Branding The Ford Motor Company
Have you seen the new commercial and re-branding from Bill Ford and the Ford Motor Company? As you know Ford is in big trouble. So they seem to be changing their positioning and re-Branding. Here's the brilliant re-positioning they came up with (and it pretty much includes everything):
1. American Auto Industry is facing new challenges and fierce competition: Ya think Bill? Maybe the writing has been on the wall for the last 15 years? Maybe Bill Ford was on a golf course somewhere counting his millions. You're too late Mr. Ford! Telling us that you're behind is like leaving the barn door open...we know it.
2. Ford is making new investments in R & D: Wow, Ford, you're blazing a new trail...By the time you catch up to BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, Toyota, Honda they'll be out with their futuristic space age models that fly which will again put you 20 years behind. Face it Ford, we don't buy your cars because of R & D. We use to buy your cars because they were American made and RELIABLE. Now they're made everywhere and they are not RELIABLE (hmmm, am I hinting at the correct positioning Bill?). Since you can't have the luxury, sports car markets why don't you make your cars more RELIABLE.
3. Hybrids: Here's what I think of Hybrids: It's like when you go to a vending machine and look at the choices. You can pay an extra quarter and get some trendy healthy tastes bad power bar or you can reach in and grab old comfortable Snickers. Since we've branded a national vending company we already know the answer. Here it is; People say they want to eat healthy and they scream for it but when it comes time to buy they buy unhealthy. Same will apply to Hybrids (see Diesel cars).
4. Working with Volvo to find new safety innovations: Man oh man, why is it that company's think they have to be everything to everyone. People who buy a Volvo buy it for the safety and for nothing else. What a great brand identity and brand image Volvo has. Kudos to Volvo for doing it right. But Ford, are people buying Ford's for the safety aspect? I think not. Why is it anyone buys a Ford? That's your secret weapon. Draw your line in the sand and then build your new Branding!
5. Retake the US roadways and as always innovation is leading the way: This coming from the worst innovative carmaker in the world. Here's what Americans want from Ford. A good, RELIABLE car made in good old USA. Stop trying to be everything to everyone and your re-Branding will pay big dividends (wink, wink).
I wish Bill Ford would call me. I'll set him straight lickedy split.
What do you think world? Let us know at http://www.brandidentityguru.com.
2006 Acura CL: Traditional yet Modern
Acura, as a brand, has been holding up its share in its commitment of crafting, introducing, and bringing to the market vehicles that are engineered so as to provide excellent performance. And once again, Acura has added another vehicle to this list and at the same reinforcing the brand's commitment. Welcome the all-new 2006 Acura CL.
The 2006 Acura CL has been redesigned and reengineered in almost every little detail possible. This new vehicle promises to deliver higher levels of performance, technological innovations, engineering achievements, passenger safety, and overall style. It has also been destined to compete with the existing BMW 328Ci, the Volvo C70, and the Mercedes Benz CLK320. This vehicle has been again designed so as to provide and exude the smooth and flowing lines of the classic coupes of the European Gran Turismo. However, this does not overbear the styling that is only from an Acura. Making the 2006 Acura CL a remarkable vehicle is that it has been able to combine the past, tradition, and heritage with modernity and technology. This vehicle surely possesses encompassing efficiency with its powerful engines, as well as revolutionary safety features and high technology vehicle management systems that are controls by computers.
There are two engine options for the 2006 Acura CL. It is either the Acura 3.2 liter VTEC V6 engine with 24 valves, or the 3.2 power plant that has the capacity to create 225 horsepower. As per interior volume, this all-new vehicle sports 96.5 cubic feet of this, which is a 4.6 cubic feet increase from the previous vehicle. It also sports some 192.0 inches of length and 70.6 inches in its width. Safety features have been packed in this vehicle. The list includes standard front airbags, advanced side airbags with front passenger height and position sensors, and the standard anti-lock brakes as well as the Traction Control System. Offered as an option for the 2006 Acura CL is the Acura Navigation System. This system provides a satellite-linked nationwide coverage done through the use of a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) database located on board. The vehicle also sports modifications like CompTech cold air intake, certified exhaust headers, CompTech high-flow exhaust system, Brembo brakes, sport suspension with Titanium front upper strut bar, 19-inch Maya DTM wheels, front and rear bumpers with side moldings, a deck lid tail spoiler, and custom aluminum exhaust tips.
For more information about the Acura CL as well as to purchase Acura CL accessories and parts, customers can visit Auto Accessories Giant. The list includes steering wheel covers, alignment kits, shock absorbers, emblems, brake rotors, and a whole lot more.
The 2006 Acura CL is one coupe that is really worth looking into. Although this vehicle has its share of downs like a confusing navigation system controls, and cramped head room as well as entry and exit for the rear seats, the 2006 Acura CL still shines amidst these with its quick acceleration, smooth steering as well as handling, and a perfect build quality.
Acura EL: Uniting Car and Driver
Designed to fuse and to connect the car and the driver, the Acura EL boasts a truly unique driving and riding experience. This car is known as a spirited automobile for it holds power and precision that connects the driver with the road. Even if this is so, the Acura EL also has a unique styling that exudes elegance and sophistication. Most people who have been able to handle and take a closer look at the Acura EL exclaim that it is very much like a Honda Civic although only the brand has been changed. The vehicle is then economical, provides an excellent and smooth performance, as well gives easy comfort.
The Acura EL has a redesigned grille and headlights. It also contains clean lines from the rear deck that provides the Acura EL a distinct European look. Made available in two trim levels which comprise of the elegant touring level and the lavish Premium, this car will surprise riders and drivers with its beauty, refinement, and dynamic performance. The car also boats an impressive linear steering as well as a precise four-wheel drive that has independent suspension. Drivers and passengers of the Acura EL will be given a superior road feel as well as a unique and different control.
Powering this vehicle is a very responsive 1.7 liter VTEC engine that is very much capable of producing 127 horsepower. Along with it is a five speed manual transmission, or the optional four speed automatic transmission. The car idles silently, has the ability to accelerate smoothly, can run with efficiency, and it also responds to inputs immediately. It remains quiet and serene during driving yet it boasts a boundless type of energy that is ready to shoot the car off the streets. For convenience, the Acura EL also has the Logic Control System installed.
The cabin exudes sophistication. Other safety features made standard include dual stage front airbags, side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and child safety locks. As per standard features, the Acura EL boasts an automatic climate control, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, a cruise control, power windows, power door locks, body colored mirrors, body colored handles, a remote keyless entry, tinted glass, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The control panel for this car is easy to understand. It sports big buttons that would allow the driver and passengers to quickly set the temperature, radio, or turn on or off the air conditioning and the rear defroster.
The Acura EL has been compared to other vehicles in its range. The list of competitors include the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2005 Dodge SX, the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, the Kia Spectra, the Mazda Mazda 3, and the Nissan Altima.
Acura EL owners and enthusiasts could shop for discount car parts and accessories from Auto Parts Fast's online performance or replacement auto parts catalog. In stock are thousands of Acura EL parts and Acura parts. From carpets to rims to shock absorbers to headlight covers to wheels to hubcaps to grilles, Acura owners will find everything they would need to repair and maintain their vehicle.
