Committee being formed: Auto Anti Defamation League

Though not as damaging as the auto execs appearance, “the four bankers of the apocalypse” (as they were called by the NYT) appearance before the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, were publically castigated, criticized and condemned.

These leaders of the America’s “too big to fail” bankers, AKA arrogant schemers, defrauders and culpable, seemingly dazzled the commission with verbal flights of banking techno-speak and monetary gibberish.  It was a cluster you know what.

In an apparent need to demean the four and thus the banking industry, the former California state treasurer Phil Angelides, who is chairman of the inquiry Commission, compared Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s chief executive, Lloyd C. Blankfein, to a “used-car salesman who would sell a car with faulty brakes, then buy insurance on the driver.”

That is it. Enough is enough! Time for the AADL — Auto Anti Defamation League.

Bankers from the “too big to fail” group are contemptible, but to say used car salesmen are worse is to paint these valiant sales professionals with the same disparaging brush. Compared to the bankers, or posturing Congressional Committee members, they are above reproach.

Is this just another bureaucratic/governmental crack about the auto industry? If it is, time for a change, isn’t it?

Art from autos, autos as art

Drive, a new exhibit of three artists with automotive themes, open Saturday, January 16th at Daniel Klein Gallery in Birmingham, Michigan.

A mix of photography and paintings, the new show features work by:

• Tim Buwalda whose paintings make new shapes from crashed automobiles
• Cheryl Kelly’s paintings on aluminum are of muscle and classic cars
• Liz Cohen’s photographs establish transformation as the theme (see jump for photo)

Ford’s consumer display

Last year Ford took a bold step and invested a not insignificant sum with Imagination, a long time Ford agency based in London, UK for creating a unique, educational and entertaining venue for its environmental display at the Detroit Auto Show. Click here to see a video of last year’s exhibit space. 

Realizing they had a good thing, a very good thing, Ford again called on Imagination to enhance their visitors experience. This year’s space has an array of hands-on, virtual and digital experiences that can captivate for up to three hours, according to Ford. Highlights include:

• Choreographed assembly line robots will bring Ford’s green and innovation stories to life, demonstrating to visitors the precision engineering that ensures Ford EcoBoost engines deliver greater power and consume less gas.
• Visitors can try Ford’s “self-parking cars” in person, experiencing how Active Park Assist offers faultless parallel parking without a human hand touching the steering wheel.
• The next-generation Ford Focus will have its world premiere, and visitors can interact with a range of experiences that demonstrate the new vehicle’s outstanding driving dynamics, and animate its techno-talented nature.

Why does Ford put money into exhibits? Darrell Bryja, Ford’s head of Global Auto Shows has said, “Auto shows are a cost-effective way for us to reach Ford’s diverse audiences. We invest in this unique brand communication channel because we can see the return on our investment.”

Seems Nissan is reconsidering its auto show involvement too. The brand just announced they will have an exhibit at the New York Auto Show.

Super Bowl XVIV carvertisers become important advertisers

The hype has begun. In just a few weeks, Sunday, February 7th, millions of American’s and more around the glove will turn their TV dials, click the clicker, push the buttons on their new, super huge, wide screen, digital, hi-def, wall hung television, now called a homefotainment device, to view Super Bowl XLIV.

Setting a new record for participation, this year’s telecast has more car ads as a category than any other. Commercials are coming from Audi, Hyundai, Kia, VW, Honda, maybe Toyota, and car related spots from Bridgestone and Cars.com … most at a cost of $2.5 to $2.8 million.

In addition, as this column was typed, Dodge has joined the commercial fray.

Wanna guess who will have the best commercial? May have some interesting info prior to the game. Stay tuned

New York Auto Show App

Smatphone owners – iPhones, Crackberry’s, Palms and others – will be able to get a free app for their devices prior to the official opening of the NY Auto Show. The new app will, according to the release:

• Access to the latest news coming from the Show floor
• The app photo library contains hundreds of images of futuristic concept cars, alternative fuel vehicles, muscle cars, electrics, hybrids, exotics, and more.
• Get app maps of the Show floor to help plan your visit and to better navigate the Show while you’re there.
• Buy tickets, the Show’s official magazine, t-shirts, hats, and more.
• Find your nearest retailer with the Dealer Locator function.
• Sign up for Members Express, an exclusive program that gives members early entry to the Show, access to a VIP lounge, and special discounts.
• Get tips on parking and get directions to the Show

That’s really cool and interesting, but it’s insufficient!

What is missing? The essential app element: the ability to hail or get a cab from the terrible lower Westside location of Jacob Javits Center to a hotel or airport at any time during the day or night during media days. (I know a completely self-serving suggestion. It might apply to public days as well.)

Art from autos, autos as art