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April 28, 2006
Aero X Concept Showcases Future Saab Design Direction
American debut at New York Auto Show coincides with Saab 50 Years in the U.S.
New York, N.Y. -- The 2006 Saab Aero X concept car, voted 'Best of Show' at its world premiere in Geneva, is making its American debut at the New York International Auto Show. The arrival of the Aero X in Manhattan coincides with the 50-year anniversary of Saab sales activities in the United States, which started at the 1956 New York Show.
Saab is one name and two companies. The car business, Saab Automobile AB, is now wholly owned by General Motors, the world's largest auto maker, and the Saab Group is a global leader in the application of advanced technologies, specializing in aerospace and defense systems.
Saab 9-3 Convertible Car
The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design.
First, there are no doors...or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.
"After its stunning performance in Geneva, we can't wait to show the Aero X to the press and public here in America", said Jay Spenchian, Saab Automobile USA general manager. "There's no better way to celebrate 50 years and over 500,000 Saabs in the United States, than by showing our future design direction with the Aero X in the city where our American business originally took off."
As one would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupe breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.
Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by ethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The 'green power' of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase 'performance with responsibility'.
Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images.
All exterior and interior lighting is by LED (light-emitting diode), which has given the design team new freedom to exploit the compact packaging benefits of a technology that will be featured increasingly in future Saab products.
With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 60mph/100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph/250 kph (limited).
"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Ã…ke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and distributor of Saab 9-2X, 9-3, 9-5 cars and the 9-7X SUV for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:35 PM | View the original post
April 25, 2006
Nokia Introduces the Next Story in Video with the Nokia N93
Digital camcorder and multimedia computer in one easy-to-use compact package
Berlin, Germany/Hong Kong, China: Nokia has just introduced the Nokia N93, the ultimate mobile device for spontaneous video recording.
Offering uncompromised digital camcorder, telephony and rich Internet communication functionalities, the Nokia N93 features a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, DVD-like video capture and 3x optical zoom.
You can connect the Nokia N93 directly to your TV for a widescreen movie experience or upload your images and video to online albums or blogs.
Moreover, you can create high-quality home movies and burn them to DVD with the included Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 software.
"The Nokia N93 marks a new era in the digital camcorder market," said Anssi Vanjoki, executive vice president and general manager of Multimedia, Nokia. "Incorporating all the features you need for great quality movie-making, the Nokia N93 is a fantastic example of a multimedia computer with true digital camcorder performance at its core. Thanks to its connectivity, it allows you to immediately share the memories you've captured, taking the entire camcorder experience to the Internet age."
Intuitive and Spontaneous Capture
Offering the best mobile video and photography experience, the Nokia N93 is packed with exceptional camera features that enable high-quality photos and DVD-like quality video. Unfold and twist the main display, and the Nokia N93 is ready to shoot video and photos using the color landscape display as a full screen viewfinder. Whether special events or just fun, impromptu everyday life, you can capture moments conveniently and impulsively and share them with others as they happen.
The Nokia N93 features large internal memory of up to 50 MB, which can be further expanded with a hot swap miniSD card of up to 2 GB, allowing users to capture up to 90 minutes of DVD-like quality video or close to 2500 high-quality photos. Furthermore, you can easily transfer your photos and video from the memory card to a compatible PC for storage, and yet always carry a collection of your favorite resized images on the Nokia N93.
Joy of Sharing
Sharing your photos and video clips captured with the Nokia N93 is a snap. Show off your content on the up to 262,144 color 2.4" QVGA display (240 x 320 pixels) featuring a super-wide 160 degree viewing angle. Share your uncompressed photos and video clips instantly via email, Bluetooth technology or by uploading them directly from the Gallery to compatible blogs. You can even share your captured memories with family and friends on a large compatible TV screen, using either the included TV cable or wirelessly over integrated WLAN and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology. Furthermore, from browsing the web to reading your emails and office documents, you can even play games on the Nokia N93 using the screen of your compatible TV.
Creativity Made Easy
While editing your photos and video clips directly on the Nokia N93 is simple, you can also easily transfer them to your compatible PC, allowing for more creative control over your video output. The standard Nokia N93 sales pack comes bundled with Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0, which makes it easy to import video clips, photos and music and to start experimenting with hundreds of transitions and effects, as well as create professional looking home videos with customizable templates. And to top it off, you can effortlessly burn those great home movies to DVD and export formats for Web streaming and email.
Multifunctional Mobile Computing and Connectivity
Part of the Nokia Nseries multimedia computer range, the Nokia N93 offers great functionality in one beautifully shaped connected device. Designed to work on WLAN, 3G (WCDMA 2100 MHz), EDGE and GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) networks, the Nokia N93 provides broadband Internet access for browsing, uploading content, and sending and receiving emails, allowing you to stay connected on the move. You can also set the device on a surface, flip the display horizontally and use the landscape screen to browse the Web, watch TV* over 3G networks, or make hands-free video calls*.
All Round Entertainment
The Nokia N93 includes a stereo FM radio and a digital music player that offer a fantastic music experience. You can create playlists and enjoy your music hands-free via the speaker or use the stereo headset provided. With the Nokia Music Manager, you can also easily rip your CDs and transfer your music collection to your phone.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:59 PM | View the original post
April 19, 2006
FUJIFILM, KONICA MINOLTA AND EASTMAN KODAK ESTABLISH 'EVERPLAY' STANDARD
New standard encourages industry participation to develop compatible products and services for digital photos and motion images.
Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Konica Minolta Photo Imaging Inc. and Eastman Kodak Company, founding members of the former Picture Archiving and Sharing Standard (PASS), have announced the EVERPLAY standard designed to ensure compatibility of digital photos and motion images across a broad range of consumer products for future generations.
Methods to organize and preserve digital images have been evolved independently by many different companies and have lost interoperability among the different systems. There are also potential problems as time passes, systems evolve and formats change. The new EVERPLAY standard aims to resolve these issues and respond to consumers' needs to protect images and enjoy widespread interoperability.
Fujifilm, Konica Minolta and Kodak will begin a free license program immediately and call for the adoption of the EVERPLAY standard by all consumer digital imaging companies. The goal for products and services is to use images interchangeably and movies ubiquitously while at the same time, acknowledge the value for protecting consumers' images.
EVERPLAY Logo
By signing the licensing agreement, which is available on the Web site, any company can acquire a royalty-free license to execute the specification, use the trademarks and obtain rights to the patents owned by the EVERPLAY founders.
In concurrence with the completion of the standard, the new name "EVERPLAY" replaces "PASS" and shall be used as an interchangeable name for the specification and related communication. A trademark, "EVERPLAY," and associated logo have been registered to help with future identification of products and services compliant to the standard.
Fujifilm Group is a leading global provider of imaging, information and document-related products and services, and a pioneer of a wide range of digital systems. Its Imaging Solutions segment includes digital cameras, color film as well as photofinishing equipment/services.
Konica Minolta Group's business domain spans "from imaging input to output." The Group offers diverse products and services for new digital imaging environments in a wide range of fields.
Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:12 PM | View the original post
April 16, 2006
Toyota Yaris 2007
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., recently unveiled the all-new Yaris three-door liftback at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
This is the all-new second-generation Yaris. Launched in 1999, the first generation Yaris was Toyota's best-selling model in Europe and was named the (2000) European "Car of the Year".
The Yaris has been a hit in Europe and Toyota is looking forward to its launch here in the U.S. "As Toyota's most affordable passenger car, the Yaris will feature modern exterior styling and a surprising and upscale interior. It will be one of the most economic and youthful passenger cars Toyota has built."
The next-generation Yaris rides on an all-new platform that is longer and wider than its predecessor. Air conditioning, tilt-steering wheel, and color-keyed mirrors and door handles are among the many standard features.
The Yaris interior provides unexpected roominess and a comfortable cabin. The upscale interior provides remarkable design and a rear seat featuring a center headrest. Driver and front passenger advanced airbags, and ample storage space are among the array of standard interior features.
Powering the Yaris liftback will be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will have impressive fuel economy. Mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the engine will produce 106 horsepower and 103 ft.-lb. of torque. Combined with the MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension, the Yaris will offer fun-to-drive handling and excellent maneuverability.
In addition to good overall handling, the Yaris also will offer seat-mounted side and front and rear side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, an audio system with MP3 capability and mini-jack port, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a 60/40 split rear seat with reclining, sliding and fold flat features among its optional equipment.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:12 PM | View the original post
April 12, 2006
The Best Global Brands - The most valuable brands of 2005.
eBay, HSBC, Samsung, Apple, and UBS enjoyed the largest increases in brand value, while Sony, Morgan Stanley, Volkswagen, Levi’s, and Hewlett-Packard saw the highest losses.
BusinessWeek publishes Interbrand’s annual ranking of brands.
New York, Zurich – BusinessWeek has been publishing the ranking of the 100 most valuable global brands (measured in US dollars) together with Interbrand, the world’s leading brand consulting firm.
The current top ten brands are Coca-Cola (ranked 1st), Microsoft (ranked 2nd), IBM (ranked 3rd), GE (ranked 4th), Intel (ranked 5th), Nokia (ranked 6th), Disney (ranked 7th), McDonald’s (ranked 8th), Toyota (ranked 9th) and Marlboro (ranked 10th).
The winners of the last year’s ranking are brands that have demonstrated complete consistency in all of their products and services in each market and type of customer contact.
According to BusinessWeek, one of the greatest challenges facing brands in the future is how to target consumers who are better able to manage their own media needs. For example, people can consciously choose to either display or hide online advertising. Therefore, more than ever, brands must use a variety of different media and specific campaigns simultaneously to reach potential customers effectively.
BusinessWeek is the world’s largest business magazine, with a circulation of 1.2 million issues and 5.6 million readers. BusinessWeek was founded 76 years ago and is managed by The McGraw-Hill Companies in New York. Three editions are published for North America, Europe, and Asia, and the magazine is sold in 140 countries.
View BusinessWeek Interbrand Annual Ranking of the Top Global Brands for 2005
Interbrand Zintzmeyer & Lux, with offices in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Cologne, Moscow, Munich, and Zurich, is specialized in the creation, management, and valuation of brands.
Samsung, a South Korean brand (ranked 20th), recorded a 19% higher value this year alone. With a total increase of 186% over the last five years, it is the most successful of all brands ever represented in the ranking.
American brands continue to dominate the ranking, with eight of the ten top positions. However, with a total of 53 brands, six fewer than last year, they only make up around half of the ranking.
Mercedes is still the most valuable German brand, ranked 11th, despite a 6% decline in brand value. In contrast, BMW is catching up, increasing its brand value by 8% to land at 16th place. Unfortunately, Volkswagen experienced one of the greatest losses this year, now ranked 56 due to a 12% drop in brand value. With SAP (ranked 36), Siemens (ranked 45th), Adidas (ranked 71st), Porsche (ranked 76th), Audi (ranked 79th), and Nivea (ranked 98th), there are a total of nine German brands in this year’s ranking – the second strongest group once again.
Novartis is a newcomer to the ranking, entering at 43 place. Novartis is the only pharmaceutical brand today that has made a strong investment in generics. With a 16% increase in brand value, UBS is one of the 5 “ top movers” in this year’s ranking thanks to their consistent pursuit of a single brand strategy and their strong position in private wealth management. The renowned Swiss brands Nescafe (ranked 24th), Nestle (ranked 66th), and Rolex (ranked 72nd) also saw their brand values rise.
Philips moved up 12 spots to 53rd place, thanks partly to the successful “ sense and simplicity” campaign and newly available data. The other Dutch brands ING (ranked 87th), Shell (ranked 90th), and Heineken (ranked 100th), were able to maintain their positions.
Brand valuation by Interbrand Zintzmeyer & Lux
“ The Best Global Brands” are the 100 most valuable global brands with a brand value of over $2.3 billion. They were selected according to two criteria: First, the brand needed a global presence and generate significant revenues on the most important world markets. Second, these companies needed to have sufficient publicly available marketing and financial data.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:46 AM | View the original post
April 11, 2006
WELCOME TO 'THE COKE SIDE OF LIFE'
New Global Campaign Invites the World to Choose Coca-Cola and Live on the Positive Side of Life.
Atlanta, April 2006 - "Drinking a Coke makes people happy. It tastes good. And it's an invitation to live on the positive side of life". That's the message behind 'The Coke Side of Life,' a new global marketing platform for brand Coca-Cola, which launches in the U.S. this month and in other markets over the next several months.
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.3 billion servings each day.
The first round of television spots in what will be a fully integrated, global campaign -- including digital components, promotions, properties, and new graphic treatments -- begins airing in the U.S. this weekend during broadcasts of the NCAA Final Four on CBS and American Idol on Fox. Simultaneously, outdoor and print executions will appear across the country and an extensive online campaign that features exclusive viral videos and other unique content will help dimensionalize The Coke Side of Life in the digital world.
"We live in a world where we make choices every day and The Coke Side of Life encourages people to make those choices positive ones," said Marc Mathieu, senior vice president for carbonated soft drink core brands, Marketing, Strategy and Innovation, The Coca-Cola Company. "This new campaign invites people to create their own positive reality, to be spontaneous, listen to their hearts and live in full color."
Coca-Cola has always been at its best when it reflects the simple, optimistic moments in life. The Coke Side of Life recognizes that the most universal experiences are those where Coca-Cola is refreshingly honest and uplifting.
"Since the beginning of the year, we've aired a series of ads in the U.S. that remind people of the simple reasons why they love Coca-Cola, the product," said Katie Bayne, senior vice president, Coca-Cola brands, Coca-Cola North America. "With The Coke Side of Life, we are reminding people why they love Coca-Cola, the brand. Overall, the message is that only a Coke will do because in the most basic terms, Coca-Cola is happiness in a bottle."
Through The Coke Side of Life creative strategy, the Company is using its global resources to drive a multi-media, multi-cultural platform in markets across the world. In addition to the initial group of ads and elements debuting in the U.S., more commercials and communications tools will be available for global use by summer.
"Because Coca-Cola is a global brand with local connections and meanings, The Coke Side of Life offers each country an opportunity to interpret their own moments of happiness and the brand's role in those," said Esther Lee, chief creative officer, Marketing, Strategy and Innovation, The Coca-Cola Company. "Working with markets around the world, we have collaboratively co-authored an integrated creative platform that can be adapted to fit different market needs. And we are inviting countries to add to the effort through joint global initiatives."
The new global campaign's launch is spearheaded by the US, where it will come to life via a series of events beginning March/April 2006, when the campaign will be introduced to an exclusive audience at one of New York's leading venues, Capitale. At the event, which is headlined by a special live performance by platinum-selling recording artist Ne*Yo, guests will experience first-hand the sights, sounds, and attitude of The Coke Side of Life.
In April, a broader audience will begin to experience The Coke Side of Life in Indianapolis during the NCAA Final Four when MyCokeFest marks the official launch of the platform. Featuring a line-up of top musical talent and other entertainment, the event will transform the landmark Monument Circle into a celebration of The Coke Side of Life. On the day-off from NCAA Final Four play, fans will be able to enjoy performances by Chris Brown, Collective Soul, The Wreckers featuring Michelle Branch, and Carrie Underwood. John Mellencamp will also take the stage for a special homecoming performance presented by Coca-Cola and the NCAA.
The Coke Side of Life campaign idea was created by Wieden+Kennedy, the global agency of record for brand Coca-Cola. Initial executions were developed by the agency's offices in Amsterdam and Portland and will be supplemented by additional creative from agencies in markets around the world.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:21 AM | View the original post
Coca-Cola joins the UN Global Compact
The United Nations has announced that The Coca-Cola Company, the world’s largest beverage company, has officially joined its corporate citizenship initiative, the UN Global Compact. Coca-Cola Chairman and Chief Executive Officer E. Neville Isdell informed Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the company’s commitment to the Global Compact and its ten principles during a meeting at United Nations Headquarters.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:13 AM | View the original post
April 10, 2006
Night Vision System for Cars
At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Siemens has introduced a night vision system that works with infrared technology. With this innovation, Siemens has also become the first automotive industry supplier to create a prototype of an electronic pedestrian marking system. One quarter of all serious traffic accidents take place in the evening or at night. And about one third of all traffic fatalities are the result of accidents during these hours.
That’s why Siemens VDO Automotive has developed an infrared system that’s up to series production standards. Night Vision makes a vehicle’s darkened surroundings visible out to a distance of 150 meters. Night Vision generates an electronically processed video image that can be displayed in real time either in the head-up display or on a TFT monitor in the instrument panel.
Depending on the automotive industry’s design requirements, Night Vision works with two different systems. With the near-infrared system, two barely noticeable infrared emitters are integrated into the headlights. The infrared light they produce is captured by a small camera positioned close to the rear-view mirror. The second system, a solution in the long-wave spectral range, a high-resolution infrared camera is installed behind the radiator grille. Using a wavelength of six to 12 micrometers, it detects the infrared heat radiation from the vehicle’s surroundings, which is displayed as a negative image: Objects that are cold — because they are inanimate — appear darkened, and living things are displayed as bright objects.
The pedestrian marking in the video image has been realized by Siemens VDO as a prototype with image processing electronics. This analyzes all the image data according to temperature differences and typical shapes and marks pedestrians on the monitor with a warning. It will be some time before these special features will be ready for market launch.
The advanced development phase for an exclusively video-supported Night Vision system has been completed, however. Production as part of a network of driver assistance systems could be launched in 2008. In addition to the electronic recognition and evaluation of a vehicle’s surroundings, Siemens VDO sees comfortable interaction between driver and system as the most important development priority.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:36 PM | View the original post
April 4, 2006
Sony Ericsson Brings Chic, Affordable Z525 Clamshell to the US Market
Las Vegas - April 4, 2006 - Sony Ericsson today announced the Z525, a push-to-talk upgrade to the popular Sony Ericsson Z520. The Z525 is a stylish clamshell which works worldwide.
The Z525 handset which also features Bluetooth, a VGA camera, as well as a host of messaging capabilities, will be sold in the US beginning in the second quarter 2006.
Sony Ericsson 2525
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications serves the global communications market with innovative and feature-rich mobile phones, accessories, and PC-cards. Established as a joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in 2001, with global corporate functions located in London, the company employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide, including R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China and America. Sony Ericsson is the global title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, and works with the Association to promote the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in over 80 cities during the year.
“The Z520 has been an extremely successful product, and we are excited to enhance this popular handset with additional features,” said Najmi Jarwala, president, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Inc. (USA). “The Z525 is a small, sleek fashionable handset that is packed with great features including Bluetooth which, in the past, has traditionally been limited to high-end devices, as well as a great camera, and push-to-talk.”
Push-to-talk is a fun and easy way to stay in touch as immediate contact is maintained. It’s useful in many types of situations including connecting a small group such as colleagues working in various locations or friends and family in different places.
For the price segment, the Z525 is packed with useful and fun features. Bluetooth allows you to easily connect to a variety of headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth enabled devices. Like its popular predecessor, special lighting effects on the Z525 let you know who is calling. Blue lights around the rim light up in eight different patterns that sync with melodies to match individual callers. The VGA camera lets you save color pictures of your most frequent callers along with their contact details. These pictures are then displayed on the external screen when that person calls.
The Z525 let’s you share favorite photos with easy picture and video messaging capabilities via MMS. A simple-to-use Internet browser makes it easy to find nearby restaurants, movies, flights and more.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:29 PM | View the original post
Toshiba "REGZA" as Global Brand for Superb Flat Panel Televisions
Toshiba's New Brand to Reinforce Global Presence in Flat Panel TVs
TOKYO--Toshiba Corporation has unveiled a new brand name for a new line-up of large-sized flat panel TVs that the company will launch in the world market. With its new global brand, "REGZA", Toshiba will underline the clear advantage of its TVs: an unsurpassed level of image quality.
The first "REGZA" TVs has come to market in Japan on March 1st, and product launches are to follow overseas, including North America, Europe, China and other Asian countries. The adoption of "REGZA" as a unifying global brand for large-screen flat panel TVs will allow Toshiba to bolster the awareness of its TVs around the world, and is expected to provide a strong impetus in reinforcing the company's TV business.
"REGZA" was coined from the literary German word "regsam" and connotes vibrant, dynamic qualities; it also captures Toshiba's intent of "Real Expression Guaranteed by amaZing Architecture," the superlative picture quality Toshiba achieves with its advanced expertise. Until now, Toshiba has used different brand names in marketing TVs in different regions, and "REGZA" is the first unified global brand for Toshiba's TVs.
The global TV market for large-screen flat panel TVs is growing fast. Shipments of flat panel TVs with screens of 26-inches and bigger are expected to climb to 32-million units in 2006, a 110% increase from the previous year. Toshiba is responding by reinforcing its global presence in this key product area, and in doing so by making full use of its advanced proprietary technologies in digital image processing and over half a century of know-how in TV imaging technologies.
The new "REGZA" TVs have a minimal design: the basic tone is a sleek black, with superfluous decoration smoothed away. Clean, uncluttered lines, and simple, high-quality exteriors allow viewers to devote their attention to the pictures on display.
Toshiba will promote the new brand worldwide through advertising and marketing activities and exhibitions. "REGZA Green," a rich dark green, will be adopted in advertising and marketing the new brand, used to convey the superiority, authenticity and high-quality of "REGZA" products.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:51 AM | View the original post
April 1, 2006
This is Citigroup.
Since 2002, Citigroup has been running a new brand campaign with a new tagline, “This is Citigroup.”
The world’s largest financial company unveiled its new image through a global campaign that showcases the unparalleled capabilities of this vast and unique business. TV and print ads appeared in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Japan.
Citigroup Inc. is today’s pre-eminent financial services company, with some 200 million customer accounts in more than 100 countries.
Other major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citi Cards, CitiFinancial, CitiMortgage, CitiInsurance, Primerica, Diners Club, The Citigroup Private Bank, and CitiCapital.
Shot in 17 cities, in eight countries on five continents, the campaign features a series of five moving and beautiful television spots along with four complementary print executions from Citigroup’s advertising agency Merkley Newman Harty|Partners (MNH|P), New York. The advertising challenge was to communicate the multiple parts of the Citigroup story (a diverse product portfolio, global reach, deep roots and stability) in a singular, powerful message.
Each ad emphasizes one or more core strengths that, bound together with the new tagline, tell the complete Citigroup story. Each commercial concludes with a compelling fact, followed by the simple yet definitive, “This is Citigroup.” This clear and consistent theme not only appeared in every ad but also in other corporate vehicles such as the cover of Citigroup’s 2001 and 2002 Annual Reports and on the company Web site, www.citigroup.com.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:45 PM | View the original post
