA for 40m Euro account

    Thu, 6 Sep 2007

    Infiniti, Nissan's luxury marque, has appointed Nissan incumbents TBWA and OMD to handle its £40m pan-European advertising and media planning and buying accounts ahead of its launch in Europe next year.

  • Volvo unveils breathalyser that can stop you driving

    Thu, 6 Sep 2007

    Volvo is launching a built-in breathalyser that will stop a car from starting if the driver is over the alcohol limit.

  • Renault senior vice president becomes F1 team head

    Tue, 4 Sep 2007

    Renault F1 Team has appointed Renault senior vice presient Bernard Rey as president. He replaces Alain Dassas, who has moved to a new role at Nissan.

  • Toyota and EDF launch recharge points for electric cars

    Mon, 3 Sep 2007

    Japanese car manufacturer Toyota and energy provider Electricit?e France are set to announce a partnership to launch recharging points for plug-in hybrid electric cars. The proposed network will be rolled out over the next few years and will mark a major advance for environmentally friendly cars.

  • Audi Channel signs content deals with Joost and Nokia

    Mon, 3 Sep 2007

    Audi's branded television channel will be available to users of broadband TV service Joost and Nokia's N-Series phones after the German car marque signed two new content deals. The agreements continue the Audi Channel's move into on-demand programming, which launched last month through a deal with Top Up TV last ...

  • Smart campaign offers drivers 'enlightenment' on urban roads

    Thu, 30 Aug 2007

    Smart, the Mercedes Car Group-owned small car brand, is overhauling its marketing strategy with the launch of a digitally-led campaign to support its ForTwo model.

  • Volvo hands DM boss top UK marketing role

    Thu, 30 Aug 2007

    Volvo has promoted direct marketing chief Anita Fox to its top UK marketing role. She replaces Paul Walder, who has joined the global marketing team in Sweden.

  • Upmarket marques face threat from new Jaguar

    Wed, 29 Aug 2007

    Jaguar's S-Type replacement, the XF, poses a serious threat to rival marques BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, according to motoring experts. The new premium saloon will be unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month and goes on sale in the UK next year.

  • BBDO bags 100m Mercedes Euro ads

    Wed, 29 Aug 2007

    Mercedes Car Group is set to consolidate its 100m pan-European advertising account into BBDO, ending months of speculation about its relationship with UK independent Shop.

  • Jaguar and Land Rover sell-off delayed by stock market troubles

    Thu, 23 Aug 2007

    Ford's sale of its Jaguar and Land Rover marques looks to have been delayed by the ongoing stock market troubles. The US car giant says no announcement will be made about the brands until the end of the year or early 2008.

  • Global role for senior Land Rover marketer

    Thu, 23 Aug 2007

    Land Rover has handed product marketing director Colin Green overall control of global marketing as part of a restructure aimed at pushing the Ford-owned marque's green credentials.

  • Infiniti starts agency talks ahead of 40m Euro launch

    Thu, 23 Aug 2007

    Infiniti, Nissan's luxury marque, is talking to agencies about its 40m pan-European advertising and media planning, and buying accounts ahead of its launch in Europe next year.

  • Fiat to promote Perosino to global marketing role

    Thu, 16 Aug 2007

    Fiat is set to hand marketing communications chief Giovanni Perosino its top global marketing role after Steve Norman's move to rival Renault.

  • Land Rover appoints sustainability project head

    Thu, 16 Aug 2007

    Land Rover has made global brand communications director Julian Whitehead responsible for "sustainability" in a bid to shed its image as one of the worst polluters in the car industry.

  • Wieden & Kennedy takes Hondamentalism online

    Wed, 15 Aug 2007

    Wieden & Kennedy has created four online films for Honda to support the launch of its hot-hatch model, the Civic Type R. The two-minute films develop the concept of Hondamentalism, which was introduced in an above-the-line campaign in May.

  • Asian resurgence 'is bad news for European brands'

    Thu, 9 Aug 2007

    Western companies are "living with a false sense of security" and underestimating the threat from Asian rivals, according to a leading brand consultant.

  • Car firm Mini due to launch branded set of trainers

    Thu, 9 Aug 2007

    Mini is launching a range of branded trainers after signing a deal with Japanese footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger. The limited edition range goes on sale across the UK on December 1.

  • Ford extends Sky Sports TV support to all media

    Thu, 9 Aug 2007

    Ford is extending its television sponsorship of Sky Sports' Barclays Premier League coverage into mobile, broadband, interactive and teletext.

  • New campaign - Nissan

    Thu, 9 Aug 2007

    Nissan is launching a campaign to promote its sponsorship of Sky Sports' flagship football show, Soccer AM.

  • Jaguar fills global managing director vacancy from within

    Fri, 3 Aug 2007

    Jaguar Cars’ global managing director Bibiana Boerio is stepping down after three years in the role. She will be replaced by the struggling luxury carmaker's North American president Mike O’Driscoll.

  • Honda F1 team appoints marketing chief

    Mon, 30 Jul 2007

    The Honda Racing F1 Team has appointed David Butler as marketing director. He replaces Alistair Watkins to join the Alinghi America's Cup sailing team earlier this year.

  • Lloyds TSB launches website to advise flood-hit consumers and businesses

    Fri, 27 Jul 2007

    Lloyds TSB has launched a website in response to the UK's worst floods offering people advice, contact numbers and website links for domestic consumers and small businesses. The site, www.helpimflooded.co.uk was completed in 72 hours and is designed to help and support both Lloyds TSB and non-Lloyds ...

  • Toyota tests rechargeable hybrid cars

    Thu, 26 Jul 2007

    Toyota is going head to head with rival General Motors in a bid to become the world’s first car manufacturer to launch hybrid vehicles with rechargeable batteries. Toyota is testing the vehicles in the US and Japan.

  • Renault recruits Fiat global brand chief

    Fri, 20 Jul 2007

    Fiat’s global brand chief Steve Norman is leaving the Italian car marque after three years to join rival Renault as senior vice-president of global marketing. He replaces Benoit Marzloff, who is stepping down after 37 years with the company.

  • Saab chief to take control of Cadillac and Corvette

    Thu, 19 Jul 2007

    General Motors (GM) has taken direct control of the sales and marketing for Cadillac and Corvette in a last ditch attempt to boost the popularity of the brands in Europe. Saab GB chief Jonathan Nash has been handed responsibility for the two marques, as well as the controversial soon-to-be-launched Hummer brand.

  • Saatchi poised to pick up Porsche

    Thu, 19 Jul 2007

    M&C Saatchi is tipped to win Porsche's 1m integrated advertising account, following a four-way pitch. The agency is thought to have beaten incumbent CMW to win the business.

  • M&C Saatchi poised to win 1m Porsche account

    Tue, 17 Jul 2007

    M&C Saatchi is understood to have won the above and below-the-line accounts for German luxury car marque Porsche after a four-way pitch. The account is worth about 1m.

  • Nissan sponsors flagship Sky Sports show Soccer AM

    Thu, 12 Jul 2007

    Nissan has signed as the title sponsor for Sky Sports' flagship football show Soccer AM. The Japanese car-maker will promote its Nissan Navara pick-up through the deal.

  • Volvo raises retail boss to head Euro trucks wing

    Thu, 12 Jul 2007

    Volvo has promoted Claes Nilsson to head its European trucks division. He will replace Roar Isaksen, who is leaving to join Swedish components manufacturer Plastal Group as president and chief executive.

  • Ex-EMAP head to become CMG chairman

    Tue, 10 Jul 2007

    Former EMAP chief executive Robin Miller has joined specialist motorsport publisher Crash Media Group as chairman. CMG says Miller will play a ‘key strategic role in taking us to the next level’.

  • Audi and Camelot provide Freeview content

    Mon, 9 Jul 2007

    Audi’s branded television channel will be available on Freeview from next week with the launch of a new download service from Top Up TV. National Lottery operator Camelot will also provide content for Showcase, which will be unveiled on Freeview on July 17.

  • Land Rover ponders greener model launch

    Fri, 6 Jul 2007

    Land Rover is considering launching a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle in an attempt to shed its image as one of the worst polluters in the car industry. The news comes as regulatory and consumer pressure grows on carmakers to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

  • Rolls-Royce picks marketing director

    Thu, 28 Jun 2007

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' global marketing chief Paul Ferraiolo has been promoted to run the marque's US division. He starts his new job on July 1.

  • AA and Saga announce merger

    Mon, 25 Jun 2007

    Saga, the travel and financial services company for the over 50s, is to merge with motoring giant the AA in a deal valuing the combined company at £6.15bn. The two brands will remain, although Saga chief executive Andrew Goodsell, who will head the combined company, says that products will be cross-sold.

  • Kia signs deal to sponsor Five's US crime dramas

    Thu, 21 Jun 2007

    Kia has signed a 1m deal with Five to sponsor all of its US crime drama series. The move is part of new managing director Paul Philpott's strategy to build the Korean marque's brand awareness in the UK.

  • Philpott hands Toyota boss the reins to Kia marketing

    Thu, 21 Jun 2007

    Kia Motors (UK) has appointed Toyota marketer Simon Hetherington as its first marketing director. He is part of a new management team being put together by managing director Paul Philpott, who joined the Korean marque from Toyota earlier this year.

  • Elias departs Nissan to rival Renault

    Wed, 20 Jun 2007

    Nissan has promoted Vincent Wijnen to the role of GB marketing director following the departure of Justin Elias to rival car marque Renault. Wijnen, currently Nissan Motor (GB) sales director, will be replaced by Kevin Butler, vehicle remarketing and fleet ...

  • Are jaguar's nine lives up?

    Wed, 20 Jun 2007

    Ford looks almost certain to sell Jaguar and Land Rover. However, all other car manufacturers seem to want nothing to do with the possible sale. This means the brands could follow Aston Martin into the private equity arena. But will this move finally kill them off? By Robert Lester

  • Honda expected to name Diageo man as brand head

    Thu, 7 Jun 2007

    Honda is understood to have appointed former Diageo marketer Harry Cooklin as its new brand chief. Cooklin replaces Matthew Coombe, who left to join Vodafone last year.

  • Krow wins 15m Euro brief for Punto update

    Thu, 7 Jun 2007

    Krow has strengthened its position on Fiat's advertising roster by winning the pan-European brief to launch a new version of the company's Grande Punto model. It is thought the project is worth more than £15m.

  • RLA Group campaign drives VW Vans' change of attitude

    Thu, 7 Jun 2007

    Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VCV) is taking on market leaders Ford and Vauxhall with a new strategy that aims to move VCV away from the main VW brand.

  • Toyota pulls Prius ad after exaggerating CO2 benefits

    Thu, 7 Jun 2007

    Toyota has been banned from running a television ad for its hybrid Prius car until it removes claims that the vehicle emits less CO2 than an equivalent family car.

  • Hertz signs exclusive deal with Boo.com

    Thu, 24 May 2007

    Boo.com, the shopping site synonymous with the dotcom crash, has signed Hertz as the exclusive car hire advertiser on its site. The site has been relaunched as a travel and social networking site.

  • ASA raps Lexus over low-carbon statement

    Thu, 24 May 2007

    The Advertising Standards Authority has reprimanded car manufacturer Lexus over its claims of low carbon emissions for its SUV hybrid car.

  • Ford launches Mondeo on HDTV

    Thu, 24 May 2007

    Ford is shunning analogue media for the launch of its "cutting edge" new Mondeo model.

  • Renault trials Bluetooth downloads at Metro Centre

    Thu, 24 May 2007

    Renault is to trial Bluetooth downloads for the first time in a dramatic change of strategy for the car marque.

  • Honda targets Formula 1 fans with digital campaign

    Tue, 22 May 2007

    Honda is targeting Formula 1 fans with the latest activity from its Hondamentalism campaign. The car marque has teamed up with Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), Hicklin Slade & Partners and ITV Interactive to provide fans with mobile WAP and websites.

  • Renault to go green with eco2 launch later this year

    Thu, 17 May 2007

    Renault is attempting to steal a march on its European rivals by launching a new range of "green" vehicles that will come close to meeting strict European Commission targets on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, five years before they are introduced.

  • Honda set to appoint Midas to make it a year of digital

    Thu, 17 May 2007

    Honda is poised to reappoint Midas to its 3m digital account following a four-month review.

  • Porsche includes ad business in DM review

    Thu, 17 May 2007

    Porsche has extended its direct marketing review to include its advertising business in a move that could see it put a greater focus on above-the-line activity.

  • Skoda targets schoolkids in Fabia TV ad campaign

    Thu, 17 May 2007

    Skoda is rolling out its new advertising campaign on Nickelodeon UK's preschool channel Nick Jr for the launch of its new Fabia car.

  • Vauxhall goes online to give Corsa a virtual Second Life

    Thu, 17 May 2007

    Vauxhall is the latest brand to launch on virtual world Second Life. The car manufacturer will use the internet-based world to promote its Corsa model.

  • BBH takes new tack with 5m Audi A5 launch ads

    Thu, 10 May 2007

    Audi is putting more than 5m behind the launch of its A5 model with a new-look advertising campaign from Bartle Bogle Hegarty. The ad breaks on May 13.

  • Goodyear rejigs top ranks to bolster consumer focus

    Thu, 10 May 2007

    Goodyear Dunlop has restructured its senior management team in a move that the tyre company says will allow it to focus on consumer marketing and strengthen its brand.

  • Wieden & Kennedy embraces Hondamentalism

    Fri, 4 May 2007

    Wieden & Kennedy has created a new advertising campaign for Honda's Civic Type R that introduces the concept of "Hondamentalism". The new activity breaks at the start of next week.

  • Avis UK puts Reuters' info chief behind the wheel

    Thu, 3 May 2007

    Avis Europe, the car rental company, has appointed Kevin Bradshaw as managing director of Avis UK.

  • Skoda unveils man it wants to rev up motorsport profile

    Thu, 26 Apr 2007

    Skoda has promoted Michal Hrab?k to run its motorsport division. He replaces Martin Muehlmeier, who is returning to Audi after three years at Skoda. Hrab?k, previously a head of sales and marketing for technical development at Skoda, will report to Eckhard Scholz, who is the company's board member for technical development.

  • Arnold and Nitro scoop 80m Volvo account

    Mon, 23 Apr 2007

    Arnold, the Boston-based agency, and London independent Nitro have been appointed to handle the 80m global advertising account for Volvo following a five-month review. The two agencies beat Fallon Worldwide in a final pitch to win the business.

  • Mercedes extends relationship with Ymogen

    Thu, 19 Apr 2007

  • Hybrid: the motor of change?

    Wed, 18 Apr 2007

    A battle for supremacy in the eco-car market is about to ensue between the Toyota-backed hybrid and hydrogen-based fuel systems championed by the likes of BMW. But the real fight will be for the minds of a public that is far from sold on the idea of driving green. By Robert Lester

  • Toyota promotes North American head to board of directors

    Mon, 16 Apr 2007

  • IMG acquires BSI Speedway

    Thu, 12 Apr 2007

  • Green Flag in flux after restructuring

    Thu, 12 Apr 2007

    The future of the Green Flag marketing department is in doubt following a wider restructure at RBS Group. The news follows the departure of the brand's managing director Andy Watson at the start of the year (MW January 11)

  • Nissan plans to prove doubters wrong with luxury marque launch

    Thu, 12 Apr 2007

    Nissan is taking on Toyota-owned Lexus with the launch of its luxury marque Infiniti across Europe next year. The brand is hugely popular in the US, where it was established in 1989, but the UK car industry seems unconvinced that it can replicate that success on this side of the ...

  • The7stars takes offline role for insureyourmotor.com

    Thu, 12 Apr 2007

    The7stars has won the offline media planning and buying for insureyourmotor.com. It will launch the first offline advertising campaign for the site next month.

  • Lexus to launch 'a hybrid for every range' in two years

    Wed, 11 Apr 2007

  • Goodyear Dunlop hands digital brief to McCann-i

    Thu, 5 Apr 2007

    McCann-i, the interactive division of McCann Erickson, has won the digital advertising account for Goodyear Dunlop after a three-way pitch.

  • Honda names motorcycle division general manager

    Thu, 5 Apr 2007

    Honda (UK) has appointed Steve Martindale as general manager of its motorcycles division. He was previously head of company vehicle operations at the Japanese manufacturer.

  • National Express creates sales and marketing role in restructure

    Tue, 3 Apr 2007

  • Euro RSCG loses $150m Volvo business

    Fri, 30 Mar 2007

    Euro RSCG has lost Volvo's $150m (76m) global advertising account after failing to make it through to the final stage of car manufacturer's review...

  • Fingal revamps Superbike Championship branding

    Thu, 29 Mar 2007

  • Motorola hands global role to Jeremy Dale after rejig

    Wed, 28 Mar 2007

    Motorola has promoted Jeremy Dale to its top global marketing role for its handset division. The former Orange marketer replaces Leslie Dance as vice-president of marketing for mobile devices.

  • Dodds exits Honda for Callaway Golf

    Tue, 27 Mar 2007

    Honda UK head of marketing Jeff Dodds is leaving the car manufacturer just a year after taking over from Simon Thompson. Dodds (pictured) is joining Callaway Golf as European marketing director.

  • Toyota raids sister marque for top European marketer

    Thu, 22 Mar 2007

    Toyota has appointed Lexus Europe's general manager for marketing Paul van der Burgh as its new European marketing director. Van der Burgh replaces Jon Williams, who joined Toyota GB as commercial director earlier this year (MW January 18). Van der ...

  • Commercial director exits Kia

    Mon, 19 Mar 2007

  • ING global campaign marks F1 tie-up

    Fri, 16 Mar 2007

  • SMMT warns the Chancellor not to endanger small car companies

    Thu, 15 Mar 2007

  • Bond-based Ford TV ad falls foul of ASA

    Thu, 15 Mar 2007

    Ford is to withdraw the latest TV ad for its Focus Zetec Climate model after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled it was misleading consumers by linking the car with the lastest Bond film Casino Royale. The ASA received two complaints fro...

  • Iveco names managing director

    Tue, 13 Mar 2007

  • Nanjing Autos lures Lotus boss ahead of MG launch

    Thu, 8 Mar 2007

    Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC) (UK) has appointed former Lotus and Volvo marketer Gary Hagan as sales and marketing director as it gears up to launch MG-branded cars across Europe later this year. Hagan joins from Lotus in the US, where he hel...

  • LowCVP targets marcoms sector with new push

    Tue, 6 Mar 2007

  • Honda F1 scraps sponsorship logos

    Mon, 26 Feb 2007

  • Calls for car ads to focus on fuel emissions

    Thu, 22 Feb 2007

    The European Commission is urging car manufacturers to focus on fuel efficiency rather than performance in their advertising as part of its plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions from new cars by 20% within five years. The commission wants to establi...

  • Graffiti backdrop to new Nissan launch

    Thu, 22 Feb 2007

    Nissan has expanded its advertising campaign to promote its latest model, the QASHQAI, with the launch of a new "graffiti box" exhibition site showcasing the product.

  • Harley-Davidson revs up Euro drive with new MD

    Thu, 22 Feb 2007

    Harley-Davidson Europe has promoted its former commercial chief Michael van der Sande to managing director. He will lead the sales, marketing and distribution activities for Harley-Davidson and its Buell motorcycle brand in Europe, the Middle East and ...

  • Porsche principle

    Wed, 21 Feb 2007

    With the door open for Porsche to seize full control of Volkswagen and the luxury brand embarking on a successful diversification programme, the future looks bright for the German icon. But Robert Lester finds emissions controls are casting a cloud over car producers

  • Sekonda strikes two-year sponsorship deal with Subaru rally team

    Fri, 16 Feb 2007

  • Budget's rolls out RSS feed in industry first

    Fri, 16 Feb 2007

  • BSM sponsors E4 youth drama

    Thu, 15 Feb 2007

  • GM pulls robot suicide ad amid welter of protests

    Thu, 15 Feb 2007

    General Motors (GM) has pulled an ad in which a production line robot appears to commit suicide after losing his job with the company following a string of complaints. The ad, which was first shown in front of 93 million people during the Super Bowl...

  • Discovery rolls out automotive TV channel

    Mon, 12 Feb 2007

    Discovery Networks Europe is launching a new motoring entertainment channel aimed at adult men. Discovery Turbo will launch in the UK on Sky and Virgin Media on March 1.

  • ING launching Grand Prix branding campaign

    Fri, 9 Feb 2007

    ING is launching an "on track" branding campaign at 14 of this year's 17 Grand Prix races...

  • Honda revs up hybrid sales strategy with sports model

    Thu, 8 Feb 2007

  • Mercedes strikes Debrett's deal to push latest models

    Thu, 8 Feb 2007

  • Old reliables on the skids

    Thu, 8 Feb 2007

    Mass-market frontrunner Ford and GM are being hemmed in by, on the one side, quality budget brands, and on the other, more attainable high-end marques. Rescue plans are in place, but is that enough to stop the US giants going the way of the British badges? Robert Lester reports.

  • Swiftcover.com in Tiscali motor sponsorship

    Tue, 6 Feb 2007

    Swiftcover.com, the online insurer, is launching an customer acquisition drive with sponsorship of Tiscali.co.uk's motoring portal. The deal will run until the end of February.

  • Audi launches 3m 'visit space' ad

    Thu, 1 Feb 2007

    Audi is launching a 3m ad campaign to back a competition offering one person the chance to go into space as part of a campaign to promote its A6 model.

  • Kia replaces UK chief

    Fri, 26 Jan 2007

  • Campaign of the month: Mercedes

    Thu, 25 Jan 2007

  • Y&R Europe replaces United on 50m Alfa Romeo brief

    Thu, 25 Jan 2007

    Alfa Romeo has ended months of speculation by appointing the Young & Rubicam (Y&R) network to handle its 50m pan-European advertising account. The move finally ends the Italian car marque's 18-year relationship with fellow WPP network United.

  • Iveco signs up to sponsor All Blacks

    Fri, 19 Jan 2007

    Iveco, the commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a four-year international sponsorship deal with New Zealand Rugby Union team the All Blacks.

  • Toyota in Ford alliance talks

    Thu, 18 Jan 2007

    Toyota, the world's second-biggest carmaker, has said it would be open to a partnership with Ford if its US rival offered the right terms...

  • 'Bespoke' start-up TBL scoops Michelin brief

    Thu, 18 Jan 2007

  • New challenge, same goal

    Thu, 18 Jan 2007

    After nine years with the marque, Toyota GB's commercial director Paul Philpott is leaving the company whose fortunes he helped turn around. His new challenge is to reinvigorate Kia - a brand which has many parallels with the Toyota that Philpott joined in 1997. By Robert Lester.

  • Nissan appoints head of global brand marketing

    Thu, 18 Jan 2007

  • VW brand chief exits in restructure

    Fri, 12 Jan 2007

    Head of the Volkswagen brand Wolfgang Bernhard is leaving Europe's biggest carmaker as part of a management restructure.

  • Nexus/h rolls out Suzuki digital work

    Mon, 8 Jan 2007

    Nexus/h has been appointed to develop and launch a new website for Suzuki GB's automobile division following a five-way pitch.

  • Dorna UK picks top marketer

    Fri, 5 Jan 2007

    Dorna UK, the commercial rights holder of the British Superbike Championship, has appointed Colin Clark as head of sales and marketing.

  • Toyota loses Philpott to Kia

    Fri, 5 Jan 2007

    Paul Philpott, one of the car industry's highest-profile marketers, is leaving Toyota GB after more than nine years. Philpott, Toyota's commercial director, is tipped to join Kia UK as managing director next month.

  • Garmin hands Euro account to Fallon

    Thu, 4 Jan 2007

    Garmin, the navigation systems manufacturer, has consolidated its pan-European advertising into Fallon just six months after handing the business to DDB London. Fallon Minneapolis already handles the business in the US.

  • Motor trade body loses top marketer after restructure

    Thu, 4 Jan 2007

  • Lowe poised to take 5m Chevrolet task

    Fri, 22 Dec 2006

    Lowe London is tipped to win Chevrolet's 5m UK advertising business after a three-way pitch. Lowe, which also handles fellow General Motors marques Saab and Vauxhall in the UK, is thought to have beaten Leo Burnett and Luton agency Butterfield Morris Bushell to win the account...

  • Ferrari picks sponsorship chief as top UK marketer

    Thu, 21 Dec 2006

    Ferrari GB is tipped to hand sponsorship chief Al Clarke its top marketing job. He will replace James Pillar, who is leaving the company to join Bentley Motors.

  • VW slammed by ASA over 'low emissions' claim

    Wed, 20 Dec 2006

    Volkswagen has been slammed by the Advertising Standards Authority for running a press ad for the Golf GT TSI which misleadingly implied that the car had 'low emissions'.

  • Skoda launches TV ad for new Roomster MPV

    Wed, 20 Dec 2006

    Skoda is launching a TV campaign to support its recently launched Roomster model, marking its first foray into the people carrier category.

  • Harley-Davidson poaches top marketer from Honda

    Thu, 14 Dec 2006

    Harley-Davidson, the motorcycle manufacturer, has appointed Honda marketer Greg Willis as head of marketing for the UK and Ireland. He takes over from Allan Brownridge, who is moving to run the company's parts, accessories and motorclothes division...

  • Honda ads star robot 'Asimo'

    Mon, 11 Dec 2006

    Honda's much-anticipated new advertising campaign will feature an "advanced humanoid" robot called Asimo. The campaign, created by Wieden & Kennedy, breaks on Friday and is the first activity for which new UK head of marketing Jeff Dodds has been directly responsible...

  • Volvo global creative account up for review

    Fri, 8 Dec 2006

  • Diesel sales down as car market struggles

    Fri, 8 Dec 2006

  • Seat sponsors pop star Shakira

    Thu, 7 Dec 2006

    Seat has signed up pop star Shakira to be its global brand ambassador. The company will sponsor her 2007 European tour as part of the deal.

  • Ford marketing chief and chairman of Volvo retires

    Thu, 7 Dec 2006

    Ford Motor Company's chief marketing officer Hans-Olov Olsson is retiring at the end of this month. It is understood that the company is looking for someone to replace him. Olsson is responsible for developing the corporate marketing strategy fo...

  • WhizzGo appoints Poulters to move the brand to household name status

    Thu, 7 Dec 2006

    Poulters, the Leeds-based agency, has been appointed to handle brand development, advertising and media buying for short-term car hire firm, WhizzGo. It is not clear if the agency pitched for the business, or if there is an incumbent agency. ...

  • Krow snatches £14m Fiat Grande Punto pan-European ad business

    Wed, 6 Dec 2006

  • Toyota chief becomes SMMT president

    Thu, 30 Nov 2006

    Toyota Motor Europe senior vice-president Graham Smith has been named as the next president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

  • Carat wins 2m DVLA media brief

    Thu, 30 Nov 2006

    Carat has won the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) 2m media planning business following a pitch against PHD and incumbent Starcom MediaVest.

  • Ex-Cadillac boss hits out at US 'arrogance'

    Thu, 30 Nov 2006

  • Honda sticks up for drivers of CR-V 4x4

    Thu, 30 Nov 2006

  • US car icons struggle to cross the Atlantic

    Thu, 30 Nov 2006

    US car icons struggle to cross Atlantic

  • Diageo signs F1 champ to promote responsible drinking

    Thu, 23 Nov 2006

    Diageo has appointed double Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen as responsible drinking ambassador for its Johnnie Walker Formula One sponsorship programme. Johnnie Walker is an official partner for Team McLaren Mercedes, and spends more than £2m a year on promoting responsible drinking.

  • Bentley Motors poaches top Ferrari GB marketer

    Thu, 23 Nov 2006

  • Esure recalls surefire Winner 'face'

    Thu, 23 Nov 2006

    Michael Winner is to return as the "face" of Esure in an advertising blitz just 18 months after being dropped from the insurer's advertising. The campaign breaks next month.

  • Audi marketing chief Brotherton returns to Volkswagen

    Tue, 21 Nov 2006

    Audi marketing chief Nigel Brotherton (pictured) has left the company after just a year to return to Volkswagen. Brotherton, who joined Audi as head of marketing in October last year (MW September 15, 2005), left to become head of loyalty at VW earlier this month...

  • BMW launches used car search for mobile

    Tue, 21 Nov 2006

    BMW is launching a mobile phone service that allows customers to search for used cars in what the manufacturer claims is an industry first.

  • JCB hires MCBD as first ad agency

    Mon, 20 Nov 2006

    JCB has appointed Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy to handle its 1m advertising account following a pitch against St Luke's. The agency was appointed after a review overseen by JCB's worldwide marketing director Chris Wright. The company previously handled its advertising in-house.

  • Fixing Volkswagen

    Thu, 16 Nov 2006

    Volkswagen has raided Audi, its brightest star, to replace departing group chief executive Bernd Pischetsrieder, who is stepping down at the end of the year. But Martin Winterkorn, currently head of the luxury brand, has to do more than just sell c...

  • New campaign - Clio Renaultsport 197

    Thu, 16 Nov 2006

    Renault is launching a follow-up to its Twice the Va Va Voom campaign to promote its new Clio Renaultsport 197. The campaign, created by Publicis, once again features Ben and Sophie, the flirtatious characters who argue about the merits of Britain ...

  • A1 Holdings names chief executive

    Mon, 13 Nov 2006

    A1 Grand Prix (A1GP), the World Cup of motor sport, has appointed Pete da Silva (pictured) as the new head of its parent company A1 Holdings. He replaces Bruce Holmes, the acting chief executive who has now moved to a different role in the group.

  • Peugeot appoints former Airbus boss as chief executive

    Wed, 8 Nov 2006

    PSA Peugeot-Citroen has appointed former Airbus boss Christian Streiff as chief executive to replace Jean-Martin Folz, who is retiring in January.

  • DVLA reviews 5.5m account

    Fri, 3 Nov 2006

    The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is reviewing its 5.5m advertising account as part of a campaign to remind people to renew their car tax

  • Door shuts on euro brands

    Thu, 2 Nov 2006

    After Ford's Premier Automotive Group announced pre-tax losses of 316m for the third quarter of 2006 and chief executive Alan Mulally declared poorly performing brands will not be supported, the future looks uncertain for Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover. Robert Lester reports.

  • Fiat revamps logo as brand tries to relive past glories

    Thu, 2 Nov 2006

  • Mercedes picks UK marketing director

    Wed, 1 Nov 2006

  • Honda plans digital review to 'up its game'

    Thu, 26 Oct 2006

  • The possible dream

    Wed, 25 Oct 2006

    Honda marketing chief Jeff Dodds has his work cut out filling the shoes of Simon Thompson, but with a much anticipated ad campaign due to break in December he wants to benchmark the brand, and its advertising, against rivals from beyond the motor industry. By Robert Lester

  • Texaco in child road safety drive

    Mon, 23 Oct 2006

  • Mercedes chief to join BT directories

    Wed, 18 Oct 2006

    Mercedes Car Group UK marketing director Nick Ratcliffe is leaving to join BT. It is understood that Ratcliffe, who has been marketing director at the Daimler Chrysler-owned marque for three years, is joining BT's directories division in a senior role.

  • ING signs as title sponsor for Renault F1 team

    Tue, 17 Oct 2006

    ING, the Dutch financial services company, has signed a three-year title sponsorship deal with the Renault Formula 1 team replacing long-term sponsor cigarette brand Mild Seven.

  • Mazda launches user-generated MX-5 campaign

    Mon, 16 Oct 2006

  • GM takes over Yahoo! site for Corsa launch

    Thu, 12 Oct 2006

    Yahoo! UK & Ireland will hand over its website to Vauxhall Motors for 24 hours on Friday (October 13) as part of a campaign to promote the car manufacturer's relaunched Corsa model.

  • Renault promotes former marketer to top role in UK

    Thu, 12 Oct 2006

  • Dutch bank signs Renault F1 sponsor deal

    Thu, 5 Oct 2006

  • GM creates fictitious pop band to promote relaunched Corsa model

    Thu, 5 Oct 2006

    General Motors(GM) Europe has created a "fake" band to promote its relaunched Vauxhall Corsa model. The band, The C.M.O.N.S, has already built a cult following online and on music network MTV, with two international record labels vying to sign it.

  • New campaign - Renault Scenic

    Thu, 5 Oct 2006

    Renault is introducing its latest people carrier, the Grand Scenic 5 Seat, with a campaign featuring a child's passing fancies.

  • Olympic body begins sponsorship tenders

    Thu, 28 Sep 2006

  • Iveco picks marketing and sales chiefs

    Thu, 28 Sep 2006

  • Maserati chief executive parts company with Fiat

    Thu, 28 Sep 2006

  • Aston Martin and Wakeley launch clothes collection

    Thu, 21 Sep 2006

  • Ex-Toyota boss Moran sets up automotive consultancy

    Thu, 21 Sep 2006

  • Kerr takes over md role as Reid leaves Volvo UK

    Thu, 21 Sep 2006

  • AdConnection wins 5m media for Aquila car launch

    Wed, 20 Sep 2006

    AdConnection has won the 5m media planning and buying account for specialist car marque Aquila, which is launching in the UK.

  • Ex-Toyota boss Moran sets up automotive consultancy

    Wed, 20 Sep 2006

  • BSM leaves the high street

    Thu, 14 Sep 2006

  • Aftersales director takes over running of Kia in UK

    Thu, 14 Sep 2006

    Kia has appointed aftersales director Hamish McCowan to run the marque in the UK following the departure of managing director Paul Williams. McCowan has taken on the new role of operations director until a permanent replacement for Williams is found.

  • Incoming Ford boss urged to deliver on green pledge

    Thu, 14 Sep 2006

    Environmental groups have called on new Ford chief Alan Mulally to deliver on his predecessor's promises to cut fuel emissions.

  • Volkswagen picks Schaller to run commercial division

    Thu, 14 Sep 2006

  • Seat boss steps down

    Tue, 12 Sep 2006

    The president of troubled Spanish car brand Seat is stepping down at the end of the month. Andreas Schleef will be replaced by Audi executive Erich Schmitt...

  • Kia's UK chief quits

    Thu, 31 Aug 2006

    Kia UK's managing director Paul Williams is leaving the company following a period of indefinite leave. It is not thought that he has a job to go to.

  • Karmarama lands 7m Goodyear Fulda work

    Thu, 24 Aug 2006

  • Jaguar and Land Rover sales could 'end brands'

    Thu, 17 Aug 2006

    Ford should consider selling Volvo rather than Jaguar and Land Rover as part of the strategic review of its business, according to a leading automotive analyst.

  • Mazda picks Ford man to oversee global marketing

    Thu, 17 Aug 2006

    Mazda Motor Corporation has appointed Robert Graziano, the president and chief executive of Ford in Southern Africa, to oversee global marketing for the brand.

  • Jaguar moots end of X-Type as Ford hoists 'for sale' sign

    Thu, 10 Aug 2006

    Jaguar has given the clearest indication yet that it will abandon its foray into the mass market with the much-criticised X-Type.

  • Nissan seeks global marketing boss

    Thu, 10 Aug 2006

    Nissan's global marketing chief Steve Wilhite has left to join Hyundai Motor America as chief operating officer.

  • The big cat at bay

    Thu, 10 Aug 2006

    Faced with mounting losses across all of its operations, carmaker Ford has been forced to admit that Jaguar - one of its prestige marques, and certainly among Britain's best-loved brands - has been a failure, and is likely to be sold. What went wrong? By Robert Lester

  • Ex-Ford executive to be chairman of Russian-owned vanmaker LDV

    Thu, 3 Aug 2006

    Former Ford of Europe president Martin Leach has joined troubled commercial vehicle company LDV as chairman, following its acquisition by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.

  • Propaganda wins £2m Car People

    Thu, 3 Aug 2006

    Propaganda, the Leeds-based integrated agency, has won the £2m advertising account for new- and used-car supermarket The Car People.

  • Right car, wrong target for Vauxhall?

    Thu, 27 Jul 2006

    If the extravagance of a car launch offers an insight into its importance to a manufacturer then the roll-out of the new Corsa is crucial to Vauxhall. The car was flown along the River Thames by helicopter last week, before being unveiled to 1

  • Gas-guzzlers flaw Ford's green drive

    Thu, 20 Jul 2006

    Ford Motor Company has emerged as one of the least fuel efficient car manufacturers in the world in the same week it announced a &£1bn investment in greener cars.

  • Jaguar goes online and mobile for launch of XKR

    Thu, 20 Jul 2006

    Jaguar is launching a wide-ranging online and mobile campaign over the next month for its new XKR sports car, which is being officially unveiled at the London Motor Show this week.

  • New campaign - Vauxhall Corsa

    Thu, 20 Jul 2006

    Vauxhall is launching the new Corsa this week with an outdoor campaign on the biggest poster site in Europe.

  • Fiat capitalises on Italian World Cup victory

    Thu, 13 Jul 2006

    Fiat has taken out press ads in four national newspapers using Italy's World Cup Final victory over France to promote its Grande Punto model.

  • TVR marketing boss in sudden exit

    Thu, 13 Jul 2006

    TVR, the embattled sports car maker owned by Russian oligarch Nikolai Smolensky, has parted company with its marketing chief Ian Law.

  • Co-op unveils green car insurance policy

    Thu, 6 Jul 2006

    Co-operative Insurance (CIS) is to underline its "green" credentials with the launch of the UK's first eco-friendly motor policy.

  • Ford sets up development centre for hybrid research

    Thu, 6 Jul 2006

    Ford Motor Company is setting up a centre to spearhead the development of hybrid vehicles.

  • Lexus marketing chief to move over from Toyota GB

    Thu, 6 Jul 2006

    Lexus has appointed Toyota executive Mark Roden as its marketing chief to replace Jan Kidacki, who left last month after two years in the role (MW June 22).

  • Why Ford needs Mazda's zoom zoom

    Thu, 6 Jul 2006

    Ford's decision to poach Mazda's European marketing chief Steve Cootes to run Land Rover in Europe (MW last week) is further evidence of the respect the car giant has for the management team that has masterminded the turnaround of its Japanese

  • InterContinental Hotels links up with Aston Martin Racing

    Thu, 29 Jun 2006

    Luxury hotel brand InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced a $1.8m (£970,000) sponsorship deal with Aston Martin Racing, as the automotive brand returns to the international motorsport circuit.

  • Mazda appoints marketing VP for European operation

    Thu, 29 Jun 2006

    Mazda Motor Europe has appointed Masahiro Moro as vice-president of marketing.

  • ASA slams Mazda over 'fairground thrills' ad

    Thu, 22 Jun 2006

    Mazda has been slammed by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for a press ad that the regulator has ruled was irresponsible and promoted aggressive driving.

  • Saatchi and CHI in pitch battle over Lexus brief

    Thu, 22 Jun 2006

    Lexus is understood to have kicked off an advertising pitch between incumbent Saatchi & Saatchi and Toyota roster agency Clemmow Hornby Inge.

  • Chevrolet aims for traction in difficult European market

    Thu, 15 Jun 2006

    Chevrolet UK has promoted sales director Rory Harvey to managing director following the departure of Andy Carroll (MW last week). But it is likely to be a tough nut for any managing director to crack.

  • Nissan seeks to focus UK customers on 'adventure'

    Thu, 15 Jun 2006

    Nissan is underlining its "adventure" credentials in an integrated campaign to promote its range of 4x4 motors.

  • Chevrolet promotes sales director to top role in UK

    Thu, 8 Jun 2006

    Chevrolet UK has promoted sales director Rory Harvey to managing director following the departure of Andy Carroll. Harvey will be responsible for the Chevrolet brand in the UK, as it no longer has a marketing director.

  • Marqued credit cards

    Thu, 8 Jun 2006

    BMW (MW last week) and Audi are the latest car companies to move into mainstream financial services, with the launch of branded credit cards. Given the difficulties facing the car industry, financial services is becoming increasingly attractive to manufacturers looking for new revenue streams.

  • Volkswagen tries Audi-branded credit card

    Thu, 8 Jun 2006

    Audi is launching a branded credit card just weeks after rival BMW unveiled a host of financial services products.

  • Dodge sponsors Times podcasts to support Caliber launch

    Thu, 1 Jun 2006

    Times Newspapers Limited (TNL) has signed a six-figure sponsorship deal with car brand Dodge Caliber - which will become sole sponsor of its featured Baddiel and Skinner World Cup podcasts.

  • New campaign - Citroën C4

    Thu, 1 Jun 2006

    Citroën is about to launch a summer campaign for its C4 model, following up the successful "Transformer" ad.

  • Vauxhall small car marketer to take the reins at Saab GB

    Thu, 1 Jun 2006

    Saab GB has appointed Vauxhall marketer David Pugh as marketing director to replace Parveen Batish, who is joining Saab Australia as managing director.

  • Honda unveils interactive TV service

    Thu, 25 May 2006

    Car marque Honda is introducing an interactive television service with broadband TV provider Homechoice.

  • New Campaign - Nissan Micra

    Thu, 18 May 2006

    Cunning is staging a series of guerrilla fashion shows across the UK to showcase Nissan's new Micra C+C.

  • Toyota - too many agencies and too few brands?

    Thu, 18 May 2006

    Toyota continues to go from strength to strength on the world stage but, after 13 years of consecutive sales growth, the brand has had a difficult start to 2006 in the UK.

  • Engineering a recovery

    Thu, 11 May 2006

    Mercedes-Benz would have returned to profit in the first quarter of this year had it not been trying to fix its small car business Smart. The iconic but troubled spin-off marque, which has consistently been in the red since its launch in 1998,

  • Smart head loses job as marque integrates

    Thu, 11 May 2006

    Smart UK managing director Jeremy Simpson has seen his role axed as part of the integration of the marque into Mercedes Car Group.

  • Toyota gears up for a top-level European management reshuffle

    Thu, 11 May 2006

    Toyota GB's long-serving managing director Graham Smith, one of the men credited with the marque's unprecedented sales growth over the past decade, is thought to be considering a new role with Toyota Europe.

  • Hertz seeks agency for online push

    Thu, 27 Apr 2006

    Hertz Rent-A-Car, the global car rental company, is on the hunt for a creative digital agency as it seeks to ramp its online marketing presence.

  • Mercedes plugs into mobile portal to raise model profiles

    Thu, 20 Apr 2006

    Mercedes-Benz is launching a mobile portal and individual WAP sites for all of its car models as part of an integrated campaign to support advertising and branding activity throughout 2006.

  • Moto on a new road

    Thu, 20 Apr 2006

    Catering giant Compass has completed the sale of its travel concessions business, in a deal that sees Australian bank Macquarie become the new owner of motorway service station brand Moto.

  • Mustoes loses out in £25m Kia launch pitch

    Thu, 13 Apr 2006

    Kia is understood to have appointed Greek agency Breakfast to handle the £25m pan-European launch of its Sedona MPV model.

  • New Campaigns - Suzuki SX4

    Thu, 13 Apr 2006

    Nexus/h has created a pan-European campaign for new Suzuki model SX4 aimed at showing the vehicle's "split personality" and versatility.

  • Nokia launches £800 Aston Martin phone

    Thu, 13 Apr 2006

    Aston Martin has teamed up with Nokia to launch a branded mobile phone costing more than &£800.

  • Hybrid cars not as green as claimed, says survey

    Thu, 6 Apr 2006

    Petrol-electric hybrid vehicles are not as environmentally friendly as they are claimed to be, according to a new survey.

  • New Campaign - Alfa Romeo Brera

    Thu, 6 Apr 2006

    Alfa Romeo's first TV campaign for its Brera model breaks this week ahead of the car's weekend launch. The ad is Krow's first work for the marque since its appointment to handle the Brera launch earlier this year (MW February 9).

  • Maserati picks marketing chief after Ferrari split

    Thu, 30 Mar 2006

    Maserati GB has appointed Toyota marketer Mike Biscoe as head of marketing as part of the creation of a new management team.

  • Car sales at the crossroads

    Thu, 23 Mar 2006

    March sales figures for the UK car industry will be released within days - and after two years of falling demand and a bad start to 2006, marketers are anxiously waiting to see whether the new registration has re-ignited the market or if the sector is running on empty. By Robert Lester

  • Fiat poised to hand £3.5m brief to Krow after Leo Burnett split

    Thu, 23 Mar 2006

    Fiat is tipped to appoint Krow, the start-up launched last year by the former D'Arcy team of Barry Cook, Nick Hastings, John Quarrey and Malcolm White, to its &£3.5m UK advertising business after the car manufacturer parted company with incumbent Leo Burnett London.

  • Volvo moves Walder to top marketer

    Thu, 23 Mar 2006

    Car manufacturer Volvo has promoted Paul Walder to head of marketing communications, following the departure of sales and marketing director Simon Munn.

  • Nissan UK chief to leave for US post

    Thu, 16 Mar 2006

    Nissan Motor Company (GB) managing director Bill Bosley is leaving to take up a senior marketing role in the US as part of a wider management restructure at the company.

  • Volkswagen teams up with David Beckham Academy

    Thu, 9 Mar 2006

    Volkswagen has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the David Beckham Academy.

  • AA unveils TV ads that show 'caring' side of patrols

    Thu, 2 Mar 2006

    Delaney Lund Knox Warren & Partners is to launch a television campaign for the AA this week.

  • Mercedes sets up integrated ad team

    Thu, 2 Mar 2006

    Shop, formerly known as Campbell Doyle Dye, has strengthened its grip on Mercedes-Benz's &£13m advertising account with the formation of a joint agency- client business unit.

  • Renault UK recalls Bouvier to lead the marketing team

    Thu, 2 Mar 2006

    Renault UK has appointed Emmanuel Bouvier as its new marketing director. He replaces Olivier Généreux, who becomes marketing director for the Asia and Africa region.

  • Jaguar axes UK marketing chief role in restructure

    Thu, 23 Feb 2006

    Jaguar, the beleaguered luxury car maker, has axed its UK marketing director role as part of a management restructure.

  • New Campaign - Toyota RAV4

    Thu, 23 Feb 2006

    Saatchi & Saatchi has created a pan-European advertising campaign for the launch of the new Toyota RAV4.

  • Y&R tipped to win £34m Hitachi Digital business

    Thu, 23 Feb 2006

    Hitachi Digital Media Group is poised to appoint the Y&R Network to its estimated â¬50m (£34m) advertising business for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

  • Alfa Romeo picks ex-Fiat man as managing director

    Thu, 16 Feb 2006

    Alfa Romeo UK has appointed Christopher Nicoll as managing director, completing its new management team.

  • In-car phone system is first fruit of Fiat-Microsoft tie-up

    Thu, 16 Feb 2006

    Fiat Auto and Microsoft will launch an in-car communication and entertainment (ICE) system at the end of the month - the first product to emerge since they signed a partnership deal in 2004.

  • Nothing backward in Krow's win of Alfa Romeo

    Thu, 16 Feb 2006

    Krow, the communications agency set up last year by a group of former D'Arcy and BMP bosses, has clinched Alfa as a major client (MW last week). It will handle the launch of the Alfa Romeo Brera, on the back of what the shop's founders claims is a "new attitude to advertising".

  • Alfa Romeo appoints Krow for Brera launch

    Thu, 9 Feb 2006

    Krow, the start-up launched last year by former D'Arcy chiefs Barry Cook and Nick Hastings, has been chosen to handle the launch of the Alfa Romeo Brera.

  • Campaign reinforces Daihatsu's Japanese credentials

    Thu, 9 Feb 2006

    Car maker Daihatsu is underlining its Japanese credentials in a Manga-inspired campaign for its Charade and Sirion models.

  • Honda uses Codemasters tie-up to showcase latest Civic range

    Thu, 9 Feb 2006

    In a first for both the car and video games industries, Honda is to showcase its latest car launch, it's eighth-generation Civic, in a computer game.

  • Audi launch to catch web users with integrated drive

    Thu, 2 Feb 2006

    Audi is to launch an integrated digital campaign involving a video podcast to back up the BBH-created television ads for its new RS4 model, which casts the RS4 as a spider, devouring other cars.

  • Ford promotes UK MD to European marketing role

    Thu, 2 Feb 2006

    Ford of Britain managing director Paul Thomas has been promoted to vice-president of marketing at Ford of Europe.

  • Piaggio trawls Europe for agency to launch scooter

    Thu, 2 Feb 2006

    Italian scooter manufacturer Piaggio is holding a pan-European pitch for the multi-million pound launch of a new three-wheel scooter.

  • US motor manufacturers face fierce international competition

    Thu, 2 Feb 2006

    American consumer tastes are changing - with many shying away from the gas guzzlers, the big three appear positioned at the wrong end of the market

  • £2m SsangYong win for Electric

    Thu, 26 Jan 2006

    Korean car manufacturer SsangYong has appointed Electric to handle its £2m UK advertising account, ahead of the launch of the company's new sports utility vehicle.

  • Alfa Romeo pitch for car launch a blow to United

    Thu, 19 Jan 2006

    Alfa Romeo is holding a pitch to find an agency to handle the launch of its new Brera model. The news will come as a blow to United, which handles the company's advertising across Europe.

  • Toyota's new GB chairman faces UK growth challenge

    Thu, 19 Jan 2006

    Toyota GB has appointed Shimpei Kobayashi as chairman. He will be responsible for all sales and marketing activity for the Toyota and Lexus marques in the UK.

  • Dunlop plans youth range of clothing and merchandise

    Thu, 12 Jan 2006

    Dunlop Tyres is launching a clothing and merchandise range in an attempt to increase the brand's appeal to young people.

  • Future of X-Type in doubt as Jaguar moots withdrawal from US market

    Thu, 12 Jan 2006

    Jaguar is poised to axe its mass-market X-Type model in the US, throwing the much-criticised car's UK future into doubt.

  • Jaguar hopes to turn the corner with the launch of its new XK model

    Thu, 12 Jan 2006

    Such is the importance of Jaguar's new XK model to the company that its website describes the car as "The Future of Jaguar". Many observers think the manufacturer's financial problems are so serious that the XK and the new S-Type, launching in 2008, must be an unmitigated success to stop the wheels coming off.

  • Zinc picks up £2m Proton business

    Thu, 5 Jan 2006

    Zinc has won the £2m advertising business for Proton Cars (UK) and will create the marque's first television advertising campaign to boost its appeal to younger drivers.

  • Mercedes names global branding supremo

    Thu, 15 Dec 2005

    Mercedes Car Group has appointed BBDO Germany chief executive Olaf Göttgens to the new position of worldwide head of branding and marketing communications.

  • Proton rethinks £2m advertising business

    Thu, 15 Dec 2005

    Proton Cars (UK) is reviewing its £2m advertising account ahead of a major marketing push next year to increase the marque's appeal to younger drivers.

  • Ford advertising cuts anger gay rights groups

    Thu, 8 Dec 2005

    Gay rights groups have slammed Ford Motor Company's decision to cut advertising in gay publications in the US, accusing the car giant of "endorsing prejudice and discrimination".

  • Hyundai appoints Corporate Edge to grow in Europe

    Thu, 8 Dec 2005

    Hyundai Motor Europe is looking to build on its recent sales success by improving its brand image across Europe.

  • Troubled Peugeot UK parachutes in boss from France

    Thu, 8 Dec 2005

    Peugeot Motor Company has appointed French executive Pierre Louis Colin as UK managing director, just weeks after UK chief Christian Geraud moved in the opposite direction.

  • Mazda seeks partners for models' community sites

    Thu, 1 Dec 2005

    Mazda is talking to major hotel chains and other leisure-related brands, with a view to making them marketing partners for its existing MX-5 community website and planned RX-8 site, as part of a major relaunch of its online activities from April next year.

  • Mercedes and Smart face marketing redundancies

    Thu, 1 Dec 2005

    Marketing jobs at Mercedes-Benz and Smart could be at risk after parent company DaimlerChrysler announced it is to make 130 UK staff redundant out of a total slightly above 850.

  • New Campaign - Honda

    Thu, 1 Dec 2005

    Wieden & Kennedy's much-anticipated follow-up to the multi-award winning Honda "Grrr" campaign breaks on Friday. "Impossible Dream" features past and present Honda products, including the very first Super Cub C100 bike produced in 1958 and a H

  • SRO seeks £1m sponsor for non-professional car racing

    Thu, 24 Nov 2005

    Motor sport promoter the Stephane Ratel Organisation (SRO) is set to launch a non-professional series next season and is looking for a top-line sponsor.

  • Honda UK snatches back Ramsey to run car division

    Thu, 17 Nov 2005

    Honda UK has appointed Ewan Ramsey as general manager of cars. He will report to Honda UK group managing director Ken Kier, who is also executive vice-president of Honda Europe, but will oversee the day-to-day running of the car division.

  • Alfa Romeo looks at below-the-line shops

    Thu, 10 Nov 2005

    Alfa Romeo is in talks with direct marketing agencies about its below-the-line account.

  • Hyundai Motor UK appoints Toyota GB supremo as managing director

    Thu, 10 Nov 2005

    Hyundai Motor UK has appointed Toyota GB operations director Tony Whitehorn as its new managing director.

  • MG Rover chief lands top UK job at Harley-Davidson

    Thu, 3 Nov 2005

    Former MG Rover European marketing chief Paul Stroud has joined Harley-Davidson as UK managing director. He takes over from Mike Kennedy, who is moving to the company's US division.

  • New Campaign: Suzuki 4x4 Grand Vitara

    Thu, 3 Nov 2005

    Suzuki Automobiles is launching its first global television ad campaign for its flagship 4x4 Grand Vitara model.

  • Vauxhall/ The car in front is a Toyota

    Thu, 3 Nov 2005

    General Motors might consider using Mark Twain's famous line "rumours of my demise are greatly exaggerated" as its new strapline. Amid well-publicised financial problems, the once-mighty company is about to be overtaken by Toyota as the world's biggest car maker.

  • Will Vauxhall's collective thinking pay dividends?

    Thu, 3 Nov 2005

    Vauxhall's decision to use four people with no advertising experience to create a cinema campaign (MW last week) represents a "new way of thinking", according to marketing experts.

  • Vauxhall hires collective to create 'hip' ad campaign

    Thu, 27 Oct 2005

    Vauxhall has chosen four people with no advertising experience between them to create its latest campaign.

  • Jaguar ready to pounce

    Thu, 20 Oct 2005

    Jaguar has struggled since it launched the disappointing X-Type in 2000. Can a 'Gorgeous' ad campaign revive the brand's fortunes? By Rob Lester

  • Incoming Bentley boss quits for US Kia job

    Thu, 13 Oct 2005

    Bentley Motors is looking for a global marketing chief after the unexpected resignation of Len Hunt, three weeks before he was due to start the job.

  • Orchestrating Virgin's rebirth

    Thu, 13 Oct 2005

    Fru Hazlitt, the new chief executive of Virgin Radio, enjoys working for companies that have been through a tough time. In which case, heading Virgin must be her dream job.

  • Planning for a greener future

    Thu, 13 Oct 2005

    As petrol prices continue to soar, the demand for economical, environmentally friendly cars grows. Sales of diesel vehicles are on the rise, but some in the industry claim petrol/electric hybrid cars - not diesel - hold the long-term solution for greener motoring, says Ian McCawley

  • Renault axes Thierry Henry for new Clio TV campaign

    Thu, 13 Oct 2005

    Arsenal footballer Thierry Henry has been ditched as the face of the Renault Clio ads, after a three-year hunt for the meaning of "Va Va Voom".

  • Oil giants in talks over green diesel fuel roll-out

    Thu, 6 Oct 2005

    A new diesel-altering product that claims to reduce motorists' harmful emissions and cut fuel consumption is to be launched to consumers.

  • Rolls-Royce appoints BMW executive as top marketer

    Thu, 6 Oct 2005

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has appointed BMW sales director Graeme Grieve as its marketing chief. Grieve replaces Howard Mosher, who left the luxury car marque at the end of April to move to BMW North America (MW March 31), as sales and marketing director.

  • It's a Mini brand adventure

    Thu, 29 Sep 2005

    When BMW-owned Mini unveiled a "stretched" concept car at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show, it opened the floodgates for the brand's enthusiasts to speculate that it is about to extend its range to include weird and wonderful new models.

  • New Campaigns: Volkswagen

    Thu, 29 Sep 2005

    Rla group has created a £1.5m television campaign for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VCV) featuring the strapline: "Apparently, Volkswagen also make cars".

  • Bentley appoints Volkswagen man as global marketer

    Thu, 22 Sep 2005

    Bentley Motors has appointed the head of Volkswagen's North American operations, Len Hunt, as global sales and marketing director.

  • Audi appoints Volkswagen boss to head UK marketing

    Thu, 15 Sep 2005

    Audi has appointed Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles marketer Nigel Brotherton as head of UK marketing.

  • CarLand reviews £4m ad account held by McCann

    Thu, 8 Sep 2005

    CarLand, the used-car supermarket, is reviewing its £4m advertising account held by McCann Erickson Birmingham.

  • TVR marketing chief quits after six months

    Thu, 8 Sep 2005

    TVR, the Lancashire sports car maker with international expansion plans following its &£15m takeover by Russian millionaire Nikolai Smolenski, has parted company with marketing chief Phil James less than six months after he was appointed.

  • Alfa Romeo UK chief quits to take up Kia post in Spain

    Thu, 1 Sep 2005

    Alfa Romeo UK chief José Garvia has left the business less than four months after he was appointed to run the marque in the UK.

  • Analysis - Fiat's Grande Punto is out to make a big point

    Thu, 1 Sep 2005

    Fiat is gearing up for what is perhaps the most important launch in its 106-year history. The new Punto will be formally unveiled next week and many experts say it is the car on which Fiat's survival may rest.

  • BBH wins £6m European Dunlop advertising task

    Thu, 1 Sep 2005

    Bartle Bogle Hegarty has been handed the £6m Dunlop Tyres European advertising account.

  • Ford poised to renew its £30m Champions League sponsorship

    Thu, 1 Sep 2005

    Ford is understood to be close to renewing its £30m sponsorship deal with the UEFA Champions League, despite industry speculation that their 13-year association was about to come to an end.

  • Ex-Rover man lands Seat marketing role

    Thu, 25 Aug 2005

    Former MG Rover marketing director Steve Robertson has joined the marketing team at Seat.

  • Inchcape picks BLM for media business

    Thu, 25 Aug 2005

    Car dealership giant Inchcape UK has appointed BLM Media to handle its planning and buying. It is not clear whether the appointment followed a full-blown pitch.

  • RAC marketers laid off as Aviva slashes department

    Wed, 17 Aug 2005

  • RAC marketers laid off as Aviva slashes department

    Wed, 17 Aug 2005

  • HPS scoops £5m BMW dealers' brief

    Thu, 11 Aug 2005

    BMW has appointed HPS Marketing to its £5m dealership marketing account.

  • HPS scoops £5m BMW dealers' brief

    Thu, 11 Aug 2005

    BMW has appointed HPS Marketing to its £5m dealership marketing account.

  • Lucky break

    Thu, 11 Aug 2005

    MG is to be resurrected with the help of its Chinese buyer and GB Sports. But should they be thinking beyond the sports league? asks Robert Lester

  • Lucky break

    Thu, 11 Aug 2005

    MG is to be resurrected with the help of its Chinese buyer and GB Sports. But should they be thinking beyond the sports league? asks Robert Lester

  • Saffirio Tortelli Vigoriti to handle Fiat Punto launch

    Thu, 11 Aug 2005

  • Fiat appoints marketing director

    Thu, 4 Aug 2005

    Fiat Auto has appointed Steve Norman as marketing director for the Fiat brand. He replaces Massimo Farao, who moves to a role in Fiat Auto's product portfolio management department.

  • Nanjing seeks marketer to relaunch MG marque

    Thu, 4 Aug 2005

  • Which? poll condemns Mercedes as 'unreliable'

    Thu, 4 Aug 2005

    Mercedes-Benz's faltering reputation has been dealt a new blow with the news that its cars are some of the least reliable on the road, according to a survey conducted by consumer group Which?.

  • Which? poll condemns Mercedes as 'unreliable'

    Thu, 4 Aug 2005

    Mercedes-Benz's faltering reputation has been dealt a new blow with the news that its cars are some of the least reliable on the road, according to a survey conducted by consumer group Which?.

  • Ford appoints Odell as its European marketing head

    Thu, 28 Jul 2005

  • Hyundai Car UK promotes finance director to top job

    Thu, 28 Jul 2005

  • Nanjing Automobile Corporation buys MG Rover

    Thu, 28 Jul 2005

    Nanjing Automobile Corporation has bought MG Rover for £50m. Rival bidder Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, which owns the intellectual property rights to the Rover 25, 75 and the K-series engine, has threatened legal action but admini

  • Alfa Romeo gives global launch to Armando Testa

    Thu, 21 Jul 2005

  • BSM appoints ex-Hyundai head as managing director

    Thu, 21 Jul 2005

  • Lexus signs up to sport sponsorship deals

    Thu, 21 Jul 2005

  • Lexus signs up to sport sponsorship deals

    Thu, 21 Jul 2005

  • Job axe falls on RAC commercial chief

    Thu, 7 Jul 2005

  • Suzuki GB picks chief for corporate and car arm

    Thu, 7 Jul 2005

    Suzuki GB has drafted in Takanori Suzuki as managing director of its automobiles and corporate operations division.

  • Suzuki GB picks chief for corporate and car arm

    Thu, 7 Jul 2005

    Suzuki GB has drafted in Takanori Suzuki as managing director of its automobiles and corporate operations division.

  • Volkswagen boss to take helm at Audi UK

    Thu, 7 Jul 2005

  • WPP agencies win £20m Michelin media business

    Thu, 7 Jul 2005

    Tyre manufacturer Michelin has split its £20m European media planning and buying account between Mediaedge:CIA and WPP Group affiliate KR Media.

  • Alfa Romeo appoints UK marketing chief

    Thu, 30 Jun 2005

  • BMW invites pitches for Mini media planning business

    Thu, 30 Jun 2005

  • Car owners' disappointment costs manufacturers 'up to £25bn in sales'

    Thu, 30 Jun 2005

  • Hyundai Car UK chief quits after Euro group takeover

    Thu, 16 Jun 2005

  • Hyundai Car UK chief quits after Euro group takeover

    Thu, 16 Jun 2005

  • Volvo picks chief to fill Olsson's shoes

    Thu, 16 Jun 2005

    Volvo has appointed Fredrik Arp as group chief executive. Arp replaces Hans-Olov Olsson, who becomes group chairman.

  • Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO wins £11m RAC account without pitch

    Thu, 9 Jun 2005

  • Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO wins £11m RAC account without pitch

    Thu, 9 Jun 2005

  • CMW and Starcom repitch for Porsche advertising and media business

    Thu, 2 Jun 2005

    Porsche is reviewing its advertising and media planning and buying accounts for its dealership business.

  • Honda plans 'true stories' ad campaign through Zip TV

    Thu, 2 Jun 2005

  • Why Fiat remains stalled

    Thu, 2 Jun 2005

    The fortunes of Fiat's car division have gone from bad to worse. Quality issues and an inward-looking culture haven't helped, says Robert Lester

  • Why Fiat remains stalled

    Thu, 2 Jun 2005

    The fortunes of Fiat's car division have gone from bad to worse. Quality issues and an inward-looking culture haven't helped, says Robert Lester

  • Land Rover promotes UK sales chief to global role

    Thu, 26 May 2005

    Land Rover UK sales director Julian Whitehead has been promoted to global brand communications director following a restructure at the Ford-owned marque.

  • Audi living in the fast lane

    Thu, 19 May 2005

    Once considered a poor relation to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi is now outperforming its Teutonic counterparts in the UK.

  • Kevin Rose swaps Audi for VW Germany role

    Wed, 11 May 2005

    Audi UK director to take a senior marketing position at Volkswagen's German headquarters

  • Kevin Rose swaps Audi for VW Germany role

    Wed, 11 May 2005

    Audi UK director to take a senior marketing position at Volkswagen's German headquarters

  • Fiat picks third managing director

    Thu, 28 Apr 2005

  • £330M review nears as WPP buys into Fiat media

    Thu, 21 Apr 2005

    WPP Group-owned Red Cell is understood to have bought a 49 per cent stake in the Turin-based Fiat Media Centre (MW last week).

  • £330M review nears as WPP buys into Fiat media

    Thu, 21 Apr 2005

    WPP Group-owned Red Cell is understood to have bought a 49 per cent stake in the Turin-based Fiat Media Centre (MW last week).

  • Rover crisis hangs over marketers

    Wed, 6 Apr 2005

    The future of MG Rover's 150-strong marketing department is in doubt following claims the struggling car marque is just days away from going bust.

  • TVR picks first full-time marketing chief

    Tue, 5 Apr 2005

  • Can Mercedes' star shine brightly again?

    Thu, 24 Mar 2005

    Mercedes-Benz has suffered a massive drop in profits as ageing models and reliability worries hit sales. New management and a range revamp could be the key to recovery. By Robert Lester

  • MG Rover signs Web-tracking deal

    Thu, 24 Mar 2005

  • AA Insurance embarks on £10m relaunch blitz

    Thu, 10 Mar 2005

    AA Insurance is being relaunched as an autonomous business as it embarks on a heavyweight &£10m advertising campaign.

  • Miles Calcraft beats three to £6m Subaru business

    Thu, 10 Mar 2005

  • Miles Calcraft beats three to £6m Subaru business

    Thu, 10 Mar 2005

  • Renault links with Classic FM to fund travel programme

    Tue, 22 Feb 2005

    Classic FM, the GWR-owned commercial radio station, is launching a new series of advertiser-funded programming with Renault's flagship brand, Renault Espace. The series, Classic Journeys, will start on March 5.

  • Breakdown or recovery?

    Thu, 10 Feb 2005

    Rover and Fiat are casting around for the buyer, partner or cash to prevent them from going under.

  • Kawasaki in European ad agency review

    Thu, 10 Feb 2005

    Motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki is reviewing its European advertising account, which is handled by Publicis.

  • Suzuki seeks motorbike marketer

    Thu, 10 Feb 2005

  • Troubled Rover unveils ad offensive

    Thu, 3 Feb 2005

  • Troubled Rover unveils ad offensive

    Thu, 3 Feb 2005

  • BMW loses Mini marketing chief

    Thu, 13 Jan 2005

    Mini general manager Trevor Houghton-Berry has left the BMW-owned small car brand after four years. It is not known if he has a job to go to.

  • Fiat UK chief exits after just two years

    Thu, 13 Jan 2005

    Fiat Auto UK managing director Massimo Toso is to leave the company after two years. It is not known whether he has a job to got to.

  • Renault promotes Euro brand boss to global role

    Thu, 6 Jan 2005

  • Renault promotes Euro brand boss to global role

    Thu, 6 Jan 2005

  • Shell to review £100m media

    Thu, 6 Jan 2005

    Oil giant Shell is to review its global media planning and buying account, worth more than $200m (£106m), in an attempt to consolidate its roster.

  • Shell to review £100m media

    Thu, 6 Jan 2005

    Oil giant Shell is to review its global media planning and buying account, worth more than $200m (£106m), in an attempt to consolidate its roster.

  • Will UK drivers fancy Ford's plain Focus?

    Thu, 6 Jan 2005

    Replacing the UK's top-selling car was never going to be easy for Ford, and the new Focus has received mixed reviews. So will the company lose the hatchback crown to a rival? asks Lucy Barrett

  • St Luke's beats three to £21m MG Rover account

    Wed, 5 Jan 2005

  • Ford Europe boss takes global role

    Wed, 15 Dec 2004

    Ford of Europe has promoted vice-president of marketing Murat Yalman to a new position, overseeing marketing services for all the car manufacturer's brands globally.

  • Car giants' ménage à trois may end in tears

    Thu, 9 Dec 2004

    The similarities between the three city cars produced in a joint venture between Citroën, Peugeot and Toyota are striking, but will consumers care, if they offer value for money? By John Stones

  • Golley Direct beats three to take Mitsubishi UK account

    Thu, 2 Dec 2004

    Mitsubishi Motors UK has appointed Golley Direct to its multi-million pound direct marketing account after a four-way pitch against undisclosed agencies.

  • Peugeot UK chief handed corporate relations role

    Wed, 1 Dec 2004

    Peugeot UK marketing director Jon Goodman has been given a new role, at PSA Peugeot Citroën's London office, to be responsible for corporate and external relations for the group. He will be replaced by director of dealer development Andy Sutton, who has spent his entire career with the company.

  • Peugeot UK chief handed corporate relations role

    Wed, 1 Dec 2004

    Peugeot UK marketing director Jon Goodman has been given a new role, at PSA Peugeot Citroën's London office, to be responsible for corporate and external relations for the group. He will be replaced by director of dealer development Andy Sutton, who has spent his entire career with the company.

  • Cadillac Corvette Europe seeks UK sales and marketing director

    Thu, 25 Nov 2004

    Cadillac Corvette Europe is looking for a UK sales and marketing director following General Motors'' decision to launch the luxury marques in the UK.

  • Runnacles bows out at troubled Jaguar

    Thu, 4 Nov 2004

    Beleaguered car marque loses global marketing chief as he opts for voluntary redundancy

  • Daihatsu UK appoints marketer to chief role

    Thu, 28 Oct 2004

  • Fiat appoints global marketing head

    Thu, 28 Oct 2004

  • Fiat appoints global marketing head

    Thu, 28 Oct 2004

  • Ferrari Maserati picks UK chief

    Wed, 27 Oct 2004

    Ferrari has promoted Andrea Antonnicola to Ferrari Maserati UK's first sales and marketing director after taking control of its UK distribution.

  • Net is 'most vital' tool for car buyers

    Thu, 14 Oct 2004

    The internet is now the most important source of information for UK consumers looking for a new car. One in three British adults who have bought a car in the past six months have gone online to aid the decision-making process, according to new research.

  • AA and HBOS joint venture under threat

    Wed, 6 Oct 2004

  • Volkswagen appoints sales chief

    Wed, 6 Oct 2004

  • Honda's Zip TV ad gives viewers chance to star

    Thu, 30 Sep 2004

  • Honda's Zip TV ad gives viewers chance to star

    Thu, 30 Sep 2004

  • Crushed under the weight of car giants

    Thu, 23 Sep 2004

    Jaguar and Saab's luxury values have been tainted by their link to Ford and GM.

  • Jaguar wields axe on marketing operations

    Wed, 22 Sep 2004

    Luxury car maker Jaguar is making marketing redundancies as part of a radical turnaround plan, announced last week.

  • Jaguar wields axe on marketing operations

    Wed, 22 Sep 2004

    Luxury car maker Jaguar is making marketing redundancies as part of a radical turnaround plan, announced last week.

  • A&L ends sponsorship of Car Price index

    Thu, 16 Sep 2004

    Alliance & Leicester has terminated its five-year sponsorship of the Car Price Index (CPI) but has denied that the move is connected with a legal spat with Renault earlier this year.

  • A&L ends sponsorship of Car Price index

    Thu, 16 Sep 2004

    Alliance & Leicester has terminated its five-year sponsorship of the Car Price Index (CPI) but has denied that the move is connected with a legal spat with Renault earlier this year.

  • Lowe loses £17m Saab to Leagas

    Thu, 16 Sep 2004

  • Ford appoints Euro marketing supremo

    Wed, 15 Sep 2004

    Ford Motor Company has moved European marketing chief Earl Hesterberg to take charge of marketing across North America.

  • Driving SUVs off the road

    Thu, 9 Sep 2004

    Concerns about pollution and the harm they cause in road accidents is sparking a revolt against SUVs.

  • MG Rover picks former Kia chief for top UK role

    Thu, 9 Sep 2004

    MG Rover has appointed former Kia marketing director Guy Jones as its top UK marketer.

  • Fiat appoints heir as head of promotion

    Wed, 8 Sep 2004

    Fiat Auto has promoted the heir to the dynasty controlling a third of the Fiat empire, Lapo Elkann, to head of brand promotion for all its brands. Elkann is the grandson of the late Gianni Agnelli.The appointment is part of a fundamental restructure of the Fiat Auto's loss-making business unveiled last week, which sees power centralised under new chief executive Herbert Demel. The three marques, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia will lose operational independence and be run as marketing divisions ...

  • GM appoints global marketing supremo

    Thu, 19 Aug 2004

  • Vauxhall picks DLKW for Vectra

    Thu, 19 Aug 2004

  • OFT pushes Peugeot into dealer U-turn

    Thu, 12 Aug 2004

    The Office of Fair Trading has forced Peugeot into a climbdown, intervening in a corporate branding dispute between the manufacturer and its dealers.

  • Kia ends five- month hunt for marketer

    Thu, 5 Aug 2004

  • Korean car marques plan new world order

    Thu, 5 Aug 2004

    Korean marques are aggressively shaking off their cheap image to take on the more established names.

  • Mitsubishi UK to choose dm agency

    Thu, 5 Aug 2004

  • TVR embarks on marketing review

    Thu, 5 Aug 2004

  • TVR embarks on marketing review

    Thu, 5 Aug 2004

  • £330m review of marketing starts at Fiat

    Wed, 4 Aug 2004

    Fiat Auto is conducting a fundamental pan-European review of its marketing and advertising for its Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia marques as part of its strategy to return to profit. It has an estimated pan-European ad budget of &£330m.

  • Volkswagen picks Commercial Vehicles chief after reshuffle

    Thu, 29 Jul 2004

  • Volkswagen picks Commercial Vehicles chief after reshuffle

    Thu, 29 Jul 2004

  • Hyundai considers luxury marque launch

    Wed, 28 Jul 2004

    Korean car company Hyundai Motor Company is considering launching a luxury marque as part of a move upmarket.

  • Hyundai considers luxury marque launch

    Wed, 28 Jul 2004

    Korean car company Hyundai Motor Company is considering launching a luxury marque as part of a move upmarket.

  • Volkswagen picks Commercial Vehicles chief after reshuffle

    Tue, 27 Jul 2004

    Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has appointed Nigel Brotherton as head of marketing after a management reshuffle.

  • Red means go as car brands pile into iTV

    Thu, 22 Jul 2004

    The automotive sector, which always spent heavily on TV, has taken to interactive advertising with gusto, and broadcasters are scrambling to cater for the demand. John Stones reports

  • Red means go as car brands pile into iTV

    Thu, 22 Jul 2004

    The automotive sector, which always spent heavily on TV, has taken to interactive advertising with gusto, and broadcasters are scrambling to cater for the demand. John Stones reports

  • Sky airs virtual car showroom

    Thu, 15 Jul 2004

  • Arc creates viral Panda campaign

    Thu, 8 Jul 2004

  • Arc creates viral Panda campaign

    Thu, 8 Jul 2004

  • Multi-service brands take the wrong turn

    Thu, 1 Jul 2004

    Centrica's strategy of offering a one-stop shop for all the dull necessities in life hasn't been a hit with the punters. And its AA business looks like being the latest casualty, says David Benady

  • VW pins failures on 'problem' marketers

    Thu, 1 Jul 2004

    VW's boss recently blamed his own marketers for the company's product failures. Others argue that long lead times and lack of input leave car marketers in a no-win position. By John Stones

  • VW pins failures on 'problem' marketers

    Thu, 1 Jul 2004

    VW's boss recently blamed his own marketers for the company's product failures. Others argue that long lead times and lack of input leave car marketers in a no-win position. By John Stones

  • McCann faces review of £10m Peugeot dealership

    Thu, 17 Jun 2004

  • McCann faces review of £10m Peugeot dealership

    Thu, 17 Jun 2004

  • BMW UK chief moves to South African role

    Wed, 16 Jun 2004

    BMW has moved its UK marketing director Phil Horton to its South African operations where he will take the role of sales and marketing director.

  • Will VW's message be lost in translation?

    Thu, 10 Jun 2004

    With its German-language slogan, Volkswagen is reinforcing stereotypical views of German efficiency and solid engineering. But this strategy can work against brands too, says John Stones

  • Will VW's message be lost in translation?

    Thu, 10 Jun 2004

    With its German-language slogan, Volkswagen is reinforcing stereotypical views of German efficiency and solid engineering. But this strategy can work against brands too, says John Stones

  • Ex-Ford man takes helm at Alfa Romeo

    Thu, 3 Jun 2004

  • Ex-Ford man takes helm at Alfa Romeo

    Thu, 3 Jun 2004

  • GM hands £20m account to Draft

    Thu, 3 Jun 2004

  • Audi selects regional chief for global role

    Wed, 2 Jun 2004

    Audi has appointed Michael Renz as its global marketing chief after the departure of Michael Trautmann.

  • ASA upholds Jaguar mailer complaints

    Thu, 27 May 2004

    The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has censured car manufacturer Jaguar for sending out a mailer ad that suggested its recipient was sexually involved with another person.

  • BMW puts car hero in comic strip

    Thu, 27 May 2004

    Car manufacturer BMW is to turn one of the characters from its series of short advertising films into a hard-edged comic hero.

  • BMW puts car hero in comic strip

    Thu, 27 May 2004

    Car manufacturer BMW is to turn one of the characters from its series of short advertising films into a hard-edged comic hero.

  • Toyota signs up for Daily Telegraph cricket deal

    Tue, 18 May 2004

    Toyota GB has signed a six-figure deal with The Daily Telegraph to sponsor a swathe of its cricket coverage, including The Daily Telegraph Cricket Fantasy League.

  • Globalising a brand or saving on the tax bill?

    Thu, 13 May 2004

    Shell's decision to set up a holding company in Switzerland to oversee its brands and trademarks has been lauded by some and criticised as a cynical 'tax saver' by others. David Benady reports

  • Vauxhall's lukewarm drive for a cool image

    Thu, 13 May 2004

    Vauxhall hopes to shake its dull, fleet car image by launching a performance car sub-brand says John Stones.

  • Ford to play on Thunderbirds movie tie-up

    Thu, 6 May 2004

  • Honda's interactive TV ads to link to showroom

    Thu, 6 May 2004

    Honda is to launch interactive tele-vision (iTV) ads that will enable consumers to speak directly to a dealer in a showroom through their TV sets by the end of the year.

  • Honda's interactive TV ads to link to showroom

    Thu, 6 May 2004

    Honda is to launch interactive tele-vision (iTV) ads that will enable consumers to speak directly to a dealer in a showroom through their TV sets by the end of the year.

  • Interaction is driving force of Motor Show

    Thu, 6 May 2004

    After years of high-profile departures and absentees, there are signs confidence is returning to the British Motor Show as the organisers concentrate on the 'experience', says John Stones

  • Diamond lobbies customers over EU threat

    Thu, 29 Apr 2004

    Diamond, the women-only car insurer owned by Admiral Insurance, is mailing its customers as part of a lobbying campaign designed to ward off forthcoming European Union legislation banning gender-based insurance that would threaten its brand.

  • Diamond lobbies customers over EU threat

    Thu, 29 Apr 2004

    Diamond, the women-only car insurer owned by Admiral Insurance, is mailing its customers as part of a lobbying campaign designed to ward off forthcoming European Union legislation banning gender-based insurance that would threaten its brand.

  • Toyota GB to pay on performance

    Tue, 27 Apr 2004

    Toyota GB is renegotiating its contracts with its agencies Saatchi & Saatchi and Zenith Optimedia so that both agencies will be paid according to their effectiveness.

  • Toyota GB to pay on performance

    Tue, 27 Apr 2004

    Toyota GB is renegotiating its contracts with its agencies Saatchi & Saatchi and Zenith Optimedia so that both agencies will be paid according to their effectiveness.

  • Mitsubishi cars' boss steps down

    Thu, 8 Apr 2004

  • Lowe create Vauxhall Movano campaign

    Thu, 1 Apr 2004

  • Lowe create Vauxhall Movano campaign

    Thu, 1 Apr 2004

  • US marketer takes Nissan global post

    Thu, 1 Apr 2004

  • US marketer takes Nissan global post

    Thu, 1 Apr 2004

  • Daewoo to relaunch as Chevrolet

    Thu, 18 Mar 2004

  • HSBC to review £15m Formula One tie-up

    Wed, 17 Mar 2004

    Financial services giant HSBC is to review its £15m-a-year involvement with Formula One racing after the sport's management slashed its official viewing figures by almost half.

  • HSBC to review £15m Formula One tie-up

    Wed, 17 Mar 2004

    Financial services giant HSBC is to review its £15m-a-year involvement with Formula One racing after the sport's management slashed its official viewing figures by almost half.

  • Alfa Romeo in marketing rejig

    Tue, 16 Mar 2004

    Fiat-owned sporting marque Alfa Romeo has moved UK sales director Jeff Culkin over to the post of UK marketing director as part of a management reshuffleItalian Alfa Romeo marketer Mario di Maria will replace Culkin as sales director.

  • AA ditches new car sales and launches car advice service

    Thu, 11 Mar 2004

    The AA is to stop selling new cars and is instead launching a car-buying service next month, supported by a &£3m advertising campaign. The initiative is intended to drive consumers to the AA's car loan business, which is an important revenue source.

  • Mazda appoints global marketer

    Thu, 11 Mar 2004

  • Mazda appoints global marketer

    Thu, 11 Mar 2004

  • VW appoints global marketing boss

    Thu, 11 Mar 2004

  • VW appoints global marketing boss

    Thu, 11 Mar 2004

  • VW has to apologise to Renault over 'first hatchback' ad claim

    Thu, 11 Mar 2004

    Volkswagen has apologised to Renault after an ad created by VW's advertising agency, DDB London, falsely claimed that the Golf was the first hatchback.

  • VW has to apologise to Renault over 'first hatchback' ad claim

    Thu, 11 Mar 2004

    Volkswagen has apologised to Renault after an ad created by VW's advertising agency, DDB London, falsely claimed that the Golf was the first hatchback.

  • ASA looking into sexy Jaguar campaign ad

    Thu, 26 Feb 2004

  • ASA looking into sexy Jaguar campaign ad

    Thu, 26 Feb 2004

  • Lexus hunts for UK head of marketing

    Thu, 26 Feb 2004

  • VW's 30-year ad spree

    Thu, 26 Feb 2004

  • Luxury and value put mid-marques in a jam

    Thu, 19 Feb 2004

    Traditional mass-market car makers are being squeezed from above - by the likes of BMW - and below, by budget Far Eastern brands. By John Stones

  • Luxury and value put mid-marques in a jam

    Thu, 19 Feb 2004

    Traditional mass-market car makers are being squeezed from above - by the likes of BMW - and below, by budget Far Eastern brands. By John Stones

  • Ford UK removes marketing and sales chiefs in reshuffle

    Wed, 18 Feb 2004

  • VCCP snatches £12m Hyundai ad business

    Thu, 12 Feb 2004

    Hyundai Car (UK) has awarded its £12m advertising business to Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest (VCCP) after a final pitch against Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO.

  • Budget picks Mustoes for relaunch brief

    Tue, 3 Feb 2004

    Budget Rent A Car has appointed Mustoes to handle its first advertising campaign in more than two years. The appointment is on a project basis.

  • Budget picks Mustoes for relaunch brief

    Tue, 3 Feb 2004

    Budget Rent A Car has appointed Mustoes to handle its first advertising campaign in more than two years. The appointment is on a project basis.

  • Alfa Romeo UK marketing director quits

    Thu, 29 Jan 2004

  • Nissan Europe management team rejigged

    Thu, 29 Jan 2004

  • Renault to sue A&L over Laguna 'smear'

    Wed, 28 Jan 2004

    A furious legal fight has broken out between Renault UK and Alliance & Leicester after a report sponsored by the bank claimed the carmaker's Laguna model loses its value faster than any other car in the UK.

  • Vauxhall marketing chief moves to GM European role

    Wed, 28 Jan 2004

    Vauxhall Motors UK marketing chief Dean Barrett is moving to a senior job at parent company GM.

  • Vauxhall marketing chief moves to GM European role

    Wed, 28 Jan 2004

    Vauxhall Motors UK marketing chief Dean Barrett is moving to a senior job at parent company GM.

  • Avis UK names director of sales and marketing

    Thu, 22 Jan 2004

  • Rapier takes £20m AA business from EHS Brann after four-way pitch

    Thu, 15 Jan 2004

    The AA has appointed Rapier to handle the £20m below-the-line acquisition and retention business for its Road Services division, moving the account from EHS Brann.

  • Deutsch marques pay a price for aiming low

    Thu, 18 Dec 2003

    Prestige German car marques, long associated with reliability, have taken a battering as consumers voice their disquiet at declining standards.

  • Ford supplies Thunderbirds film vehicles

    Thu, 4 Dec 2003

  • Ford supplies Thunderbirds film vehicles

    Thu, 4 Dec 2003

  • Toyota launching new hybrid family car

    Thu, 4 Dec 2003

  • Hyundai reviews £12m business

    Thu, 27 Nov 2003

    Korean car marque Hyundai is reviewing its £12m advertising business held by Leagas Delaney.

  • MG Rover picks Cogent for city car launch

    Thu, 13 Nov 2003

  • Ford focuses on Ka awareness

    Thu, 30 Oct 2003

    Ford has begun its first mobile marketing initiative, as part of a digital direct marketing drive to promote awareness of the Ford Ka. The campaign has been developed by direct marketing agency Wunderman, together with Flytxt, and offers recipients the chance to win a shopping spree in New York.

  • Renault appoints UK marketing director

    Thu, 30 Oct 2003

    Renault has quietly installed Olivier Généreux as its marketing director in the UK after recalling incumbent Bruno Vanel to Paris.

  • Nissan marketing head joins Goodyear Dunlop

    Thu, 16 Oct 2003

    Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK has appointed the former UK marketing director of Nissan to be its first marketing director.

  • Nissan marketing head joins Goodyear Dunlop

    Thu, 16 Oct 2003

    Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK has appointed the former UK marketing director of Nissan to be its first marketing director.

  • Tesco launches on-shelf breakdown cover

    Thu, 16 Oct 2003

  • Tesco launches on-shelf breakdown cover

    Thu, 16 Oct 2003

  • Fuelling consumers' desire for the eco-car

    Thu, 9 Oct 2003

    Persuading drivers to buy alternative-fuel cars will be tough for an industry used to luring consumers with images of power and speed. By John Stones

  • Fuelling consumers' desire for the eco-car

    Thu, 9 Oct 2003

    Persuading drivers to buy alternative-fuel cars will be tough for an industry used to luring consumers with images of power and speed. By John Stones

  • Seat UK chief in bid to block Grey stranglehold

    Thu, 9 Oct 2003

    Seat UK's marketing chief is fighting a rearguard action to stop all his business going to Grey London, following a European realignment of the car marque's marketing after the demise of Cordiant Communications (MW September 4), which handled the account through Bates.

  • Nissan picks UK marketing chief

    Thu, 2 Oct 2003

  • General Motors debates ditching Daewoo brand

    Thu, 25 Sep 2003

  • Citroën C2 launch to tie up with EMAP

    Thu, 11 Sep 2003

    Citroën is launching its C2 supermini in the UK with a cross-media tie-up with EMAP and a £3m TV campaign.

  • DLKW beats Lowe to the £12m Astra relaunch

    Thu, 11 Sep 2003

    Vauxhall UK has awarded the £12m UK advertising business for the launch of its new Astra to Delaney Lund Knox Warren (DLKW).

  • Kia reviews £7m media brief four months after Starcom appointment

    Thu, 11 Sep 2003

    Korean car manufacturer Kia is reviewing its £10m UK media account only four months after reappointing Starcom Motive.

  • Kia reviews £7m media brief four months after Starcom appointment

    Thu, 11 Sep 2003

    Korean car manufacturer Kia is reviewing its £10m UK media account only four months after reappointing Starcom Motive.

  • RAC ends its search for group marketing chief

    Thu, 11 Sep 2003

    RAC Consumer Services has appointed David Lewis as its top marketer after a seven-month search for a replacement for group marketing director Ken Lee.

  • ASA to look into Honda ad complaints

    Thu, 4 Sep 2003

  • Grey triumphs in £50m Seat tussle with WPP

    Thu, 4 Sep 2003

    Grey Worldwide has triumphed in the tug-of-war with WPP to snatch Seat's £50m international advertising business.

  • Mazda lures drivers into the rotary club

    Thu, 4 Sep 2003

    Mazda sports cars have a history of leading the company to success. Now, after the iconic RX-7 and the brand-saving MX-5, Mazda hopes the RX-8 will cement its position as Ford's performance marque. By John Stones

  • Toyota let off by ITC over 'fighting' ad

    Thu, 4 Sep 2003

  • Mercedes appoints UK boss

    Thu, 28 Aug 2003

    DaimlerChrysler has promoted Mercedes corporate sales director Nick Ratcliffe to UK marketing director of the car brand. He replaces general manager for passenger car marketing Simon Oldfield, who has been promoted to national sales director.

  • Ford shows signs of advanced age

    Thu, 21 Aug 2003

    As the US automotive giant reaches 100, it finds its revenues and profits in decline and its marketing hit by uncertainty. Ford needs to rediscover the innovation and vim that made it so big in the first place. By Adam Grossman

  • Renault named as sponsor of Sunday Times' The Month

    Thu, 21 Aug 2003

  • Renault named as sponsor of Sunday Times' The Month

    Thu, 21 Aug 2003

  • Ford Europe picks head of strategy in bid to stem losses

    Thu, 14 Aug 2003

  • Ford Europe picks head of strategy in bid to stem losses

    Thu, 14 Aug 2003

  • Farm scoops £2.5m Smart car business

    Thu, 31 Jul 2003

    DaimlerChrysler-owned Smart car has awarded its £2.3m advertising account to Farm, after a four-way pitch. The decision will be a surprise to the industry, which had tipped Boymeetsgirl - the agency set up by Springer & Jacoby and St Lukes fou

  • Volume car makers try to adjust their halos

    Thu, 31 Jul 2003

    Manufacturers will have to work hard to ensure that the exclusivity of luxury car brands is not diluted by their mass-market offering, says John Stones

  • Volume car makers try to adjust their halos

    Thu, 31 Jul 2003

    Manufacturers will have to work hard to ensure that the exclusivity of luxury car brands is not diluted by their mass-market offering, says John Stones

  • Renault forces Fiat to rename new small car

    Wed, 30 Jul 2003

    Fiat has been forced to drop the name Gingo from its crucial new budget car just ahead of its launch, after complaints from rival Renault.

  • VW picks Craft as Skoda chief

    Tue, 29 Jul 2003

    Skoda has appointed Volkswagen marketer Chris Craft as managing director. He replaces Rob Tracey, who had been Skoda's managing director since 1999. Tracey remains within the Volkswagen Group as managing director of automotive IT company gedas United Kingdom.

  • Carlson wins Hyundai direct marketing brief

    Thu, 10 Jul 2003

  • Carlson wins Hyundai direct marketing brief

    Thu, 10 Jul 2003

  • F1 attacked over tobacco ads U-turn

    Thu, 10 Jul 2003

    Formula One team BMW Williams has joined anti-smoking group ASH in attacking the Formula One governing body, the FIA, for its U-turn on tobacco advertising, which will allow the tobacco industry to continue to sponsor the global racing event.

  • Mini continues ITV drama tie-in

    Thu, 10 Jul 2003

  • Mini continues ITV drama tie-in

    Thu, 10 Jul 2003

  • The old dog tries another new trick

    Thu, 3 Jul 2003

    Perennially ailing MG Rover has dropped brand-building in favour of price-led sales tactics. With a new, inexperienced marketing boss at the wheel, is this just another chapter in the car maker's long decline? asks John Stones

  • The old dog tries another new trick

    Thu, 3 Jul 2003

    Perennially ailing MG Rover has dropped brand-building in favour of price-led sales tactics. With a new, inexperienced marketing boss at the wheel, is this just another chapter in the car maker's long decline? asks John Stones

  • Williams signs Bud in £50m F1 deal

    Thu, 3 Jul 2003

    Formula One team BMW Williams is to sign beer giant Budweiser as a sponsor in a five-and-a-half year deal worth about &£10m a year.

  • Daewoo picks Euro chief

    Thu, 26 Jun 2003

  • Daewoo picks Euro chief

    Thu, 26 Jun 2003

  • Marketing director quits at struggling MG Rover

    Thu, 26 Jun 2003

  • Marketing director quits at struggling MG Rover

    Thu, 26 Jun 2003

  • A new driving force for open-minded UK

    Thu, 12 Jun 2003

  • Avis Rent A Car loses top UK marketer

    Thu, 12 Jun 2003

    Avis Rent A Car UK director of sales and marketing Matt Andrews is quitting the company.

  • Avis Rent A Car loses top UK marketer

    Thu, 12 Jun 2003

    Avis Rent A Car UK director of sales and marketing Matt Andrews is quitting the company.

  • DaimlerChrysler UK head moves to US to take top marketing role

    Thu, 5 Jun 2003

    DaimlerChrysler UK president and chief executive Joachim Eberhardt is leaving the UK to fill Chrysler's top marketing position in the US. Eberhardt, who moved to the UK position in 1999, oversaw last year's Lucky Star campaign for the Mercedes SL, which took the form of a film trailer and starred actor Benicio Del Toro.

  • Mazda appoints marketing chief following management reshuffle

    Thu, 5 Jun 2003

  • Virgin puts a spoke in car retail's wheel

    Thu, 5 Jun 2003

  • Virgin puts a spoke in car retail's wheel

    Thu, 5 Jun 2003

  • GM relaunches Daewoo with 'Project Blue'

    Thu, 29 May 2003

    General Motors is revamping its recently acquired Daewoo brand, in an effort to draw a line under the marque's difficulties prior to its sale.

  • Audi wraps landmarks in new campaign

    Thu, 15 May 2003

  • Audi wraps landmarks in new campaign

    Thu, 15 May 2003

  • Convention catches up with the Smart

    Thu, 8 May 2003

    Slow sales have seen DaimlerChrysler rethink the Smart's positioning, from fun and fashionable to a more upmarket brand. John Stones reports

  • Convention catches up with the Smart

    Thu, 8 May 2003

    Slow sales have seen DaimlerChrysler rethink the Smart's positioning, from fun and fashionable to a more upmarket brand. John Stones reports

  • Mazda picks Euro boss as head of marketing

    Thu, 1 May 2003

  • BMW chief slams quality of TV schedules

    Wed, 30 Apr 2003

    BMW marketing director Phil Horton is to attack broadcasters for delivering "average, inferior or downright inane programmes" as well as advertisers and their creative agencies for a decline in the quality of advertising in a speech at the TV United 2003 conference in Bath today (Wednesday).

  • Smart Car reviews £2m brief out of Maher Bird

    Tue, 29 Apr 2003

    DaimlerChrysler-owned Smart Car is reviewing its £2m advertising business with Maher Bird Associates. It is understood the company is talking to as many as eight agencies about pitching for the business.

  • AMP chief lands AA finance post

    Thu, 3 Apr 2003

    The AA has appointed former AMP Banking marketing director Stephen Lowe as head of AA financial services marketing, in an attempt to develop this area of its business.

  • Halfords rejig will cost up to 40 marketing jobs

    Thu, 3 Apr 2003

  • New campaign for launch of Honda Accord

    Thu, 27 Mar 2003

    Wieden & Kennedy has created a £6m campaign for the launch of the new Honda Accord. The ad carries a theme of taking a car to pieces and using the parts to construct a complex domino effect.

  • For richer or for poorer?

    Thu, 6 Mar 2003

  • For richer or for poorer?

    Thu, 6 Mar 2003

  • Volvo picks global marketing chief

    Thu, 6 Mar 2003

  • Volvo picks global marketing chief

    Thu, 6 Mar 2003

  • Carlson Marketing wins M6 toll road business

    Thu, 27 Feb 2003

  • Former AA marketer to pilot NCR UK strategy

    Thu, 27 Feb 2003

  • GM shakes up its senior Daewoo marketing team

    Thu, 20 Feb 2003

    Daewoo European marketing director transferred back to the US after being parachuted in last year.

  • Toyota picks Philpott replacement

    Thu, 13 Feb 2003

  • Piaggio launches marketing push

    Thu, 23 Jan 2003

    Scooter brand Piaggio is launching a marketing push to capitalise on the fact that scooters are exempt from London's forthcoming congestion charge plan. The campaign, created by Bates UK, consists of 96-sheet posters, press and taxi advertising. It has four executions, which depict congested London streets with sheep driving cars and riding London buses. The outdoor ads will appear near public transport stations on the congestion charge border to ensure maximum consumer awareness. PR ...

  • Lexus gets UK and Euro agencies to fight for £10m launch account

    Thu, 16 Jan 2003

    Luxury car brand Lexus has invited its UK agency Saatchi & Saatchi to pitch against its European agency Dentsu-owned BLD Europe for the £10m European launch of its 4x4, RX300, in May.

  • Seat to sponsor motor racing TV programme

    Thu, 16 Jan 2003

  • EasyCar appoints head of European marketing

    Thu, 9 Jan 2003

    Car hire company easyCar has appointed Jennifer Mowat as its commercial director, a new position which has been created to take on responsibility for the company's European marketing strategy.

  • Renault returns to C4 with £3m drama deal

    Wed, 4 Dec 2002

    Renault is understood to be sponsoring Channel 4's (C4) drama series next year in a deal worth more than £3m.

  • Renault returns to C4 with £3m drama deal

    Wed, 4 Dec 2002

    Renault is understood to be sponsoring Channel 4's (C4) drama series next year in a deal worth more than £3m.

  • Peugeot to be Five film sponsor

    Thu, 21 Nov 2002

  • Can VW turn Seat into a sports star?

    Thu, 31 Oct 2002

    Despite its success with Skoda, Volkswagen's attempts to make Seat into a sporty car brand have, so far, failed to hit the mark, says Lucy Barrett

  • Initiative set to win £6.5m Daewoo brief

    Thu, 24 Oct 2002

  • Initiative set to win £6.5m Daewoo brief

    Thu, 24 Oct 2002

  • Lexus names UK marketing chief

    Thu, 24 Oct 2002

  • Seat to develop TV programmes

    Thu, 24 Oct 2002

  • Seat to develop TV programmes

    Thu, 24 Oct 2002

  • Daewoo performs U-turn as DFGW is reappointed

    Thu, 17 Oct 2002

  • Renault takes a whole day's ad space in The Independent

    Thu, 17 Oct 2002

  • Renault takes a whole day's ad space in The Independent

    Thu, 17 Oct 2002

  • Mitsubishi UK boss to head Kia Motors

    Thu, 10 Oct 2002

    Kia Motors (UK), the new company formed to handle the marque's distribution in the UK, has poached Mitsubishi's UK sales and marketing director Paul Williams to be its managing director.

  • Time cold direct mail was finally junked?

    Thu, 10 Oct 2002

    With response rates as low as 0.5 per cent, and a high annoyance factor, no wonder Toyota has rethought its mailing strategy, says Gemma Charles

  • Volvo UK appoints marketing chief

    Thu, 10 Oct 2002

  • VW group marketers switch roles

    Thu, 10 Oct 2002

  • BMW hands DM business to AIS after ten-month review

    Thu, 3 Oct 2002

    BMW has handed its entire direct marketing business to Archibald Ingall Stretton (AIS) following a ten-month review.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 Oct 2002

    Universal McCann is understood to be on alert following General Motors' decision to review the European media planning and buying of its German subsidiary Adam Opel.

  • Lowe reels as DLKW wins Astra

    Thu, 3 Oct 2002

  • Lowe reels as DLKW wins Astra

    Thu, 3 Oct 2002

  • WWAV loses £6m Toyota DM brief

    Thu, 3 Oct 2002

    Toyota UK has sacked WWAV Rapp Collins from its £6m direct marketing business, consolidating all of its below-the-line marketing budget with roster agency Miller Bainbridge.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Sep 2002

    BMW is to sponsor the Louis Vuitton Cup, the qualifying races for the America's Cup. It is the third sponsor of the races, joining UBS and Louis Vuitton Watches.

  • Don't write off the car rental industry

    Thu, 26 Sep 2002

    The collapse in business travel, thanks to terrorism and economic slowdown, has hit car rental companies hard. There is hope, however - leisure travellers want cars, and soon city-dwellers may be renting too.

  • EHS Brann retains £7m Peugeot DM business after four-way pitch

    Thu, 26 Sep 2002

  • EHS Brann retains £7m Peugeot DM business after four-way pitch

    Thu, 26 Sep 2002

  • Men & Motors finalises EMAP programme deal

    Thu, 12 Sep 2002

    Men & Motors, owned by Granada Sky Broadcasting (GSB), has teamed up with EMAP to create a television programme for EMAP weekly title Motorcycle News (MCN).

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Sep 2002

    The Sunday Times is launching a standalone 32-page tabloid format motoring section, Driving, this weekend. The section accompanies the relaunch of the newspaper's Style magazine. Motoring coverage previously appeared at the back of the sport section.

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Sep 2002

    Land Rover is extending its sponsorship of England Rugby in a three-year agreement...

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Sep 2002

    The Sunday Times is launching a standalone 32-page tabloid format motoring section, Driving, this weekend. The section accompanies the relaunch of the newspaper's Style magazine. Motoring coverage previously appeared at the back of the sport section.

  • Fiat hires UK marketing chief for Alfa Romeo

    Thu, 5 Sep 2002

  • Fiat hires UK marketing chief for Alfa Romeo

    Thu, 5 Sep 2002

  • Naked/Starcom bag £60m Honda

    Thu, 5 Sep 2002

    Honda has moved its entire £60m media planning and buying business into Naked and Starcom Motive.

  • The UK's love of cars is driving outdoor media

    Thu, 5 Sep 2002

    A lack of faith in TV advertising and a transport system approaching gridlock has increased the effectiveness of outdoor advertising, says Nigel Mansell

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Aug 2002

    DaimlerChrysler and Jeep sales director Jeremy Simpson has moved to head Smart Car in the UK. He is replaced by Lawrence Good, who joins from Mercedes-Benz.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Aug 2002

    Ford has taken the title sponsorship for Mela 2002, the Asian culture and lifestyle exhibition that is due to take place at the NEC in October.

  • Dodge must pick up on European niche

    Thu, 29 Aug 2002

    DaimlerChrysler intends to follow up its recent success of the Smart Car with the launch of Dodge. But the brand, famous in the US for its pick-up trucks, may struggle to appeal to a European market.

  • New E-Class model from Mercedes-Benz

    Thu, 29 Aug 2002

  • New E-Class model from Mercedes-Benz

    Thu, 29 Aug 2002

  • Volvo fills MD role with former UK sales chief

    Thu, 29 Aug 2002

    Volvo has promoted Hugh Reid as managing director, following his predecessor Gerry Keaney's promotion to head global sales.

  • Volvo fills MD role with former UK sales chief

    Thu, 29 Aug 2002

    Volvo has promoted Hugh Reid as managing director, following his predecessor Gerry Keaney's promotion to head global sales.

  • DaimlerChrysler considers European launch for Dodge

    Thu, 22 Aug 2002

  • DaimlerChrysler considers European launch for Dodge

    Thu, 22 Aug 2002

  • ASA considers sanctions against errant MG Rover

    Fri, 16 Aug 2002

  • Digest

    Fri, 16 Aug 2002

    Renault Trucks will sponsor the Financial Times' full-colour football supplement, The Premiership, next Thursday.

  • Jaguar picks UK marketing boss

    Fri, 16 Aug 2002

    Ford-owned Jaguar has appointed Ian Major as its UK marketing director.

  • Piaggio seeks ad agency for congestion charge campaign

    Fri, 16 Aug 2002

  • Car industry put on the spot

    Thu, 8 Aug 2002

  • Car industry put on the spot

    Thu, 8 Aug 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Aug 2002

    J Walter Thompson has been appointed by Triumph Motorcycles as its communications agency. The brand is expected to have a communications and media budget of &£5m in the first year.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Aug 2002

    Thomas Cook TV is to run the first Avis television commercial for ten years. The ad is to drive Avis' pre-booked car hire business and was created by Thomas Cook TV.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Aug 2002

    DFGW is tipped to extend its hold on Daewoo's £6.5m ad business until 2003. The car company called a review earlier this year before it was acquired by General Motors (MW March 28).

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Aug 2002

    Thomas Cook TV is to run the first Avis television commercial for ten years. The ad is to drive Avis' pre-booked car hire business and was created by Thomas Cook TV.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Aug 2002

    DFGW is tipped to extend its hold on Daewoo's £6.5m ad business until 2003. The car company called a review earlier this year before it was acquired by General Motors (MW March 28).

  • Peugeot's new TV ad campaign

    Thu, 1 Aug 2002

  • Avis chooses American Express marketer for top UK sales position

    Thu, 25 Jul 2002

  • Avis chooses American Express marketer for top UK sales position

    Thu, 25 Jul 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Jul 2002

    WCRS has had its latest press campaign for the BMW Mini slammed by the Advertising Standards Authority for being "irresponsible".

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Jul 2002

    Tequila Manchester has created a promotional campaign for Nissan's new small people-carrier, the Tino. The promotion targets young families with children.

  • Digest

    Thu, 18 Jul 2002

    Audi is holding a pitch for the creative work for the pan-European launch of its top-of-the-line A8 car. Bartle Bogle Hegarty, which handles the bulk of the UK business is expected to pitch.

  • Digest

    Thu, 11 Jul 2002

    EMAP Advertising has signed a cross-media partnership with Ford to promote the Ford Ka. Brokered by MindShare, the partnership will include media promotion on EMAP's Kiss 100, Big City network, Kiss TV, QTV, Mixmag, The Face, and FHM.com.

  • McCann-Erickson concedes £3.5m HR Owen brief to NMI

    Thu, 11 Jul 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jun 2002

    Mercedes-Benz has tied up with Columbia TriStar to promote its new E-class alongside Men in Black, which arrives in the UK in July.

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jun 2002

    DirectCast Network is trialling an audio advertising system that targets drivers in petrol stations. The system, Fueling Talker, plays a two-minute audio programme when drivers insert the fuel nozzle into their cars.

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jun 2002

    Mercedes-Benz has tied up with Columbia TriStar to promote its new E-class alongside Men in Black, which arrives in the UK in July.

  • Hyundai seeks to replace marketing chief

    Thu, 27 Jun 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Jun 2002

    MXR, the digital radio consortium, has joined up with Ford Motor Company to launch a permanent fleet of branded promotional cars. The cars will be fitted with DAB digital radios to promote digital services.

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Jun 2002

    MXR, the digital radio consortium, has joined up with Ford Motor Company to launch a permanent fleet of branded promotional cars. The cars will be fitted with DAB digital radios to promote digital services.

  • Vauxhall gives film star lead role in Vectra ads

    Thu, 13 Jun 2002

  • Digest

    Fri, 7 Jun 2002

    MG Rover Group has signed a two-year deal with Aston Villa Football Club to become its shirt sponsor using its Rover and MG brands.

  • Castrol to launch TV ad campaign

    Thu, 30 May 2002

  • Daewoo seeks marketing chief

    Thu, 30 May 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 30 May 2002

    CNN has signed a marketing and sponsorship deal with Alfa Romeo which will see the car company receive on-air exposure across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

  • Digest

    Thu, 30 May 2002

    Talksport has signed Vauxhall as a sponsor for its World Cup coverage in a six-figure deal.

  • Digest

    Thu, 30 May 2002

    CNN has signed a marketing and sponsorship deal with Alfa Romeo which will see the car company receive on-air exposure across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

  • Earning his spots

    Thu, 30 May 2002

    Martin Runnacles has, at various points, worked for two of the brands in Ford's Premier Automotive Group. Now, three years after leaving Rover, he is taking charge of marketing for a third - Jaguar. The cycling car marketer, whose brief is to

  • Ferrari opens e-commerce website in UK

    Thu, 30 May 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 May 2002

    HHCL & Partners has created a £5m campaign, breaking today (Wednesday), for Autoglass. The ad highlights the importance of the windscreen to the overall strength of a car.

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 May 2002

    HHCL & Partners has created a £5m campaign, breaking today (Wednesday), for Autoglass. The ad highlights the importance of the windscreen to the overall strength of a car.

  • Jaguar appoints global supremo

    Thu, 23 May 2002

    Martin Runnacles returns to take charge of a major car brand after a two-year absence

  • Renault signs French soccer ace to boost masculine image of brand

    Thu, 23 May 2002

  • Renault signs French soccer ace to boost masculine image of brand

    Thu, 23 May 2002

  • AA spends £22m on rebranding to emphasise width of product range

    Thu, 16 May 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 16 May 2002

    David Strangeway has been appointed as Honda UK general manager. He moves from his role as head of human resources at Honda, and replaces Ken Kier, who continues as managing director.

  • Digest

    Thu, 16 May 2002

    BJK&E has planned and bought a £3m press, poster, online and radio campaign for the Mercedes Vaneo, the new mini-MPV.

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 May 2002

    Bartle Bogle Hegarty has created an outdoor and press campaign for Audi, featuring objects made from car parts by branding agency Jam. The campaign breaks at the end of this month, with media through MediaCom.

  • Skoda UK marketing chief to take up VW Asia Pacific post

    Thu, 9 May 2002

    Skoda UK marketing chief Chris Hawken has been appointed as head of marketing for Volkswagen in the Asia Pacific region.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 May 2002

    MG Rover group marketing director John Sanders has been promoted to sales and marketing director. He replaces John Parkinson, who has become managing director of MG Rover subsidiary Powertrain.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 May 2002

    Nexus/H has created a £2.6m TV campaign, breaking on May 7, for Suzuki Automobiles' Ignis car.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 May 2002

    MG Rover group marketing director John Sanders has been promoted to sales and marketing director. He replaces John Parkinson, who has become managing director of MG Rover subsidiary Powertrain.

  • GM finance company appoints AXA market

    Thu, 2 May 2002

  • Ad director leaves Peugeot UK after two years

    Thu, 25 Apr 2002

  • COI puts DVLA brief out to pitch

    Thu, 18 Apr 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Mar 2002

    Dunlop Tyres has retained Amsterdam-based 180 to handle its European advertising account and appointed Arnold Worldwide to handle its North American work. The business is worth £21m globally.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Mar 2002

    Goodyear, the tyre company, has appointed Robert O'Leary to the position of senior vice-president in charge of global communications. O'Leary, who joins from Mobil Corporation, will oversee global advertising campaigns.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Mar 2002

    Dunlop Tyres has retained Amsterdam-based 180 to handle its European advertising account and appointed Arnold Worldwide to handle its North American work. The business is worth £21m globally.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Mar 2002

    Goodyear, the tyre company, has appointed Robert O'Leary to the position of senior vice-president in charge of global communications. O'Leary, who joins from Mobil Corporation, will oversee global advertising campaigns.

  • Ford strikes Kylie sponsor deal to push new Ka model

    Thu, 28 Mar 2002

  • Less of the cavalier attitude

    Thu, 28 Mar 2002

    Last week ailing Vauxhall began its search for an agency to revitalise the brand and reverse falling market share. But is a fresh brand-building strategy enough to distance the UK marque from its dull 'sales rep' reputation, or is Vauxhall jus

  • Toyota's new ad campaign for the Celica model

    Thu, 28 Mar 2002

    Toyota is launching a £5m advertising campaign for its Celica model. The ads will aim to capture the 'thrill and exhilaration' of driving the car.

  • Digest

    Thu, 21 Mar 2002

    EHS Brann, the agency formed through the merger of Ehsrealtime and Brann UK Agency, is understood to have resigned the BMW direct marketing business mid-way through a review.

  • Digest

    Thu, 21 Mar 2002

    EHS Brann, the agency formed through the merger of Ehsrealtime and Brann UK Agency, is understood to have resigned the BMW direct marketing business mid-way through a review.

  • Lowe under pressure as Vauxhall seeks agency

    Thu, 21 Mar 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 14 Mar 2002

    MediaVest Manchester has been appointed by car distributor Inchcape to handle its online car business, Autobytel. The incumbent was Zed Media, a division of Zenith Media.

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Mar 2002

    Ford has launched a football website - destination football.net - designed to be 'the ultimate guide to European football'. The site has been built and hosted by Eurosport.com.

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Mar 2002

    Honda claims to have become the first UK car manufacturer to run a mobile marketing campaign. Aiming to build brand loyalty among existing Honda owners, the campaign includes downloadable Honda logos.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Feb 2002

    Nissan has teamed up with The Daily Telegraph for a 24-page supplement to support the launch of the Nissan Primera to appear on Saturday March 2.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Feb 2002

    Fiat Autoglobal director of marketing strategy Juan Jose Diaz Ruiz is poised to resign from the company after being left out of a new top management line-up.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Feb 2002

    Jaguar car company is launching its own range of perfumes for men this year. A 100ml bottle will cost &£65.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Feb 2002

    Nissan has teamed up with The Daily Telegraph for a 24-page supplement to support the launch of the Nissan Primera to appear on Saturday March 2.

  • Leith scoops £6m Monroe absorber business

    Thu, 28 Feb 2002

    Tenneco Automotive has handed its £6m pan-European Monroe shock absorber advertising account to Edinburgh-based Leith Agency.

  • Digest

    Thu, 21 Feb 2002

    Dunlop Tyres is understood to have shortlisted Bartle Bogle Hegarty, 180 and Y&R Advertising for its &£21m North America and Europe account.

  • HHCL & Partners ends bad patch by winning £2m Autoglass business

    Thu, 21 Feb 2002

    HHCL & Partners has ended a recent spell of disastrous business losses by winning the £2m Autoglass account.

  • Digest

    Thu, 14 Feb 2002

    BMB Group has been appointed to handle Saab Great Britain's £3m dealer marketing nationwide account.

  • Scotland tackles drug-drive menace

    Thu, 14 Feb 2002

    Drugs are found in 18 per cent of car-crash fatalities. Based on these statistics, Scottish Road Safety has hired Faulds to create a series of anti-drug-driving ads aimed at curbing this trend.

  • Scotland tackles drug-drive menace

    Thu, 14 Feb 2002

    Drugs are found in 18 per cent of car-crash fatalities. Based on these statistics, Scottish Road Safety has hired Faulds to create a series of anti-drug-driving ads aimed at curbing this trend.

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Feb 2002

    General Motors in the US has handed the account for its Saturn division to Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Feb 2002

    General Motors in the US has handed the account for its Saturn division to Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Feb 2002

    Ford claims to be the first car company to use a national bus campaign. MindShare negotiated the deal with Viacom Outdoor.

  • Digest

    Thu, 31 Jan 2002

    Spirit has won the UK print advertising account for Russian motorbike brand Uralmoto.

  • Dunlop reviews £21m ad brief

    Thu, 31 Jan 2002

    Dunlop Tyres is reviewing its $30m (£21m) advertising business for North America and Europe. The review is being handled by the company's US office in Ohio and is understood to include at least two undisclosed UK agencies.

  • Partners scoops £40m Citroën

    Thu, 31 Jan 2002

    French carmaker PSA has moved its £40m Citroën UK account out of Havas-owned Euro RSCG Wnek Gosper into sister agency Partners BDDH.

  • Volvo C70 convertible

    Thu, 31 Jan 2002

  • Digest

    Thu, 24 Jan 2002

    Saatchi & Saatchi Frankfurt has created a cinema ad for the Audi A4, which will run in all main cinema chains for the next 12 weeks.

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Jan 2002

    EHS Brann is to repitch for the BMW direct marketing business. The incumbent will be up against an undisclosed shortlist of agencies.

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Jan 2002

    BMW has consolidated its £14m media buying business into BBJ Media. Sister agency Carat previously held the media buying account and WCRS the planning.

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Jan 2002

    Toyota has poached Mazda marketing communications and advertising manager Rachel Rollason. Rollason has joined Toyota as brand strategy and market research manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Jan 2002

    EHS Brann is to repitch for the BMW direct marketing business. The incumbent will be up against an undisclosed shortlist of agencies.

  • Anything to celebrate in the Fiesta launch?

    Fri, 4 Jan 2002

    Fiesta's revamp as a car for 20-/30-somethings looks shaky. While Ford may have created a design that pleases this highly aspirant market, rivals threaten to run the strategy off-road with similar 'supermini' launches.

  • Ford picks md to succeed Ian McAllister

    Fri, 4 Jan 2002

  • AA appoints M&C Saatchi to its £10m ad business

    Thu, 20 Dec 2001

  • Toyota seals New Year ITV1 deal

    Thu, 20 Dec 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 13 Dec 2001

    Karstadt has become the latest retailer to offer Fiat cars for sale in Germany. The department store chain is promoting leasing deals for Fiat's Punto model, in association with Fiat's official Düsseldorf distributor. Earlier this year, supermarket chain Edeka offered Puntos as part of a bundled promotion without Fiat's permission.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Dec 2001

    BMW chief executive Joachim Milberg is to step down for personal reasons.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Dec 2001

    BMW chief executive Joachim Milberg is to step down for personal reasons.

  • Ex-Jaguar boss takes GM marketing post

    Thu, 6 Dec 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Nov 2001

    Madhouse has been appointed by Toyota to handle the direct marketing of the company's navigation system.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Nov 2001

    A Renault ad campaign produced by Jean-Paul Gaultier has been awarded the Grand Prix at this year's Satcar event. Satcar, defined by its organising committee as 'The Week of the Art, Technology and Culture of Automobiles and Highways', takes place annually in Clermont Ferrand, France. Work by Publicis, EURO RSCG and Louis XIV also picked up awards.

  • Inferno triumphs in pitch for £2.5m Holiday Autos advertising business

    Thu, 29 Nov 2001

    Car rental company Holiday Autos has awarded its £2.5m advertising account to Inferno.

  • Range Rover road tests Web promo

    Thu, 22 Nov 2001

    Land Rover makes history with the launch of its first online public awareness programme

  • Toyota poaches Renault marketer

    Thu, 22 Nov 2001

  • Chris Hawken to quit Skoda

    Thu, 15 Nov 2001

  • Is Jac's house crumbling?

    Thu, 15 Nov 2001

    Ford's luxury car group PAG, hailed as the ideal way to market its top-range marques such as Aston Martin and Jaguar, is facing the scrapheap after its creator Jac Nasser's unceremonious sacking and the controversial restructure of its UK divi

  • Is Jac's house crumbling?

    Thu, 15 Nov 2001

    Ford's luxury car group PAG, hailed as the ideal way to market its top-range marques such as Aston Martin and Jaguar, is facing the scrapheap after its creator Jac Nasser's unceremonious sacking and the controversial restructure of its UK divi

  • CCHM lands motoring site launch brief

    Thu, 8 Nov 2001

  • CCHM lands motoring site launch brief

    Thu, 8 Nov 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Nov 2001

    Rolls Royce and Bentley Motor Cars chief executive Tony Gott is to leave the company by mutual consent. The Volkswagen-owned company is handing the rights to the Rolls Royce marque to BMW at the end of next year.

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Nov 2001

    Rolls Royce and Bentley Motor Cars chief executive Tony Gott is to leave the company by mutual consent. The Volkswagen-owned company is handing the rights to the Rolls Royce marque to BMW at the end of next year.

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Nov 2001

    The AA has narrowed the list of prospective agencies for its £10m business. These are understood to include Abbott Mead Vickers.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

    Ford Motor Co president and chief executive officer Jacques Nasser has left the company and has been replaced by chairman William Clay Ford Jr.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

    Peugeot has redesigned its showrooms to generate a 'friendly and informal' atmosphere, using the increasing involvement of women in the car market as a key influence.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

    Land Rover has sealed a sponsorship deal with the Ski Club of Great Britain for a two-year period, which includes Land Rover branding at many of the club's slopes in the UK Club representatives abroad.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

    EasyRentacar is to be rebranded EasyCar in a bid to make the brand name snappier.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

    Ford Motor Co president and chief executive officer Jacques Nasser has left the company and has been replaced by chairman William Clay Ford Jr.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

    Peugeot has redesigned its showrooms to generate a 'friendly and informal' atmosphere, using the increasing involvement of women in the car market as a key influence.

  • Mercedes-Benz appoints former Volvo marketer as head of sales

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

  • MG Rover castigated over 'speed' campaign

    Thu, 1 Nov 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Oct 2001

    DaimlerChrysler has launched a global print advertising campaign aimed at communicating its corporate strategy. The campaign was designed by Springer & Jacoby UK.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Oct 2001

    Palmer Hargreaves Mint has been appointed to handle the advertising and corporate design work for the Johnny Herbert Rockingham Experience at the new Rockingham motor speedway.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Oct 2001

    Hertz UK has appointed Kelly Banford as Hertz #1 Club Gold manager, and Dianne Wright as marketing manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Oct 2001

    DaimlerChrysler has launched a global print advertising campaign aimed at communicating its corporate strategy. The campaign was designed by Springer & Jacoby UK.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Oct 2001

    Palmer Hargreaves Mint has been appointed to handle the advertising and corporate design work for the Johnny Herbert Rockingham Experience at the new Rockingham motor speedway.

  • Ogilvy & Mather creates global campaign

    Thu, 25 Oct 2001

    Ogilvy & Mather has created an advertising campaign to promote BP's cleaner fuels. The global campaign breaks this week and coincides with BP's re-signing initiative, replacing its old 'shield' mark with the new Helios 'sunflower' logo.

  • Ogilvy & Mather creates global campaign

    Thu, 25 Oct 2001

    Ogilvy & Mather has created an advertising campaign to promote BP's cleaner fuels. The global campaign breaks this week and coincides with BP's re-signing initiative, replacing its old 'shield' mark with the new Helios 'sunflower' logo.

  • Toyota picks PAA for £1m Lexus task

    Thu, 18 Oct 2001

  • Toyota picks PAA for £1m Lexus task

    Thu, 18 Oct 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 11 Oct 2001

    Hertz, the car rental company, has signed partnership agreements with a number of online companies including search directory Yell.com, Barclaycard's Internet shopping portal Shopsmart and Web guide Lycos.co.uk.

  • Mini secures £1m Cold Feet sponsorship deal

    Thu, 11 Oct 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 4 Oct 2001

    Nissan this week becomes the first car manufacturer to run an interactive ad on the Sky Digital platform. The ad, which promotes the launch of its new compact 4x4, was created by TBWA/London with media buying by Manning Gottlieb Media.

  • Walsh Trott wins £4m Daihatsu

    Thu, 4 Oct 2001

  • Service drives UK car sales

    Thu, 27 Sep 2001

    UK car manufacturers are enjoying an incredibly high level of brand loyalty, with many customers impressed by the quality of service of car marques

  • AA agencies face £30m DM review

    Thu, 20 Sep 2001

  • Campbell quits Rolls-Royce job

    Thu, 20 Sep 2001

    Jim Campbell, the global marketing director of Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars has left the company to join conference company First!

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Sep 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Sep 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 13 Sep 2001

    Toyota has agreed a £20m deal to sponsor ITV's Formula One coverage, as predicted in last week's Marketing Week.

  • Rinascimento?

    Thu, 13 Sep 2001

    Fiat plans to jack up its struggling marque by moving into the more up-market C-segment, but to do so it must put a dent in the market shares of the likes of VW, Ford and Peugeot. And if it does, can Fiat leave behind its Panda past and take o

  • The Safety Concept Car

    Thu, 13 Sep 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Sep 2001

    DaimlerChrysler and TDK Mediactive have signed a deal which will see a full range of Mercedes-Benz cars appear in interactive games for the first time.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Sep 2001

    DaimlerChrysler and TDK Mediactive have signed a deal which will see a full range of Mercedes-Benz cars appear in interactive games for the first time.

  • Avis picks DM boss as head of marketing

    Thu, 23 Aug 2001

  • BP poaches Charcol marketing director

    Thu, 23 Aug 2001

  • BP poaches Charcol marketing director

    Thu, 23 Aug 2001

  • Daewoo's drive to survive in the UK

    Thu, 23 Aug 2001

    Daewoo's troubles have been well ventilated: its Korean parent company is bankrupt and UK sales have tumbled. Now it has dropped its marketing director. Can the car manufacturer claw its way back?

  • Daewoo's drive to survive in the UK

    Thu, 23 Aug 2001

    Daewoo's troubles have been well ventilated: its Korean parent company is bankrupt and UK sales have tumbled. Now it has dropped its marketing director. Can the car manufacturer claw its way back?

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 Aug 2001

    Tequila London has created a consumer promotion for Shell, which will run across nine European markets simultaneously, and gives customers the chance to win a Mazda MX-5.

  • Shell launches Super Unleaded replacement with £4m campaign

    Thu, 23 Aug 2001

  • Daewoo UK chief is made redundant

    Thu, 16 Aug 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 16 Aug 2001

    Tins, the bargain car website, this week opened six retail sites in the UK branded Tins Car Supermarkets.

  • AA picks senior marketing staff

    Thu, 9 Aug 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 Aug 2001

    Edeka, the German retail chain, expects to learn on August 14 whether it will be permitted to continue selling Fiat Punto cars through its outlets in the Baden-Württemburg region. Edeka has rejected an out-of-court settlement with Fiat's official distributor and now awaits the verdict of a Karlsruhe court.

  • Renault employs banner ad parody in new Clio campaign

    Thu, 9 Aug 2001

  • Renault employs banner ad parody in new Clio campaign

    Thu, 9 Aug 2001

  • Tenneco seeks ad agency to handle £6m Monroe shock absorbers brief

    Thu, 9 Aug 2001

    Tenneco Automotive is reviewing its £6m pan-European advertising account for its Monroe shock absorbers, held by J Walter Thompson.

  • Mazda hires marketing director

    Thu, 2 Aug 2001

  • Mazda hires marketing director

    Thu, 2 Aug 2001

  • Universal Studios joins Toyota in global venture

    Thu, 2 Aug 2001

    Toyota has signed a global marketing deal with Vivendi-owned Universal Studios.

  • Universal Studios joins Toyota in global venture

    Thu, 2 Aug 2001

    Toyota has signed a global marketing deal with Vivendi-owned Universal Studios.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Jul 2001

    National Car Rental has appointed Rebecca Madden to the newly created role of relationship marketing manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Jul 2001

    National Car Rental has appointed Rebecca Madden to the newly created role of relationship marketing manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Jul 2001

    Hyundai Car UK has appointed Lisa Hender, former marketing manager for Nursing Times at EMAP, as its new relationship marketing manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Jul 2001

    PRISM, WPP's sports marketing and sponsorship offshoot, has been appointed as Land Rover's global sponsorship agency.

  • Mazda appoints Ford marketer to md after distribution shake-up

    Thu, 26 Jul 2001

  • Mini marks Yahoo! ad first

    Thu, 19 Jul 2001

    Web portal Yahoo! UK & Ireland has teamed up with BMW to create what it claims is a "double advertising first".

  • Mini marks Yahoo! ad first

    Thu, 19 Jul 2001

    Web portal Yahoo! UK & Ireland has teamed up with BMW to create what it claims is a "double advertising first".

  • Can Toyota become the F1 car in front?

    Thu, 12 Jul 2001

    Toyota plans to 'butch up' its family car image by entering F1, generating global interest to ratchet its ambitious sales targets.

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Jul 2001

    Fiat-owned sports car Alfa Romeo is launching the Alfa GTV Cup, a limited addition to its range. The car is named after the Italian race.

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Jul 2001

    Toyota is launching a marketing portal for its dealer network. The portal will provide dealers with a marketing communications package.

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Jul 2001

    Fiat-owned sports car Alfa Romeo is launching the Alfa GTV Cup, a limited addition to its range. The car is named after the Italian race.

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Jul 2001

    Toyota is launching a marketing portal for its dealer network. The portal will provide dealers with a marketing communications package.

  • Vauxhall boss to head GM Europe marketing

    Thu, 5 Jul 2001

  • Goodyear treads new ground using maize

    Thu, 28 Jun 2001

  • Daihatsu reviews £1.5m creative account

    Thu, 21 Jun 2001

    Car company Daihatsu is reviewing its £1.5m advertising account held by Wallis Tomlinson.

  • The Baby Beamer

    Thu, 21 Jun 2001

    When BMW dismembered and disposed of the Rover Group, its 'English Patient', it held on to the Mini brand, and a factory to build its replacement. Now, after several years of development, the new Mini is about to hit the streets. It has a lot

  • The Baby Beamer

    Thu, 21 Jun 2001

    When BMW dismembered and disposed of the Rover Group, its 'English Patient', it held on to the Mini brand, and a factory to build its replacement. Now, after several years of development, the new Mini is about to hit the streets. It has a lot

  • Vauxhall promotes sales director to head combined group marketing

    Thu, 14 Jun 2001

  • Vauxhall promotes sales director to head combined group marketing

    Thu, 14 Jun 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Jun 2001

    Toyota has appointed Kevin Ledgar as its new marketing manager for its fleet business. Ledgar joins from Nissan where he was brand manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 31 May 2001

    General Motors is expected to make an official proposal this week to buy bankrupt Daewoo Motors.

  • Digest

    Thu, 31 May 2001

    Febiac, the trade association representing Belgium's car and motorcycle industries, has rejected calls by Jos Ansoms, a Belgian parliamentarian, that ads in the sector should carry health warnings similar to those required for tobacco products. Febiac maintains that the existing practice of self regulation is adequate.

  • Digest

    Thu, 31 May 2001

    Febiac, the trade association representing Belgium's car and motorcycle industries, has rejected calls by Jos Ansoms, a Belgian parliamentarian, that ads in the sector should carry health warnings similar to those required for tobacco products. Febiac maintains that the existing practice of self regulation is adequate.

  • Is VW big enough to stand alone?

    Thu, 31 May 2001

    An EU ruling is threatening to overturn Volkswagen's historic protection from takeover, shunting chief executive Ferdinand Piech's plans for the marque. What are VW's options for maintaining independence?

  • Rolls-Royce culls marketing team

    Thu, 31 May 2001

  • BP lubricant business in global review

    Thu, 17 May 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 May 2001

    Fiat has applied for a temporary injunction to stop German supermarket chain Edeka from selling its cars. Edeka is offering Fiat Puntos at a 25 per cent discount to list price in 400 of its outlets in the Baden-Württemberg region.

  • Show Stoppers

    Thu, 17 May 2001

    A downturn in the UK car market has seen the London Motor Show suffer. But a new approach may help to attract back manufacturers and turn the show into a fun, hands-on, family day out.

  • Show Stoppers

    Thu, 17 May 2001

    A downturn in the UK car market has seen the London Motor Show suffer. But a new approach may help to attract back manufacturers and turn the show into a fun, hands-on, family day out.

  • AMV adds £2m after Volvo pitch

    Thu, 3 May 2001

  • AMV adds £2m after Volvo pitch

    Thu, 3 May 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 May 2001

    Mitsubishi has extended its sponsorship of the Badminton Horse Trials until 2004. This follows the cancellation of this year's competition, due to concerns over foot and mouth.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 May 2001

    Mitsubishi has extended its sponsorship of the Badminton Horse Trials until 2004. This follows the cancellation of this year's competition, due to concerns over foot and mouth.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 May 2001

    Nissan Motor GB has appointed Black & Decker UK marketing manager Yasmin Al-Jeboury as brand marketing manager. She will report to marketing communications manager Chris Marsh.

  • Goodyear appoints global marketing chief

    Thu, 3 May 2001

    Tyre giant Goodyear has appointed Cathryn Fischer to head its global marketing. Fischer, who will be based at Goodyear's Akron, Ohio headquarters, will be responsible for the company's global marketing and brand management.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Apr 2001

    The used car market is being transformed by the Internet, according to a new report by Datamonitor. The Internet has become the fastest growing alternative sales channel for Europe's fleet industry, says Datamonitor. It predicts Internet re-marketing will grow by 60 per cent over the next five years.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Apr 2001

    Volkswagen has chosen an independent Hamburg agency to handle the advertising launch of its new luxury car. Hamburg-based Grabarz & Partner will launch the D1.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Apr 2001

    Bristol Rugby, the Premiership Rugby Club, has signed a £2m five-year sponsorship deal with Mitsubishi Motors (UK).

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Apr 2001

    The used car market is being transformed by the Internet, according to a new report by Datamonitor. The Internet has become the fastest growing alternative sales channel for Europe's fleet industry, says Datamonitor. It predicts Internet re-marketing will grow by 60 per cent over the next five years.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Apr 2001

    Volkswagen has chosen an independent Hamburg agency to handle the advertising launch of its new luxury car. Hamburg-based Grabarz & Partner will launch the D1.

  • Hyundai picks head of UK advertising

    Thu, 26 Apr 2001

    Hyundai Car UK has appointed Paul Sugden to head its advertising. Sugden joins from Coca-Cola, where he was a senior brand manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 19 Apr 2001

    Jaguar has appointed ethnic marketing and PR agency Media Moguls to promote it in the UK's ethnic communities.

  • Can the Cayenne spice up Porsche?

    Thu, 12 Apr 2001

    German sports car manufacturer Porsche is to make its first foray into the school-run market with the Cayenne. Is this a clever move into a new sector, or does it cheapen Porsche's good name?

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Apr 2001

    Bikes-UK, the motorcycle retailer, has appointed Hamilton Wright to handle its full service advertising business. This includes direct marketing, and brand design and development.

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Apr 2001

    Renault has launched websites in the UK, Germany and France, allowing customers to buy cars online.

  • Seat picks UK head of marketing

    Thu, 12 Apr 2001

  • Seat picks UK head of marketing

    Thu, 12 Apr 2001

  • £6m Porsche quits Leagas Delaney for Clark McKay

    Thu, 5 Apr 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Apr 2001

    El Cortes Inglés, the Spanish department store chain, is reported to have sold more than 200 cars since it entered the retail car market in January this year.

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Apr 2001

    Citroën Vans is sponsoring the Britain's Strongest Man competition for another two years. The last eve nt attracted a peak audience of 6 million on BBC1.

  • Safety first - except when selling a car

    Thu, 5 Apr 2001

    In a car market where there is virtual parity, can Renault find a way of making its new Laguna stand out from all of the rest? asks David Benady

  • Volvo's 'revolvolution'

    Thu, 5 Apr 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Mar 2001

    Hertz Europe has promoted e-distributions director John Wills to marketing director, responsible for marketing services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Mar 2001

    Hertz Europe has promoted e-distributions director John Wills to marketing director, responsible for marketing services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

  • Ford moves £90m global Jaguar account to Y&R

    Thu, 29 Mar 2001

    Jaguar is consolidating its entire $125m (£90m) global creative account into Young & Rubicam (Y&R) following months of speculation.

  • Renault UK rejigs as ad chief quits

    Thu, 29 Mar 2001

  • Renault UK rejigs as ad chief quits

    Thu, 29 Mar 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

    Audi is running an ad campaign in Germany to boost interest in its A2 model, sales of which have so far been disappointing. About 10,000 A2s were sold in Germany last year - barely half of what had been forecast. As part of the campaign, buyers will be able to save about DM 2,000 (£640) on the list price.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

    A Ford Mondeo poster at Fort Dunlop, Birmingham, erected by Mega Profile, has been named by the Guinness World Records as the largest billboard in the world at 132m long by 24m high.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

    Audi is running an ad campaign in Germany to boost interest in its A2 model, sales of which have so far been disappointing. About 10,000 A2s were sold in Germany last year - barely half of what had been forecast. As part of the campaign, buyers will be able to save about DM 2,000 (£640) on the list price.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

    A Ford Mondeo poster at Fort Dunlop, Birmingham, erected by Mega Profile, has been named by the Guinness World Records as the largest billboard in the world at 132m long by 24m high.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

    Mercedes is sponsoring a live webcast of an A-ha gig from Oslo on Microsoft's Internet portal, MSN.

  • Harley-Davidson to put the brake on UK ad campaigns

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

  • Harley-Davidson to put the brake on UK ad campaigns

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

  • Holiday Autos poaches md from Hertz

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

  • Holiday Autos poaches md from Hertz

    Thu, 22 Mar 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 15 Mar 2001

    Zenith Interactive Solutions has retained the online planning and buying account for BMW in the UK, following a review of the car company's Internet advertising.

  • Digest

    Thu, 15 Mar 2001

    Zenith Interactive Solutions has retained the online planning and buying account for BMW in the UK, following a review of the car company's Internet advertising.

  • Digest

    Thu, 15 Mar 2001

    Honda Europe, has developed an ad campaign for the Honda Civic which breaks in the UK on Friday (March 16) with the catchline 'Civic Live It'. The first two commercials called 'Car Park' and 'VIP' were created by The Leith Agency and will run across Europe from the beginning of April.

  • Saab develops global brand strategy to compete with premium marques

    Thu, 15 Mar 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Mar 2001

    Ford Motor Company has appointed Jan Klug as vice president of global marketing. Klug moves across from Ford Division and replaces Jim Shroer, who joined Chrysler two weeks ago (MW February 22).

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Mar 2001

    Toshio Ishino, president of Honda UK, has died after a short illness.

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Mar 2001

    Fiat Auto has appointed Richard Hogarth as fleet director. Hogarth joins Fiat from Toyota, where he was national fleet sales manager.

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Mar 2001

    Ford Motor Company has appointed Jan Klug as vice president of global marketing. Klug moves across from Ford Division and replaces Jim Shroer, who joined Chrysler two weeks ago (MW February 22).

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Mar 2001

    Volvo Cars has signed a new contract with Channel 4 to sponsor ER (right). The new deal is one of the corporation's first cross-channel deals, whereby Volvo will sponsor the new series of ER on both Channel 4 and E4.

  • Fiat hires Smart car chief

    Thu, 1 Mar 2001

    Fiat puts global brands strategy into hands of DaimlerChrysler's Smart car boss Klaus Fricke.

  • Fiat hires Smart car chief

    Thu, 1 Mar 2001

    Fiat puts global brands strategy into hands of DaimlerChrysler's Smart car boss Klaus Fricke.

  • What Ford's Schroer can do for Chrysler

    Thu, 1 Mar 2001

    Chrysler has been beset by fierce competition and losses. Lucy Barrett asks whether Ford's marketing chief can change the company's fortunes

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Feb 2001

    Sledge has won the sponsorship and marketing business for Peugeot UK.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Feb 2001

    Porsche Cars of Great Britain has appointed Marketplace to develop the roll-out of a new retail concept.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Feb 2001

    Ford's global marketing chief Jim Schroer, the man responsible for the recent changes to Ford's advertising agency roster, is understood to have quit his position to join rival DaimlerChrysler.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Feb 2001

    Sledge has won the sponsorship and marketing business for Peugeot UK.

  • Ford sponsors football online

    Thu, 22 Feb 2001

  • Volkswagen hunts head marketer

    Thu, 22 Feb 2001

  • Volkswagen hunts head marketer

    Thu, 22 Feb 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 15 Feb 2001

    Mitsubishi Motors has launched an ad campaign for its Shogun model. Mimicking Renault's campaign 'Size Matters', Mitsubishi says 'Size doesn't matter'.

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Feb 2001

    Renault has linked up with Vitaminic, Italy's leading website for music downloads, to launch a limited edition version of its Clio model. Co-branded Clio-Vitaminic, the car comes equipped with a built-in MP3 player. Advertising to support the launch will be created by Saatchi & Saatchi.

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Feb 2001

    Grey Interactive Services has created the microsite being used as part of the launch campaign for Alfa Romeo's new 147 (www.alfa147.co.uk).

  • Jaguar poised to hand global account to Y&R

    Thu, 8 Feb 2001

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Feb 2001

    Renault Samsung Motors has awarded its advertising account to Publicis in Korea after a three-way pitch against Cheil Communications, a Korean agency, and TBWA.

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Feb 2001

    Red Cell has created the new pan-European advertising tv campaign for the new Alfa Romeo 147. The ads, which break in February, carry the new Alfa Romeo tagline 'Stir your Soul'.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Jan 2001

    Chrysler is launching a £1.5m campaign for the Jeep Grand Cherokee to emphasise the Jeep's authenticity as the originator of the 4x4. The campaign was created by Banks Hoggins O'Shea/FCB. Media work was by BJK&E.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Jan 2001

    Chrysler is launching a £1.5m campaign for the Jeep Grand Cherokee to emphasise the Jeep's authenticity as the originator of the 4x4. The campaign was created by Banks Hoggins O'Shea/FCB. Media work was by BJK&E.

  • Digest

    Thu, 18 Jan 2001

    Land Rover has appointed Phil Popham as its new sales director. Popham joins the company from Volkswagen.

  • Y&R wins global Jaguar launch

    Thu, 18 Jan 2001

    Jaguar has appointed Young & Rubicam in London and New York to handle the global launch of its X-Type model.

  • Eventful Journey

    Thu, 11 Jan 2001

    Designing the stands and displays for Vauxhall Motors at events as high-profile as the International Motor Show, put consultancy The Early Action Group through a rigorous road test.

  • Digest

    Fri, 5 Jan 2001

    D'Arcy has created a new TV ad for the Fiat Punto. The ad, set on a volcano, continues the 'battle of the sexes' theme of previous campaigns. It breaks tomorrow (Friday).

  • Volvo jobs on the line as Euro team relocates

    Thu, 21 Dec 2000

    Volvo is poised to disband its central European marketing operations based in Brussels, and has given global head of marketing Dieter Laxy overall responsibility for sales and marketing.

  • Hertz chief quits for travel portal

    Thu, 14 Dec 2000

  • Off-road blues

    Thu, 7 Dec 2000

    This year's British International Motor Show has attracted a record number of exhibitors. Although deemed a commercial success, it has suffered from a low standard of exhibits.

  • Toyota adds senior role to marketing team

    Thu, 7 Dec 2000

  • £100m Ford bonus for O&M as Y&R wins £50m Land Rover

    Thu, 23 Nov 2000

  • £100m Ford bonus for O&M as Y&R wins £50m Land Rover

    Thu, 23 Nov 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 Nov 2000

    DaimlerChrysler vice-president of global sales and marketing Ted Cunningham, the man behind BBDO's appointment to the Chrysler account, has been ousted in a boardroom shake-up by chairman Jurgen Schrempp.

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 Nov 2000

    DaimlerChrysler vice-president of global sales and marketing Ted Cunningham, the man behind BBDO's appointment to the Chrysler account, has been ousted in a boardroom shake-up by chairman Jurgen Schrempp.

  • Digest

    Thu, 16 Nov 2000

    Ford has launched the first stage of its new website www.ford.co.uk, combining all of its other sites including the Ford Journey online sales channel, Ford Credit and the Ford Customer Service Division into one portal.

  • Digest

    Thu, 16 Nov 2000

    Ford has launched the first stage of its new website www.ford.co.uk, combining all of its other sites including the Ford Journey online sales channel, Ford Credit and the Ford Customer Service Division into one portal.

  • AMV retains Volvo after £1.25bn Chrysler move

    Thu, 9 Nov 2000

  • AMV retains Volvo after £1.25bn Chrysler move

    Thu, 9 Nov 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 Nov 2000

    Land Rover has reduced the shortlist for its worldwide advertising business. HHCL & Partners, Wieden & Kennedy and J Walter Thompson have been knocked off, leaving Grey and Young & Rubicam in the running. Land Rover spends &£20m a year in the UK alone.

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 Nov 2000

    The RAC has appointed Harry Mirpuri as its new marketing research manager. Mirpuri joins from CGU Insurance, and will report to Gary Elliott, head of brand management.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Nov 2000

    BMW's relaunched Mini car is to sponsor MTV's new music programme 'Brand: New', which is aired across Europe. The deal is Mini's first TV sponsorship.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Nov 2000

    Consumers across Europe are surprisingly consistent in the messages they want from car advertising, but potential car buyers differ markedly in their views of which media they want to receive those messages through, according to a new survey of 9,000 Europeans. Across Europe, 65 per cent of consumers say they want car ads that grab their attention, making it the top attribute. Some 63 per cent of those surveyed said they want ads to reassure them that the brand is reliable, while 61 ...

  • Toyota hands GRP £4.5m regional brief

    Thu, 2 Nov 2000

    Toyota is to move its £4.5m regional advertising account into Glasgow-based Guy Robertson Partnership (GRP) after striking a deal with the incumbent agency.

  • Digital radio gets its wires crossed

    Thu, 26 Oct 2000

    A deal to put a digital radio in every new Ford marks a milestone for the fledgling industry, but it remains beset by internal divisions,

  • Ford launches website

    Thu, 26 Oct 2000

  • Rover veteran takes charge at Rolls-Royce

    Thu, 26 Oct 2000

    Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars has appointed car industry veteran Jim Campbell as its chief marketer. Campbell, who left his job as marketing director of Land Rover in June last year, is joining the luxury car company as marketing directo

  • Rover veteran takes charge at Rolls-Royce

    Thu, 26 Oct 2000

    Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars has appointed car industry veteran Jim Campbell as its chief marketer. Campbell, who left his job as marketing director of Land Rover in June last year, is joining the luxury car company as marketing directo

  • Springer & Jacoby wins £27m international Smart Car task

    Thu, 19 Oct 2000

    Springer & Jacoby, which is part-owned by FCB Worldwide, has picked up the £27m international advertising account for DaimlerChrysler's Smart Car, as well as the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sportcoupé and T-Model.

  • VW hires Yellow Pages ad chief

    Thu, 19 Oct 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Oct 2000

    Vauxhall has confirmed that Cogent has been retained to handle its £5m advertising business for Network Q following a statutory review.

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Oct 2000

    Euro RSCG has created TV advertising for the new-look Citroën Xsara. The ad features Claudia Schiffer escaping to a surreal 'safe' world.

  • Digest

    Thu, 12 Oct 2000

    Vauxhall has confirmed that Cogent has been retained to handle its £5m advertising business for Network Q following a statutory review.

  • General Motors moves £105m German task from Lowe to McCann

    Thu, 12 Oct 2000

  • General Motors moves £105m German task from Lowe to McCann

    Thu, 12 Oct 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

    Edge/GMC has been appointed by Exchange & Mart to launch its website, ixM.co.uk. The £2.2m launch will be supported by a press, poster and radio advertising as well as TV sponsorship.

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

    Several car companies are expected to reduce their prices following Ford's decision earlier this week to slash its prices by up to 13 per cent.

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

    Several car companies are expected to reduce their prices following Ford's decision earlier this week to slash its prices by up to 13 per cent.

  • Digest

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

    Edge/GMC has been appointed by Exchange & Mart to launch its website, ixM.co.uk. The £2.2m launch will be supported by a press, poster and radio advertising as well as TV sponsorship.

  • Hertz raids Abbey National for new head of marketing

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

  • Hertz raids Abbey National for new head of marketing

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

  • Renault starts brand drive with C4 tie-up

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

  • VW's motor city

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

    VW Group's Autostadt is no German car showroom. It features brands as diverse as Bugatti and Skoda - and a British firm was chosen to present Volkswagen to the German public.

  • VW's motor city

    Thu, 5 Oct 2000

    VW Group's Autostadt is no German car showroom. It features brands as diverse as Bugatti and Skoda - and a British firm was chosen to present Volkswagen to the German public.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Sep 2000

    Audi has ditched Wieden & Kennedy Amsterdam. W&K had worked on the £10m Audi A2 account since 1998.

  • Digest

    Thu, 21 Sep 2000

    Faulds Advertising has created off-line advertising as part of a £10m marketing drive for Auto Trader. Carat Interactive has created an on-line campaign.

  • BBDO and FCB vie for £1bn Chrysler business

    Thu, 14 Sep 2000

  • Carat lands £352m Renault brief

    Thu, 14 Sep 2000

  • Carat lands £352m Renault brief

    Thu, 14 Sep 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 14 Sep 2000

    Volkswagen France has moved its £70m media buying account from Carat to Mediacom, in a move consolidating its European media buying.

  • Digest

    Thu, 14 Sep 2000

    Volkswagen France has moved its £70m media buying account from Carat to Mediacom, in a move consolidating its European media buying.

  • Ford moves executive to Land Rover

    Thu, 14 Sep 2000

  • BMW picks ex-Rover boss to head new Mini division

    Thu, 7 Sep 2000

  • BMW picks ex-Rover boss to head new Mini division

    Thu, 7 Sep 2000

  • Renault to offer used cars online

    Thu, 7 Sep 2000

  • Car makers cannot stall change for much longer

    Thu, 31 Aug 2000

    Make no mistake, a revolution is to hit the way the car industry does business. It is hooked on a marketing system that is ready to blow, says Alan Mitchell.

  • Car makers cannot stall change for much longer

    Thu, 31 Aug 2000

    Make no mistake, a revolution is to hit the way the car industry does business. It is hooked on a marketing system that is ready to blow, says Alan Mitchell.

  • Digest

    Thu, 31 Aug 2000

    The Daily Telegraph, official sponsor of the British International Motor Show, is offering readers a two for the price of one ticket deal for the show which takes place on October 20-29.

  • Digest

    Thu, 31 Aug 2000

    El Corte Inglés, the Spanish retail group, is to enter the retail car market. Cars from a variety of manufacturers will be made available in five trial outlets from October, though delivery will remain through franchised dealers.

  • Fiat Japan boss to take UK marketing role

    Thu, 31 Aug 2000

  • Daewoo axes top post and divides role

    Thu, 24 Aug 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Aug 2000

    The Smart Car, which goes on sale in the UK from October, is to have its own UK website. Manufacturer DaimlerChrysler has appointed Rufus Leonard as its digital agency, which won a four-way pitch against Medialab, Zinc and Digital Lighthouse. Leonard declined to reveal the Smart Car's website address as Marketing Week went to press.

  • Vauxhall hands McCann £20m OnStar business

    Thu, 17 Aug 2000

  • Vauxhall hands McCann £20m OnStar business

    Thu, 17 Aug 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 10 Aug 2000

    Imagination, the design and communications consultancy, has been appointed to design and produce Land Rover's global auto show exhibition stands. The agency handles all of Ford's other brands.

  • Digest

    Thu, 10 Aug 2000

    Imagination, the design and communications consultancy, has been appointed to design and produce Land Rover's global auto show exhibition stands. The agency handles all of Ford's other brands.

  • Leith scoops £30m Civic launch

    Thu, 10 Aug 2000

    Honda Motor Europe has appointed The Leith Agency to handle the £30m launch of its next generation Civic car.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 Aug 2000

    Partners BDDH has created a European television branding campaign for tyre and fast-fit company ATS. The campaign, entitled 'What drives us is you', starts later this month.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 Aug 2000

    Partners BDDH has created a European television branding campaign for tyre and fast-fit company ATS. The campaign, entitled 'What drives us is you', starts later this month.

  • HPI hires ousted Mitsubishi chief

    Thu, 3 Aug 2000

  • ITC bans Daewoo ad over 'misleadingly sweeping' claim

    Thu, 3 Aug 2000

    Daewoo has been forced to pull a Duckworth Finn Grubb Waters ad which claims customers who put their cars in for service receive “virtually identical” replacements.

  • Toyota Euro chief leaves to take up top Fiat role

    Thu, 3 Aug 2000

  • Vauxhall moves Andy Jones to head up OnStar UK launch

    Thu, 3 Aug 2000

  • Vauxhall moves Andy Jones to head up OnStar UK launch

    Thu, 3 Aug 2000

  • Auto suppliers in brand drive

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

    Automotive design and technology suppliers have always had a low profile. But they are now seeking to raise their brand awareness

  • Auto suppliers in brand drive

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

    Automotive design and technology suppliers have always had a low profile. But they are now seeking to raise their brand awareness

  • Daihatsu lures marketing director back after head quits for start-up

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

    Car company Daihatsu has lured Paul Tunnicliffe back to the position of marketing director six years after he left.

  • Daihatsu lures marketing director back after head quits for start-up

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

    Car company Daihatsu has lured Paul Tunnicliffe back to the position of marketing director six years after he left.

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

    Exchange & Mart, the magazine that matches buyers and sellers, is to relaunch its website under the new URL www.ixM.co.

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

    Exchange & Mart, the magazine that matches buyers and sellers, is to relaunch its website under the new URL www.ixM.co.

  • Direct Line's budget car site Jamjar.com leapfrogs rivals

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

  • Land Rover lures top Fiat marketer

    Thu, 27 Jul 2000

    Fiat UK marketing director Enrico Atanasio defects to head up Land Rover's Italian operations.

  • Digests

    Thu, 20 Jul 2000

    Volvo has confirmed it is to switch its £20m media planning and buying business from New PHD to MindShare.

  • LDV poaches Rover Cars boss for newly-created head marketer role

    Thu, 20 Jul 2000

  • Mazda launches TV branding campaign

    Thu, 20 Jul 2000

  • Mazda launches TV branding campaign

    Thu, 20 Jul 2000

  • Renault to sponsor Telegraph extreme sports supplement

    Thu, 20 Jul 2000

  • Renault to sponsor Telegraph extreme sports supplement

    Thu, 20 Jul 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 13 Jul 2000

    Kia Cars has appointed Guy Jones as head of marketing. Jones moves from Volkswagen and replaces Gary Elliot, who joined Lex earlier this year.

  • Digest

    Thu, 13 Jul 2000

    Rover has unveiled its latest advertising which tries to persuade consumers that they are better off buying its cars from its UK dealer network rather than from other dot-com companies.

  • Fender Foes

    Thu, 13 Jul 2000

    Bernd Pischetsrieder's appointment as head of VW's new luxury division pits him head on against former BMW colleague and arch rival Wolfgang Reitzle, who controls Ford's pool of luxury marques. With Ford's brand muscle and his proven success w

  • Fender Foes

    Thu, 13 Jul 2000

    Bernd Pischetsrieder's appointment as head of VW's new luxury division pits him head on against former BMW colleague and arch rival Wolfgang Reitzle, who controls Ford's pool of luxury marques. With Ford's brand muscle and his proven success w

  • Volkswagen boss defects to Volvo

    Thu, 13 Jul 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

    Toyota Motor Corporation says it may launch an online bank.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

    Dennis Interactive has revamped its AutoExpress website with a new "supercharged" look, which makes more use of Flash animation technology. One of the aims is to let users navigate the site with fewer clicks of the mouse.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

    Peugeot-Citroën is refusing to comment on reports that it has awarded its £90m UK media planning and buying account to Carat.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

    Dennis Interactive has revamped its AutoExpress website with a new "supercharged" look, which makes more use of Flash animation technology. One of the aims is to let users navigate the site with fewer clicks of the mouse.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

    Toyota Motor Corporation says it may launch an online bank.

  • Direct Line opens online car shop

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

  • Octagon launches car version of Superbike racing series

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

  • Octagon launches car version of Superbike racing series

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

  • Vauxhall launching new Astra campaign

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

    Vauxhall is launching a £7m ad campaign for its new Astra Coupé and the VX220 two-seater roadster, as part of the series starring Griff Rhys-Jones, through Lowe Lintas & Partners.

  • Volvo's US agency to handle £32m task through Brussels start-up

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

  • Volvo's US agency to handle £32m task through Brussels start-up

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

  • VW sets up luxury marques division

    Thu, 6 Jul 2000

    Fired BMW chief Bernd Pischetsrieder to oversee new division dedicated to growth of luxury cars

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Jun 2000

    General Motors in the US is reviewing its £2.6bn media planning business out of Initiative Media Worldwide. The incumbent, Starcom MediaVest and Carat are involved in the pitch process.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Jun 2000

    Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars has appointed John Killick as director of personal commissioning. Killick was previously acting as a consultant for Rolls-Royce.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Jun 2000

    Daewoo has been accused of ambush marketing by Uefa and ISL, the sports agency for Euro 2000. Ads running in the Netherlands use the line that translates as 'Daewoo sponsors 2000 Euro', referring to extra discounts available on Lanos, Nubira and Leganza models.

  • Digests

    Thu, 29 Jun 2000

    Marketing Drive has been appointed by Mercedes Benz to launch the new C-class to UK dealers nationwide. The dealer launch campaign, which will start in September, will reflect the above-the-line campaign created by Partners BDDH.

  • Duckworth to handle $40m Daewoo push

    Thu, 29 Jun 2000

  • Ford splits commercial and passenger arms

    Thu, 22 Jun 2000

  • Ford splits commercial and passenger arms

    Thu, 22 Jun 2000

  • Digest

    Wed, 14 Jun 2000

    Fiat is to make all of its models available on the Internet from July 8. The service will then be extended to the Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands. It will include financing options.

  • Digest

    Wed, 14 Jun 2000

    Fiat is to make all of its models available on the Internet from July 8. The service will then be extended to the Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands. It will include financing options.

  • Leith Agency lands £40m Honda Europe business

    Wed, 14 Jun 2000

    The Leith Agency has seized a £40m slice of Honda business by becoming Honda Motor Europe's (HME) lead agency in France, Italy and Spain.

  • Michelin plans global merchandising push

    Wed, 14 Jun 2000

  • Michelin plans global merchandising push

    Wed, 14 Jun 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 8 Jun 2000

    Duckworth Finn Grubb Waters has pitched against two agencies for the launch of a new Daewoo model across Europe.

  • Mixed blessings

    Thu, 8 Jun 2000

    The way companies approach takeovers can have a huge effect on the welfare of acquired brands. HSBC waited seven years before brutally killing off Midland - very successfully. At another extreme, Ford is embarking on the tricky task of reposit

  • Digest

    Thu, 1 Jun 2000

    Rover marketing director John Sanders' future is in doubt following the brand director John Parkinson's appointment as sales and marketing director.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 May 2000

    Lexus, the luxury Toyota car brand, has switched its £1m retail marketing business from Interfocus to Blueprint. The decision was made by Lexus general manager of marketing David Brimsom.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 May 2000

    Ford is hoping to capitalise on two growing trends - Web use and computer games. It has launched a game called Nano-Racing on its www.fordracing.net website, to communicate "the thrills and spills of the World Rally Championship".

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 May 2000

    Lexus, the luxury Toyota car brand, has switched its £1m retail marketing business from Interfocus to Blueprint. The decision was made by Lexus general manager of marketing David Brimsom.

  • BLD to lead £25m Lexus Europe brief

    Thu, 18 May 2000

  • BLD to lead £25m Lexus Europe brief

    Thu, 18 May 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 18 May 2000

    Nissan and Renault have confirmed they are to merge some European sales and marketing functions, as predicted in Marketing Week (March 23).

  • Digest

    Thu, 18 May 2000

    Nissan and Renault have confirmed they are to merge some European sales and marketing functions, as predicted in Marketing Week (March 23).

  • Mazda returns to television in bid to fill the showrooms

    Thu, 11 May 2000

    Mazda is to return to television after a break of nearly four years with its MPV Premacy campaign.

  • Mazda returns to television in bid to fill the showrooms

    Thu, 11 May 2000

    Mazda is to return to television after a break of nearly four years with its MPV Premacy campaign.

  • Digest

    Thu, 4 May 2000

    PSA is understood to have shortlisted five media agencies to handle its £90m media buying business for Peugeot and Citroën.

  • Digest

    Thu, 4 May 2000

    Mazda has embarked on a cause-related marketing initiative with Barnardo's, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Future Forests, whereby the Mazda Community Trust will raise funds to support the three organisations.

  • ITC overrules BACC again over Volvo ad

    Thu, 4 May 2000

  • BMW appoints top marketer as managing director in UK

    Thu, 27 Apr 2000

  • BMW appoints top marketer as managing director in UK

    Thu, 27 Apr 2000

  • CarLand hit as marketing chief leaves

    Thu, 20 Apr 2000

  • Daihatsu chooses Wallis Tomlinson

    Thu, 20 Apr 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Apr 2000

    Citroën UK has appointed Alain Favey as managing director, replacing Olivier Pittet, who is moving back to France. Favey, who has worked in marketing within the PSA group, joins from Citroën Belgium.

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Apr 2000

    Citroën UK has appointed Alain Favey as managing director, replacing Olivier Pittet, who is moving back to France. Favey, who has worked in marketing within the PSA group, joins from Citroën Belgium.

  • Ford poaches Nissan head in European marketing rejig

    Thu, 20 Apr 2000

  • Freeserve one-stop car website starts to motor

    Thu, 20 Apr 2000

    The potent combination of online convenience, more women buyers and foreign imports has benefited Freeserve's latest e-commerce initiative.

  • Digest

    Thu, 6 Apr 2000

    Toshiba Europe has appointed German agency Rempen & Partners to its £7m pan-European computer systems account after a six-way pitch involving Brann London, FCB Hamburg, Hakhuhodo, Scholz & Friends International and Bates Frankfurt.

  • Gearing down

    Thu, 6 Apr 2000

    Plummeting car prices are undermining the substantial advertising budgets of UK car companies. The stylish, sophisticated ads created to appeal to UK audiences could soon be replaced by bland pan-European campaigns. How will UK agencies fare i

  • Leith limbers up for £40m Honda

    Thu, 6 Apr 2000

    Edinburgh-based The Leith Agency, which recently opened a London office, is setting up alliances with Havas agencies across Europe ahead of handling Honda Motor Europe's (HME's) £40m southern region advertising business.

  • Leith limbers up for £40m Honda

    Thu, 6 Apr 2000

    Edinburgh-based The Leith Agency, which recently opened a London office, is setting up alliances with Havas agencies across Europe ahead of handling Honda Motor Europe's (HME's) £40m southern region advertising business.

  • Williams F1 to face protestat Grand Prix

    Thu, 6 Apr 2000

    The Williams Formula One team is bracing itself for a major guerrilla protest by Rover supporters at this month's British Grand Prix over its close relationship with BMW.

  • Digest

    Thu, 30 Mar 2000

    Land Rover in North America has appointed Texas-based agency GSD&M to its $35m (&£22m) ad account. M&C Saatchi was on the shortlist.

  • Digest

    Thu, 30 Mar 2000

    Rover UK marketing director John Sanders says its advertising schedule will return to normal this weekend. The company, which will be transferred to Alchemy in the next six to eight weeks, has been running press ads informing customers that it is safe to buy Rover cars.

  • Backseat Driver

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

    Once Rover had been sold the news quickly broke that Kevin Morley, the marque's former marketing chief, was back on the scene. Although Morley insists his is just an advisory role, the industry wonders whether he really will steer clear of int

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

    Europcar UK, the car rental company, has appointed Kirsten Roennau as its new marketing director. She joins from sister company Europcar International, where she was director of international operations.

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

    BMW's global marketing and sales director, Henrich Heitman, is one of three board members to leave the company following the Rover sell-off.

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

    Classic FM has signed Saab to sponsor ten months of the station's Smooth Classics at 7 programme, in a deal worth &£750,000.

  • Digest

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

    Europcar UK, the car rental company, has appointed Kirsten Roennau as its new marketing director. She joins from sister company Europcar International, where she was director of international operations.

  • Government ineptitude has dogged Rover's fate

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

    Rover's miserable state reflects the Government's incompetent intervention. If politicians interfere further it will only make matters worse, says George Pitcher.

  • Honda launches £10m Euro pitch

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

  • Honda launches £10m Euro pitch

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

  • Renault boss takes leading role at Nissan

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

  • Renault boss takes leading role at Nissan

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

  • Zeta Jones to star in Alfa Romeo ad

    Thu, 23 Mar 2000

  • Avis Euro chief quits for Internet start-up

    Thu, 16 Mar 2000

    Clare Salmon has quit as European group director of marketing at car hire giant Avis Europe after less than eight months.

  • Digest

    Thu, 16 Mar 2000

    Autotrader.co.uk has increased its audited traffic figure by 50 per cent between October 1999 and January 2000. The site now registers 15.9 million page impressions per month making it the most popular motoring Website in the UK.

  • Rover hit by departure of Mini head

    Thu, 16 Mar 2000

    Patrick Fleming, marketing director for the Rover Mini, has left the company less than a month after being promoted. He is joining Ford-owned Aston Martin.

  • Rover hit by departure of Mini head

    Thu, 16 Mar 2000

    Patrick Fleming, marketing director for the Rover Mini, has left the company less than a month after being promoted. He is joining Ford-owned Aston Martin.

  • Sting stars in Jaguar's latest ad

    Thu, 16 Mar 2000

    The latest J Walter Thompson advertisement for the Ford-owned Jaguar S-Type will launch later this week featuring pop idol Sting. The new execution marks the end of an ad campaign using music by Shirley Bassey which broke in March last year. Sting, formerly of Eighties band The Police, made his last appearance in an ad three years ago for the BBC's 'Perfect day' campaign. Sting's worldwide tour is sponsored by computer company Compaq. His song 'Brand new day' features in Compaq's ad ...

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 Mar 2000

    Peugeot and Citroën have confirmed they are to review their combined £90m media business out of Initiative Media (MW January 27).

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 Mar 2000

    Daihatsu managing director David Green is to leave following the company's sale from Inchcape to West Bromwich-based International Motors. The whole operation will move from Dover over the next few months and voluntary redundancies are anticipated.

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 Mar 2000

    Daihatsu managing director David Green is to leave following the company's sale from Inchcape to West Bromwich-based International Motors. The whole operation will move from Dover over the next few months and voluntary redundancies are anticipated.

  • Nissan drops ad following Peckham row

    Thu, 9 Mar 2000

    Nissan has withdrawn a press ad for its Terrano II off-the-road car which poked fun at Peckham, in London, after receiving a complaint from the local council.

  • Vauxhall to hand Lowe extra £15m

    Thu, 9 Mar 2000

    Car giant merges 3 sales and marketing departments and lines up Lowe for £15m more business.

  • Dealers push dot-com cars for Vauxhall

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    Vauxhall has set up computer terminals at two of its dealerships, to sell customers its dot-com branded cars. These cost up to £1,000 less than cars normally sold through dealers.

  • Dealers push dot-com cars for Vauxhall

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    Vauxhall has set up computer terminals at two of its dealerships, to sell customers its dot-com branded cars. These cost up to £1,000 less than cars normally sold through dealers.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    The RAC has hired Gary Elliott as its head of brand management. Elliott, who will report to RAC group marketing director Ken Lee, was previously Kia UK's head of marketing.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    Ford is planning to launch nine products a year over the next five years to boost its flagging European market share, according to European chairman Nick Scheele.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    The US car industry has shown a rare display of unity by launching what is billed as the world's biggest dot-com. It will act as a single automotive-parts exchange run through the Internet. Although part-owned by Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler, it will be run as an independent entity and may float on the stock market.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    The RAC has hired Gary Elliott as its head of brand management. Elliott, who will report to RAC group marketing director Ken Lee, was previously Kia UK's head of marketing.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    Ford is planning to launch nine products a year over the next five years to boost its flagging European market share, according to European chairman Nick Scheele.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    The US car industry has shown a rare display of unity by launching what is billed as the world's biggest dot-com. It will act as a single automotive-parts exchange run through the Internet. Although part-owned by Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler, it will be run as an independent entity and may float on the stock market.

  • Digest

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    Publicis has scooped the $22m (£13.75m) advertising account for BMW-owned car manufacturer Rover in Spain.

  • Is the sun setting on troubled Rover?

    Thu, 2 Mar 2000

    BMW, owner of the ailing Rover brand, must rescue the car company in less than a year or face takeover by one of its rivals. It is pinning its hopes on the launch of the new Mini and the R30 model.

  • Digest

    Thu, 24 Feb 2000

    Toyota has poached Matthew Harrison from Ford, to be general manager of marketing. Harrison, who was business development manager at Ford, takes up his post at the end of this month and reports to Toyota marketing director Paul Philpott.

  • Digest

    Thu, 24 Feb 2000

    Toyota has poached Matthew Harrison from Ford, to be general manager of marketing. Harrison, who was business development manager at Ford, takes up his post at the end of this month and reports to Toyota marketing director Paul Philpott.

  • Top Rover marketer defects to rival VW

    Thu, 24 Feb 2000

    Beleaguered car company Rover has been hit by yet another defection from its senior management team.

  • BJK&E nets £30m UK Daimler task

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    DaimlerChrysler has handed its global media planning business to DCMA, the joint venture between CIA Medianetwork and FCB.

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    BMW finance director Max Kelner will temporarily replace Kevin Gaskell as managing director when he leaves at the end of the month.

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    Saab, the Swedish car firm, is running a banner ad campaign through Lowe Direct. It features a micro-site encouraging registration for test-drives and will run on a range of sites, including financial, news, travel, sports and search engines.

  • Digest

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    BMW finance director Max Kelner will temporarily replace Kevin Gaskell as managing director when he leaves at the end of the month.

  • Peugeot ad chief moves to sales

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    Peugeot director of advertising and sales promotion Kel Walker is to take up a sales position. He will be replaced by a member of the Peugeot family.

  • Speed limits

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    Advertisers have found ways to dodge restrictions on using images of speeding to sell cars, but the ASA's decision to ban the Jaguar XK8 ad heralds tighter curbs ahead for the emotive selling point.

  • Volvo UK marketing head quits in restructure

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    Volvo's restructure of its marketing, which is being centralised across Europe, has triggered the departure of UK head of marketing Sarah Buckle.

  • Why car trade is stalling over new pricing policy

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    Despite mounting pressure, the car industry refuses to lower prices and drop its control over dealers. But they have good reasons not to, says Alan Mitchell.

  • Why car trade is stalling over new pricing policy

    Thu, 17 Feb 2000

    Despite mounting pressure, the car industry refuses to lower prices and drop its control over dealers. But they have good reasons not to, says Alan Mitchell.

  • C4 hunts sponsor as VW ends deal

    Thu, 10 Feb 2000

  • Digest

    Thu, 10 Feb 2000

    General Motors US (GM) is holding an internal audit of the company's advertising department, after the abrupt departure of marketing executive Dean Rotondo. He left after GM discovered he had been convicted of a felony.

  • Digest

    Thu, 10 Feb 2000

    DaimlerChrysler has appointed director of international marketing operations Ken Laurence to the new post of director of global media.

  • Mitsubishi slams Mail for scrapping its ads

    Thu, 10 Feb 2000

  • Mitsubishi slams Mail for scrapping its ads

    Thu, 10 Feb 2000

  • Yellow M in £5m used car retailer drive

    Thu, 10 Feb 2000

  • Arrows Formula One hunts chief

    Thu, 3 Feb 2000

    Motor-racing team Arrows Formula One is hunting for its first marketing director as part of plans to boost the company's commercial operations.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 Feb 2000

    P&O Stena Line plans to extend its brand into retailing by offering a range of cut-price products purchased from overseas. It began this week with the launch of an own-brand car retailer.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 Feb 2000

    HHCL & Partners has confirmed it has pulled out of the pitch for Lexus Europe ad business. Team One in the US, BLD in Brussels and BBDO in Paris are still in the running.

  • Digest

    Thu, 3 Feb 2000

    P&O Stena Line plans to extend its brand into retailing by offering a range of cut-price products purchased from overseas. It began this week with the launch of an own-brand car retailer.

  • Mazda drafts in marketing consultant

    Thu, 3 Feb 2000

    Car manufacturer Mazda, has drafted in a well-known marketing consultant to act as marketing director after the company failed to fill the position, which has been vacant for nearly a year.

  • Rover boss moves to Mini/MG arm

    Thu, 3 Feb 2000

    BMW Group has moved one of Rover's senior marketers to head its Mini/MG division, and is seeking an advertising agency to handle next year's launch of the new Mini.

  • Rover boss moves to Mini/MG arm

    Thu, 3 Feb 2000

    BMW Group has moved one of Rover's senior marketers to head its Mini/MG division, and is seeking an advertising agency to handle next year's launch of the new Mini.

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jan 2000

    Lexus, is to run its first TV branding campaign. The ads, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, introduce the new adline 'It's a feeling inside' - the first line since 1995. The luxury marque is trying to introduce a more definitive direction for the marque, by focussing on Lexus as a product of 'excellence'.

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jan 2000

    Lexus, is to run its first TV branding campaign. The ads, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, introduce the new adline 'It's a feeling inside' - the first line since 1995. The luxury marque is trying to introduce a more definitive direction for the marque, by focussing on Lexus as a product of 'excellence'.

  • Digest

    Thu, 27 Jan 2000

    BMW Williams Formula One revealed this week that its principal sponsor will be computer giant Compaq, as predicted in Marketing Week (October 28 1999).

  • Virgin picks Roose for £2m discount car site

    Thu, 27 Jan 2000

    Virgin has appointed Roose & Partners and Manning Gottlieb Media to handle the £2m advertising launch of its new discount car site Virgincars.

  • Virgin picks Roose for £2m discount car site

    Thu, 27 Jan 2000

    Virgin has appointed Roose & Partners and Manning Gottlieb Media to handle the £2m advertising launch of its new discount car site Virgincars.

  • Volvo loses senior global marketer

    Thu, 27 Jan 2000

    Volvo's global vice-president of marketing and communications has left to join a Swedish consultancy.

  • BMW loses UK chief

    Thu, 20 Jan 2000

    Kevin Gaskell, managing director of BMW in the UK, is to quit the car manufacturer and is understood to be joining an Internet company.

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Jan 2000

    D'Arcy has won the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority's £2m 'green road tax' account after pitching against Rainey Kelly/Y&R and Golley Slater.

  • Digest

    Thu, 20 Jan 2000

    Mercedes Benz is understood to be looking for a pan-European agency to create an ad campaign for its van division.

  • Proton chief quits to set up business

    Thu, 20 Jan 2000

    Darren Payne, the UK commercial director of Malaysia's national car manufacturer Proton Cars, has left the company.

  • Rover is hit by senior exit

    Thu, 20 Jan 2000

    Nicki Darzinkas, group marketing and communications director of the Rover Group, has quit the company.

  • Rover is hit by senior exit

    Thu, 20 Jan 2000

    Nicki Darzinkas, group marketing and communications director of the Rover Group, has quit the company.

  • Digest

    Thu, 13 Jan 2000

    Rover is launching a new TV ad for the Rover 45 model this week. Continuing the theme of 'Extraordinary Drive', the 60-second ad shows the car inside a pinball machine. The ads were created by M&C Saatchi, with media bought by Zenith.

  • Digest

    Thu, 13 Jan 2000

    Autobytel.com, the online car retailer, has raised an additional $27m (£16.9m) for the expansion of its services across Europe.

  • Digest

    Thu, 13 Jan 2000

    The Consumers' Association is to launch an online car retailing service later this year, offering foreign imports at less than UK prices. The move follows a trial among members last year.

  • RAC calls review of £5m account

    Thu, 13 Jan 2000

    RAC Motoring Services is reviewing its £5m advertising account following a change in ownership.

  • RAC calls review of £5m account

    Thu, 13 Jan 2000

    RAC Motoring Services is reviewing its £5m advertising account following a change in ownership.

  • Road Block

    Thu, 13 Jan 2000

    Car manufacturers are unprepared for the inevitable - prices in the UK are about to come down. The Competition Commission could bar the fixing of prices, creating an opening for cheaper retailers. To stop the slide in sales, manufacturers must make value for money their marketing focus.

  • Vauxhall ads to push Net sales service

    Thu, 6 Jan 2000

    Vauxhall has overhauled its advertising strategy and produced a campaign highlighting its innovations in the car market, including selling vehicles direct over the Internet.

  • Vauxhall ads to push Net sales service

    Thu, 6 Jan 2000

    Vauxhall has overhauled its advertising strategy and produced a campaign highlighting its innovations in the car market, including selling vehicles direct over the Internet.

  • VW trades in 'surprisingly ordinary' campaign for better value strategy

    Thu, 6 Jan 2000

    Volkswagen has decided to ignore public pressure to cut prices, and is scrapping its "Surprisingly ordinary prices" campaign in favour of a new strategy promising customers they will get more for their money.

  • Honda to create umbrella brand

    Thu, 16 Dec 1999

  • Digest

    Thu, 9 Dec 1999

    TBWA Worldwide and Japanese agency Hakuhodo are to form a join venture to satisfy Nissan's desire for a single global agency. TBWA has appointed Robert LePlae from its Californian agency to head up the venture.

  • Digest

    Thu, 25 Nov 1999

    Porsche marketing communications manager of sports car brand Julia Fothergill has left the company. Fothergill, who has no job to go, held a similar position at Honda.

  • Volkswagen hires BMP for Internet business

    Thu, 25 Nov 1999

    Volkswagen has appointed BMP InterAction to handle its Internet business. The appointment has forced BMP InterAction, the sister company of Volkswagen's creative agency BMP DDB, to resign from the rival Vauxhall business which it has handled

  • Digest

    Thu, 11 Nov 1999

    Ferrari merchandiser TSS&P has launched a Website offering fans of the Italian sports car and Formula 1 marque the chance to buy Ferrari goods online. The site, powered by e-commerce software package Intership, allows fans the chance to buy caps, jackets and other Ferrari-branded clothing. UK-based TSS&P holds the exclusive Ferrari global licence for official adult apparel and accessories.

  • Ford Credit hires chief

    Thu, 11 Nov 1999

    Car giant appoints first head of Euro marketing for finance arm prior to major branding initiative

  • Digest

    Thu, 4 Nov 1999

    Saatchi & Saatchi has been appointed by Lexus to create the luxury car marque's first branding campaign in Europe, including the UK.

  • i-level begins campaign for RAC's Net breakdown service

    Thu, 4 Nov 1999

    Specialist online media buying and planning agency i-level has launched a £100,000 online campaign to promote Red, the "pay-as-you-go" breakdown service announced by the RAC last week.

  • Volvo lures top marketer from Audi

    Thu, 4 Nov 1999

    Car company Audi has lost one of its most senior European marketers in a defection to rival Volvo.

  • Volvo lures top marketer from Audi

    Thu, 4 Nov 1999

    Car company Audi has lost one of its most senior European marketers in a defection to rival Volvo.

  • Compaq to strike Formula One deal

    Thu, 28 Oct 1999

    Williams cars may carry computer giant's logo if £15m sponsorship deal is struck for next season

  • DaimlerChrysler names Toyota boss for jeep arm

    Thu, 28 Oct 1999

    DaimlerChrysler has drafted in a senior director from Toyota to head Chrysler Jeep in the UK.

  • Digest

    Thu, 28 Oct 1999

    Mayer Bird has been appointed by Mercedes-Benz to handle the commercial vehicle advertising business. The account was previously handled by Buckfield Lord & Co which has been acquired by Earle Palmer Brown.

  • Ford to launch a dramatic global advertising campaign

    Thu, 28 Oct 1999

    Ford Motor Company is to launch a dramatic global advertising campaign through J Walter Thompson Detroit to showcase all seven of its car brands: Ford, Mazda, Jaguar, Volvo, Lincoln, Mercury and Aston Martin.

  • Vauxhall axes brand manager role

    Thu, 28 Oct 1999

    Vauxhall is restructuring its sales and marketing team and axing the position of brand manager for individual cars.

  • Digest

    Thu, 14 Oct 1999

    Toyota has appointed Tony Whitehorn as sales director, reporting to commercial director Mike Moran.

  • Digest

    Thu, 14 Oct 1999

    Daimler Chrysler has appointed former sales director Simon Elliott as director of Chrysler Jeep in the UK.

  • Digest

    Thu, 14 Oct 1999

    Martin Brundle, TV presenter and Formula One Grand Prix star, will drive a Toyota Corolla World Rally Car in the 1999 Rally of Great Britain in November.

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Oct 1999

    X-Stream, the free Internet service provider, has signed a deal with motoring publisher Auto Trader Interactive to become a content provider. The move aims to complement a similar deal with the BBC-backed Top Gear Website - also featured on X-Stream Central at www.x-stream.co.uk.

  • Digest

    Thu, 7 Oct 1999

    X-Stream, the free Internet service provider, has signed a deal with motoring publisher Auto Trader Interactive to become a content provider. The move aims to complement a similar deal with the BBC-backed Top Gear Website - also featured on X-Stream Central at www.x-stream.co.uk.

  • Driving Force

    Thu, 7 Oct 1999

    Motor shows are a highlight of the exhibition year, their history of success a result of complex behind-the-scenes planning. Ian Russell looks at the challenges the event organisers face

  • VW UK boss promoted to oversee group brands

    Thu, 7 Oct 1999

    Robin Woolcock, head of Volkswagen UK, is taking on overall responsibility for VW Group's brands, including Seat, Skoda and Audi. He replaces UK managing director Richard Ide, who is to retire.

  • VW UK boss promoted to oversee group brands

    Thu, 7 Oct 1999

    Robin Woolcock, head of Volkswagen UK, is taking on overall responsibility for VW Group's brands, including Seat, Skoda and Audi. He replaces UK managing director Richard Ide, who is to retire.

  • Citroën ad boss moves to Toyota

    Thu, 30 Sep 1999

    Citroën UK has lost its top advertising executive Rob Kraushar, who has defected to Toyota. Kraushar, who as advertising manager reported to marketing director Mike Ibbett at the French-owned company, is understood to have handed in his notic

  • General Motors chief joins Bates

    Thu, 30 Sep 1999

    Jim Latham, former director of the World Cup for General Motors Europe (GM), which had an annual promotions budget of about $50m (&£30m), has joined Bates as director of sponsorship at its subsidiary 141 Communications.

  • APL blow as M&C wins £35m Rover

    Thu, 23 Sep 1999

    Ammirati Puris Lintas is reeling after the loss of its £35m UK Rover business, which was awarded to M&C Saatchi last week.

  • Mitsubishi appoints Daihatsu head

    Thu, 23 Sep 1999

    Paul Williams, former managing director for Daihatsu UK, has been appointed as director of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

  • Not so Smart: Green car runs into trouble

    Thu, 23 Sep 1999

    Last week's strategy row at Smart was the latest to hit the Mercedes-backed venture. Is there a market for eco cars?

  • Not so Smart: Green car runs into trouble

    Thu, 23 Sep 1999

    Last week's strategy row at Smart was the latest to hit the Mercedes-backed venture. Is there a market for eco cars?

  • Digest

    Thu, 16 Sep 1999

    Lars Brorsen, head of DaimlerChrysler's troubled MCC Smart mini-car division, has stepped down over differences of opinion about its future.

  • Can Centrica fulfil its AA promises?

    Thu, 9 Sep 1999

    Centrica has assured AA members that its takeover will not damage customer service. But its commercial concerns may jeopardise a privatised AA - especially its emergency breakdown service.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Aug 1999

    Pioneer has unveiled a new Website and virtual production demonstration centre aimed at promoting its in-car audio systems. The site (www.pioneer-funkycooldigital.co.uk) features an interactive dealer locator service to help users find their local car audio specialist stocking Pioneer's OEL range.

  • Digest

    Thu, 26 Aug 1999

    CSA, France's audiovisual regulatory authority, has advised TV channels to cease transmitting an ad for the Audi A4 V6 TDI, despite the fact that it has been on air since April last year. CSA ruled that it depicted excessive speed and a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre.

  • Moran takes over Toyota after defection to Porsche

    Thu, 26 Aug 1999

  • APL lands £10m Continental task

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    Continental Tyres has appointed Ammirati Puris Lintas as the lead agency on its £10m pan-European account.

  • APL lands £10m Continental task

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    Continental Tyres has appointed Ammirati Puris Lintas as the lead agency on its £10m pan-European account.

  • Digests

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    The Advertising Standards Authority is investigating complaints that new press ads for Land Rover, showing a Discovery 4x4 towing a Boeing 747, are misleading. The Rover Group is standing by its claim.

  • Digests

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    The Advertising Standards Authority is investigating complaints that new press ads for Land Rover, showing a Discovery 4x4 towing a Boeing 747, are misleading. The Rover Group is standing by its claim.

  • Digests

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    Leagas Delaney has rolled out a £2.5m TV advertising campaign for Hyundai's Accent Siena hatchback car.

  • McCann-Erickson loses £9m Goodyear tyres

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    McCann-Erickson has lost the £9m pan-European Goodyear tyres advertising account, which it has held for more than 40 years, to Leagas Delaney.

  • Mediacom £60m VW win puts BBJ future in doubt

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    The Volkswagen Group (VW) has moved its £60m UK media buying and planning account out of BBJ Media Services and into Mediacom TMB, wiping out nearly a third of BBJ's billings.

  • Mediacom £60m VW win puts BBJ future in doubt

    Thu, 12 Aug 1999

    The Volkswagen Group (VW) has moved its £60m UK media buying and planning account out of BBJ Media Services and into Mediacom TMB, wiping out nearly a third of BBJ's billings.

  • £7m Peugeot task to stay with McCann

    Thu, 5 Aug 1999

    Peugeot Motor Company has retained McCann-Erickson Manchester for its £7m UK car dealership account.

  • Dentsu nets brief to rescue Nissan

    Thu, 5 Aug 1999

    Nissan has appointed Dentsu to the relaunch of its Japanese dealership. But the move, which marks the end of its single agency policy, has dashed the hopes of TBWA and Publicis.

  • APL wins £5m Toyota task for small brands

    Thu, 29 Jul 1999

    Ammirati Puris Lintas has won a £5m brief from Toyota Europe to create a campaign for the car giant's slow selling brands.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Jul 1999

    DaimlerChrysler has linked with Banca di Roma to enable the bank's customers to purchase a Smart car through any of its 1,200 outlets. Clients taking up the offer receive a voucher to the full value of the car, exchangeable at Smart showrooms.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Jul 1999

    Mitsubishi Motors has appointed Cardiff-based advertising agency Golley Slater as its new dealer marketing agency. The account is worth a &£2.5m a year.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Jul 1999

    Carlson, the direct marketing agency, has retained the £10m Citroen direct mail account, which it has held for the past 12 years.

  • Digest

    Thu, 29 Jul 1999

    Oakwood Design Consultants has designed the brochure for the new model Freelander by Land Rover.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Jul 1999

    Auto Express is to run a radio campaign on London News Radio and LBC to promote its New Car Honours issue this week.

  • Digest

    Thu, 22 Jul 1999

    Avis Rent A Car System has shortlisted Ammirati Puris Lintas, Lowe & Partners/SMS and McCann-Erickson, all of New York, for its £18m advertising account.

  • Jackson joins O&M to head Ford Euro brief

    Thu, 22 Jul 1999

    Paul Jackson, the former Ammirati Puris Lintas executive managing partner who ran the Rover business for more than a decade, has joined Ogilvy & Mather to head the Ford of Europe account.

  • Negative impact

    Thu, 22 Jul 1999

    Exclusive Marketing Week research reveals that the recent bad publicity over the safety of people carriers has dramatically damaged the sector. Does this signal the end of the road for Tony Blair's favoured vehicle?

  • Faulds wins £5m Auto Trader task

    Thu, 15 Jul 1999

    The Auto Trader group of magazines has appointed Faulds Advertising to its upweighted &£5m account. The agency will create a "brand personality" for the company's flagship title.

  • Pirelli instigates £18m worldwide media review

    Thu, 15 Jul 1999

    Pirelli is reviewing its $30m (£18m) global media business after switching its creative account out of Young & Rubicam into Italian agency Armando Testa.

  • Scuffs to open 200 UK drive-in car repair sites

    Thu, 15 Jul 1999

    Drive-in car repair centre Scuffs is planning to open 200 UK sites in the next five years, following a successful three-month pilot in Bristol.

  • Toyota hands £2m corporate brochure brief to APL wing

    Thu, 15 Jul 1999

    Ammirati Puris Lintas-subsidiary Change Communications is understood to have won pan-European business worth &£2m from Toyota Motor Europe.

  • Why a deregulated UK motor trade will not curb rogue trading

    Thu, 15 Jul 1999

    If the UK motor trade becomes a free market, consumers will still be exploited, but by retailers instead of manufacturers, suggests George Pitcher.

  • Centrica moots £17m AA review

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Centrica, the retail supplier of British Gas, has said it will not rule out an agency review of the £17m Automobile Association advertising account after bidding for the car break down recovery club.

  • Centrica moots £17m AA review

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Centrica, the retail supplier of British Gas, has said it will not rule out an agency review of the £17m Automobile Association advertising account after bidding for the car break down recovery club.

  • Centrica's £1.1bn deal with AA leads way to multi-utility future

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Centrica is exploiting the potential of cross-selling in its bid for the AA, which will allow it to branch out into financial services

  • Daihatsu hires UK marketing boss

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Daihatsu, the Japanese car manufacturer, has appointed Chrysler brand manager Franc Gamberini to the new post of UK marketing director.

  • Digests

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Bartle Bogle Hegarty has launched a new campaign for the Audi A4, through BBH Unlimited.

  • Digests

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Spirit, the design agency, has been appointed to design a European brand brochure for Honda Motor Europe.

  • Digests

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Bartle Bogle Hegarty has launched a new campaign for the Audi A4, through BBH Unlimited.

  • Hyundai to sponsor Euro 2000

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai is expected to replace General Motors as the car sponsor for the Euro 2000 football championships being held in the Netherlands and Belgium.

  • Volvo chief defects to VW

    Thu, 8 Jul 1999

    Volvo, the Ford-owned car manufacturer, has parted company with Malcolm Wade, its sales and marketing director in the UK.

  • Digests

    Thu, 1 Jul 1999

    Kevin Gaskill, the managing director for BMW UK, has been tipped to become the German car manufacturer's chief marketer, replacing Dieter Laxy who left the company last week to become head of global marketing for Volvo.

  • Digests

    Thu, 1 Jul 1999

    License2Mail, a club which enables motorists to e-mail others by using their car number plate as an address, has launched in the Netherlands. Membership costs 7.5 euro (£4.90) a year.

  • Digests

    Thu, 1 Jul 1999

    Rover is dropping its ad for the new 75 model featuring flamboyant Conservative activist Derek Laud, who has been convicted of driving while drunk. The 60-second execution will be replaced a 30-second spot on Sunday.

  • Digests

    Thu, 1 Jul 1999

    License2Mail, a club which enables motorists to e-mail others by using their car number plate as an address, has launched in the Netherlands. Membership costs 7.5 euro (£4.90) a year.

  • Digests

    Thu, 1 Jul 1999

    Kevin Gaskill, the managing director for BMW UK, has been tipped to become the German car manufacturer's chief marketer, replacing Dieter Laxy who left the company last week to become head of global marketing for Volvo.

  • Roose snatches £8m Mitsubishi from RPM

    Thu, 1 Jul 1999

    Troubled Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors has handed its UK account to Roose & Partners. Its first work will be the launch of the Carisma range in August.

  • VW Group drafts in new Audi chief

    Thu, 1 Jul 1999

    The Volkswagen Group has undergone a senior management shake-up, which has resulted in the appointment of two new UK chiefs for the VW-owned car companies Audi and Seat.

  • Advalue Fiat Punto

    Thu, 24 Jun 1999

    Comment

  • BMW grabs wheel from Land Rover

    Thu, 24 Jun 1999

    While the majority of four-wheel drive owners may only use their vehicle to drop the kids off at school, the image of a car which provides an escape to the great outdoors is a popular one pedalled by car manufacturers, especially industry stalwarts such as Land Rover.

  • Carat reshuffles to cushion VW blow

    Thu, 24 Jun 1999

    As BBJ Media Services waits for news of whether it will retain its hold on the £44m Volkswagen UK media account, a senior management reshuffle has begun.

  • Carat reshuffles to cushion VW blow

    Thu, 24 Jun 1999

    As BBJ Media Services waits for news of whether it will retain its hold on the £44m Volkswagen UK media account, a senior management reshuffle has begun.

  • Fiat steers clear of female cliches

    Thu, 24 Jun 1999

    The Fiat Punto was launched in 1994 to rave reviews in the trade press, and it won the European Car of the Year Award for 1995. A pan-European advertising campaign, highlighting the Punto's technical features, was used to launch the car in the UK. However, despite the undisputed quality of the car, competitive price and substantial ad spend, sales in the UK were not hitting target.

  • Fiat steers clear of female cliches

    Thu, 24 Jun 1999

    The Fiat Punto was launched in 1994 to rave reviews in the trade press, and it won the European Car of the Year Award for 1995. A pan-European advertising campaign, highlighting the Punto's technical features, was used to launch the car in the UK. However, despite the undisputed quality of the car, competitive price and substantial ad spend, sales in the UK were not hitting target.

  • Wieden scoops £15m Audi AL2

    Thu, 24 Jun 1999

    Audi, the German car-manufacturer, has awarded Wieden & Kennedy the £15m pan-European advertising account for its new AL2 aluminium car.

  • Saatchi secures £2m launch brief for RAC in-car tracker

    Thu, 17 Jun 1999

    M&C Saatchi has won a £2m task to create the advertising for the launch of an RAC-backed vehicle tracking device, called Trackstar.

  • Two quit Land Rover in management shake-up

    Thu, 17 Jun 1999

    Land Rover, the BMW-owned car manufacturer, has parted company with two of its top executives in the latest Rover Group management shake-up.

  • US court stalls Porsche domain name legal fight

    Thu, 17 Jun 1999

    Luxury car marque Porsche has hit a legal stumbling block in its attempt to enforce trademark rights against 138 Internet domain name registrants in the US.

  • Y&R loses £12m Pirelli to Testa

    Thu, 17 Jun 1999

    Pirelli has ended its six year relationship with Young & Rubicam after an acrimonious split, and handed its £12m international advertising account to the new London office of Italian agency Armando Testa.

  • Peugeot puts £7m account up for review

    Thu, 10 Jun 1999

    Peugeot Motor Company has started reviewing its £7m car dealership advertising account held by McCann- Erickson Manchester.

  • Skoda prepares marque relaunch

    Thu, 10 Jun 1999

    Volkswagen-owned car maker Skoda has started work on a relaunch of its brand in the UK, and has appointed Archibald Ingall Stretton (AIS) as its first below-the-line agency.

  • Toyota Europe starts agency hunt

    Thu, 10 Jun 1999

    Toyota Motor Europe is looking for a new agency to handle pan-European tasks. The move has created an opportunity to squeeze onto the car maker's lucrative advertising roster.

  • Toyota Europe starts agency hunt

    Thu, 10 Jun 1999

    Toyota Motor Europe is looking for a new agency to handle pan-European tasks. The move has created an opportunity to squeeze onto the car maker's lucrative advertising roster.

  • Joshua axed as Toyota hands brief to WWAV

    Thu, 3 Jun 1999

    Joshua, Grey's below-the-line agency, has lost the UK direct marketing account for car manufacturer Toyota, which has handed the business to WWAV Rapp Collins.

  • KMM holds on to Rover Germany

    Fri, 6 Jan 1995

    Kevin Morley Marketing has retained its hold on the 13m Rover Germany account, confounding industry speculation that the agency was set to lose all the pan-European Rover business.

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