Omni Automotive Advertising Blog

There’s been a lot of gloom and doom in the news lately as far as the automotive industry goes. (Like this article, this one, or this one.. just to list a few) But has anyone noticed how fast gas has fallen recently? It’s like I just blinked and all the sudden it’s $2.05 a gallon. (Saw that price this morning on my way to work and almost didn’t believe it)

Remember when it felt like this?

So, what now? Some are saying it’s time to instate a gas tax, to keep demand low and prices from climbing again, as well as collect money for much-needed government projects. Others argue, claiming that a gas tax would be just another blow to the already struggling poor and middle class.

Me? I’ll keep driving the same amount, and I will thoroughly enjoy every stop at the gas station…. if it means only spending 20 bucks.

But I do wonder… with all the effort auto companies have been expending lately to promote their “green” factor (mainly high MPG), will this change anything?

New technology is being developed that might make some seemingly unavoidable accidents a thing of the past.

How does it work? The cars “talk” to each other, transmitting information gathered by various sensors (cameras, GPS and radar systems) about speed, distance, obstacles, etc. This allows the cars to react cooperatively to an obstacle or situation that will affect one or all of them.

Say you’re on the highway, and a ladder falls off a truck in front of you. You can’t swerve, because there are cars on either side of you. With this technology, the cars would be sending information back and forth, and could make a coordinated move to help you avoid the ladder and avoid an accident altogether.

Cars talking and making decisions together? Pretty neat and futuristic, but also a little creepy…

Similar technology is also being developed that alerts drivers about certain driving conditions (red lights, weather problems, obstacles) by flashing signs on a screen on the car’s dashboard.

We already have internet in our homes, on our phones, at Starbucks… so what’s next?

Chrysler recently unveiled its plans to offer wireless internet as an option on all 2009 models.  With UConnect Web, Chrysler becomes the first automaker to include internet access as an option for vehicle purchasers. In a year where sales are down roughly 19%, Chrysler is hoping that the new wireless internet option will provide a much-needed boost.

Admittedly, it seems quite convenient. Emails, maps, news, traffic information and more will be readily available, regardless of your location. The thought of being constantly connected is always comforting.

But is it safe?

In a world of constant distraction, I’m not surprised to find out that the idea is not exactly being welcomed with open arms by all. Spokesman for the California Governor’s Highway Safety Association, Jonathan Adkins, had this to say about wireless internet in vehicles:

“Surfing the Web is something people really don’t have any business doing while they drive. It’s definitely a distraction.”

To counter that concern, Chrysler contends that the while the vehicle is in motion, the service is intended for passenger use only. The company does admit, however, that there’s no way to keep drivers from abusing the ability to speed and surf at the same time.

Wireless internet is undoubtedly convenient, but will it become too much of a distraction when it’s within a drivers’ reach? What are your thoughts?

As a side note, if Adkins thinks that’s dangerous, what will he say about DWM (driving while microwaving)?

In this ad below, VW takes the intangible little extras that come along with the purchase of a vehicle (part of the Volkswagen Service program) and makes them tangible (and invisible)….. by putting a cup of coffee on them.

Find more videos like this on AdGabbe

It’s an interesting twist on the idea of the added value of service programs and guarantees, something that’s usually hard to show the consumer.
If nothing else, these intangible-turned-invisible extras sure make for a cool visual.

A 70 year old Ohio man recently decided to upgrade his ’81 pickup for a new Chevy truck. The interesting part? He paid for half of it in change.

James Jones walked into a Cincinnati-area Chevy dealership and told the salesman he wanted to buy a Silverado. He then produced $8000 worth of quarters, dimes, half-dollars, silver dollars and Susan B. Anthonys, stored in 16 large coffee cans.

Why all the change?

“Paper money will burn, but it is hard to damage coins,” Jones said.

Fair enough. It took the staff 90 minutes to count and sort the hoard of coins; but in the end, Jones drove away in his newly upgraded pickup. 

As a former cashier, I just have one piece of advice to add: don’t get in line behind this guy at the supermarket!