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Automotive

GM replaces Preuss with Fleishman's Selim Bingol

Kimberly Maul March 03, 2010

DETROIT: General Motors hired Selim Bingol as VP of communications, effective March 8, replacing Christopher Preuss, who moved onto OnStar as president.

Chevrolet builds up social media engagement through SXSW sponsorship

Kimberly Maul March 03, 2010

AUSTIN, TX: As an official sponsor for music, film, and interactive festival South By Southwest (SXSW), General Motor's Chevrolet brand is engaging with influencers through a social media road trip and experiential marketing at the event, in Austin, TX, from March 12 to 21.

GM's Preuss appointed president of OnStar division

Kimberly Maul March 02, 2010

DETROIT: General Motors' VP of communications is moving into a new, non-PR role at the automaker. GM appointed Chris Preuss to the position of VP and president for OnStar, its car safety and vehicle security company, as part of GM's recent restructuring.

GM reaches out to employees in 'Plant Tour' initiative

Chris Daniels March 02, 2010

DETROIT: General Motors is seeking to better engage its employees and their families - in the past, some of its best brand ambassadors - with a "Vehicle Plant Tour."

Video contest fuels interest in Drive Smarter Challenge

Tanya Lewis March 01, 2010

The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) executed its Drive Smarter Challenge 2009, a program aimed at reducing US gas consumption amid circumstances that were notably different from 2008.

The Hartford cleans up potholes in auto insurance pitch

Tanya Lewis February 26, 2010

The Hartford Financial Services Group wanted to raise awareness as it rolled out a new consumer auto insurance product in five markets.

Toyota spreads promises of reform to restore company name

Erica Morris February 25, 2010

Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda rolled out a series of apologies and promises following his appearance before Congress on Wednesday.

Toyota's Congress comments point to practiced comms strategy

Erica Morris February 23, 2010

WASHINGTON: Toyota's appearance at a series of Congressional hearings this week has already resulted in some much anticipated testimony, with industry insiders pointing to a practiced communications strategy to groom the automaker's top two executives testifying.

Toyota CEO in need of media makeover?

Erica Morris February 19, 2010

Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda is in need of some media grooming ahead of his appearance before Congress, several industry insiders are saying.

Toyota adds agency help in Washington

Chris Daniels February 09, 2010

WASHINGTON: Toyota Motor Sales has hired two PR firms in DC, as it prepares to be grilled about the safety of its vehicles at congressional hearings later this month.

PR campaign drives sales for Brammo's inaugural electric motorcycle

Tanya Lewis February 05, 2010

Brammo, an Oregon-based electric vehicle manufacturer, launched its first product last year: the Enertia electric motorcycle.

Toyota drops below Hummer in public perception poll

Erica Morris February 04, 2010

Consumer opinion of Toyota has dropped below the Hummer, according to the latest report by YouGov BrandIndex, which the company shared with PRWeek.

Expanded recalls continue damage to Toyota brand

Chris Daniels February 02, 2010

TORRANCE, CA: As Toyota Motor Sales shifts into damage control, new research from Dow Jones Insight shows media coverage of the brand has taken a serious hit since the world's largest automaker recalled millions of vehicles.

Audi hopes PR, social media tactics extend Super Bowl spot

Kimberly Maul February 02, 2010

HERNDON, VA: Audi of America is using social media tactics to build buzz for its Super Bowl advertising spot, focused around a message about clean diesel and its Audi A3 TDI, which was named "Green Car of the Year."

Recall challenges Toyota comms team

Chris Daniels January 25, 2010

TORRANCE, CA: Toyota Motor Sales says it is using all available channels including social media to communicate its recall of about 2.3 million vehicles owing to accelerator pedals that get stuck.

Whitacre granted CEO title at GM

Kimberly Maul January 25, 2010

GM Chairman Ed Whitacre, who was acting as interim CEO of General Motors after the resignation of Fritz Henderson in December, will serve as permanent CEO, the company announced today in a press conference.

Interview: Tom Kowaleski, VP of corporate communications, BMW North America

Erica Morris January 22, 2010

Reporter Erica Morris talks to Tom Kowaleski, VP of corporate communications for BMW North America, about the Detroit Auto Show and how to have a voice in social media.

Shell shifts message on its nitrogen-enriched gas to reflect changing consumer priorities

Chris Daniels January 14, 2010

HOUSTON: Shell has invested in a multimillion-dollar marketing campaign to communicate the protective benefits of its nitrogen-enriched gasolines.

Ford taps 'WSJ' reporter for corporate news team

Kimberly Maul January 05, 2010

DEARBORN, MI: Ford hired John Stoll as manager of global corporate news, overseeing financial news communications.

CEO Q&A: Chip Perry, AutoTrader.com

Erica Morris January 01, 2010

Chip Perry, president and CEO of AutoTrader.com, speaks with Erica Morris about the role of PR in the competitive automotive market

General Motors adds to GR team

Erica Morris December 31, 2009

DETROIT: General Motors made several changes to its public policy leadership, tapping two ex-AT&T colleagues of GM chairman and interim CEO Ed Whitacre to join the automaker.

Corp comms changes at Toyota

Kimberly Maul December 29, 2009

NEW YORK: Toyota Motor North America promoted Jim Wiseman to group VP of corporate communications after Steve Sturm announced his decision to retire, effective January 1.

Asbury Automotive taps Porter Novelli

Erica Morris December 29, 2009

ATLANTA: Asbury Automotive Group tapped Porter Novelli as its AOR.

Nationwide app launch focuses on social media

Erica Morris December 22, 2009

COLUMBUS, OH: Nationwide is focusing on social media for the launch of its new car buying guide app.

Volkswagen promotes Bratina and Schneider

Alexandra Bruell December 22, 2009

HERNDON, VA: Volkswagen Group of America promoted Jill Bratina to VP of Volkswagen Group corporate communications and Volkswagen brand communications.

ALTe hires Harris Marketing

Erica Morris December 22, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, MI: ALTe has hired Harris Marketing Group for PR services.

Avis taps Newlink for Latin America PR support

Kimberly Maul December 15, 2009

MIAMI: Avis Rent A Car hired Newlink Communications as PR agency for its Latin American and Caribbean division.

Chrysler ad features Burmese dissident Aung San Suu Kyi

Erica Morris December 11, 2009

Chrysler has launched a commercial featuring Aung San Suu Kyi, 64-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Burmese pro-democracy dissident.

GM management shakeup means head of comms reports to CEO

Rose Gordon December 04, 2009

General Motors shook up its leadership again, following the recent departure of CEO Fritz Henderson. As part of the change, GM's head of communications, Chris Preuss, now reports to chairman of the board and CEO Ed Whitacre.