Archive for April, 2010
Video: New Ford promos get cozy with 2011 Mustang engines
Posted by: | CommentsFiled under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Ford
At this point, we know all there is to know about the 2011 Ford Mustang. The fact that the all-new 5.0-liter V8 delivers a heady 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque is scrawled on our collective consciousness for good. Likewise, it’s old news that the base car has been transmuted from rental fodder into a genuine sports car thanks to its new 305 horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Needless to say, Ford has a bit of a challenge ahead of it when it comes to marketing its reborn pony.
How do you advertise a car that has been so thoroughly dissected by every auto rag and site on the planet? If you’re the Blue Oval, you do it by showing the adoring public exactly what makes the car so special. Ford has rolled out two new promos for the 2011 Mustang, both of which pour over every detail of both the mighty GT and respectable V6. There’s plenty of awesome CG to take you deep into each car’s drivetrain, and a burly voice over to remind everyone just how manly you’ll be when you hop behind the wheel.
Hit the jump for your daily dose of engine p0rn.
[Source: Ford via YouTube]
Continue reading Video: New Ford promos get cozy with 2011 Mustang engines
Video: New Ford promos get cozy with 2011 Mustang engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Boston becomes first city to approve Ford Transit Connect Taxi [w/video]
Posted by: | CommentsFiled under: Minivan/Van, Ford, Autoline on Autoblog, Specialty
The Ford Transit Connect could soon start plying the streets of America’s cities in taxi garb following the decision by Boston to approve the compact van for the new application. Ford announced the taxi package for the Transit Connect at the Chicago Auto Show in February.
The Transit Connect is expected to start replacing traditional Crown Victoria sedans and will be a more practical alternative to the smaller Escape Hybrid. While the Escape is fuel efficient, it’s rather small for cab duty. The Transit Connect can more easily carry three passengers and plenty of luggage or other cargo. Ford has also moved the rear seat back three inches in the taxi version for extra leg room.
The Transit Connect taxi can also be ordered with a package that preps it for conversion to either propane or natural gas fuel systems. Check out video of the Transit Connect taxi after the jump.
Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Taxi
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Boston becomes first city to approve Ford Transit Connect Taxi [w/video]
Boston becomes first city to approve Ford Transit Connect Taxi [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Funkmaster Flex pimping 2011 Ford Fiesta
Posted by: | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities
Funkmaster Flex has teamed up with Ford to pimp both a new 2011 Fiesta and his new show on MTV2. Viewers can tune in on May 2 to see Flex put his own personal taste into Ford’s new B-fighter, with touches like a new body kit, lowering springs, wheels and a reworked interior. We’ve even been promised a two-tone paint-scheme will be part of the recipe. At the end of the show, one viewer will have the chance to win the car featured in the debut episode of Funk Flex Full Throttle.
Supposedly the show isn’t anywhere close to Pimp My Ride, so there’s no worry of a 40-gallon fish tank cropping up in the back seat or a massage parlor popping out of the rear hatch. Instead, Flex promises a greater focus on lifestyle, with interviews with popular artists and plenty of good music, too. He’ll also show off some of his more recent automotive projects from time to time. Dare we say it, but it almost sounds watchable.
Check your local listings for full details and hit the jump for the press release.
Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Funkmaster Flex pimping 2011 Ford Fiesta
Funkmaster Flex pimping 2011 Ford Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Study: BMW replaces Toyota as world’s most valuable automaker
Posted by: | CommentsFiled under: BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials
According to a report from Automotive News, BMW has managed to replace Toyota as the world’s most valuable car marque, even though the German automaker saw its brand’s worth decline last year. The article sites a study by Millward Brown called the BrandZ Top 100. On the heels of Toyota’s recent recall troubles, the company’s value declined by 27 percent to a shade under $21.8 billion. Meanwhile, the BMW drop was much less at just nine percent, putting its total value at $21.8 billion even.
Despite Toyota’s stumble, researches at Millward Brown seem to think the brand will be back on top of its game before too long. A spokesperson said that the carmaker’s aggressive work to rebuild its reputation is already underway and should do much to restore the company’s global standing.
Meanwhile, automakers like Ford and Volkswagen made progress on improving their own brand value thanks to investments in entertainment and emissions technologies. Those companies are both valued at around $7 billion.
The Automotive News report also pointed out that high-end automakers like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz suffered the most from the economic downturn, with those brands seeing their value decline by 31 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
Interested in seeing Millward Brown’s complete study results, including brand values for non-automotive businesses? Click here for the full report of everything from beer to apparel to gas companies.
[Sources: Automotive News, Millward Brown]
Study: BMW replaces Toyota as world’s most valuable automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.