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Photo: Paris, October 5, 2008 - Marc Jacobs and the models. (© Louis Vuitton / Bertrand Rindoff Petrov et Mazen Saggar)
Photo: Paris, October 5, 2008 - Zoe Cassavetes, Sofia Coppola, Marc Jacobs, Lenny Kravitz. (© Louis Vuitton / Bertrand Rindoff Petrov et Mazen Saggar)
Photo: Paris, October 5, 2008 - Sebastien Tellier, Amandine de la Richardiere, Zoe Cassavetes, Sofia Coppola, Kerry Washington, Yves Carcelle, Cecile Cassel, Helene de Fougerolles, Dita Von Teese. (© Louis Vuitton / Bertrand Rindoff Petrov et Mazen Saggar)
Photo: Paris, October 5, 2008 - Amandine de la Richardiere, Zoe Cassavetes, Sofia Coppola, Bernard Arnault, Helene Arnault, Kerry Washington, Yves Carcelle, Cecile Cassel, Helene de Fougerolles, Dita Von Teese, Mario Testino, Peter Marino, model from the Spring Summer 2009 show. (© Louis Vuitton / Bertrand Rindoff Petrov et Mazen Saggar)
The house of Louis Vuitton, with Marc Jacobs as Artistic Director, closed fashion week in Paris October 5, 2008 with its Spring Summer 2009 collection in the historic "Cour Carree" of the Louvre.
Yves Carcelle, President of Louis Vuitton received the international press and many celebrities including Sofia Coppola, Lenny Kravitz, Kerry Washington, Zoe Cassavetes, Cecile Cassel, Sebastien Tellier, Eva Amurri, Helene de Fougerolles, and Dita von Teese.
Source: Louis Vuitton
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:28 AM | View the original post
Bank of America Corporation's announcement that it has agreed to acquire Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. in a $50 billion all-stock transaction, has created a company unrivalled in its breadth of financial services and global reach. While Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, with offices in 40 countries and territories. As an investment bank, it is a leading global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a broad range of asset classes and serves as a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide.
"Acquiring one of the premier wealth management, capital markets, and advisory companies is a great opportunity for our shareholders," Bank of America Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ken Lewis said. "Together, our companies are more valuable because of the synergies in our businesses."
"Merrill Lynch is a great global franchise and I look forward to working with Ken Lewis and our senior management teams to create what will be the leading financial institution in the world with the combination of these two firms," said John Thain, chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2009. It has been approved by directors of both companies and is subject to shareholder votes at both companies and standard regulatory approvals. Under the agreement, three directors of Merrill Lynch will join the Bank of America Board of Directors. By adding Merrill Lynch's more than 16,000 financial advisers, Bank of America would have the largest brokerage in the world with more than 20,000 advisers and $2.5 trillion in client assets.
At the same time, the sale of Merrill Lynch (MER) to Bank of America (BAC) has triggered one of the largest and most historical talent feeding frenzies in recent history.
"We have received a lot of calls from Merrill FAs already," says Darin Manis, CEO of RJ & Makay a national financial recruiting firm. "Once the dust settles Merrill brokers will be waiting to hear what their retention packages will be."
RJ & Makay is a financial recruiting firm that has recruited many dozens of brokers representing billions in assets this year and hopes to capitalize on the turbulent landscape to grab billions more in the fourth quarter.
"Even if the pending announcement of the retention package is competitive there will still be attrition. Historically there is an average pattern of 8%-15% attrition. With Merrill's size that could mean over 2,000 brokers ending up with a Merrill competitor. With the average Merrill FA having about 100 million in assets this is clearly a unique and welcome recruiting opportunity," Manis adds.
"Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers are the latest corporate casualties in the financial crisis caused by abusive loans from reckless lenders. Even the former chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association now concedes that brokers, lenders and investors 'forgot about [their] customers' because 'making money and our commission checks were more important.' In short, these loans never should have been made. The failure of Lehman and forced sale of Merrill underscore the need for stronger regulation of the mortgage market to prevent this from recurring, and, if we want to fix the economy, the need to modify the millions of bad loans that created this mess."
- Center for Responsible Lending, Sep 15, 2008. [Center for Responsible Lending, 302 West Main Street, Durham, NC 27701, USA.]
"Lehman Brothers aside, the government's actions toward Bear Stearns, Fannie and Freddie, and now handout requests from Detroit automakers could signal an ominous new trend of meddling in markets. Politicians have been digging taxpayers deeper into the fiscal hole, and we have to take their shovels away before we're all buried for good."
- Pete Sepp, Vice President for Policy & Communications, National Taxpayers Union (NTU), Sep 16, 2008. [National Taxpayers Union, 108 N. Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, USA.]
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:47 AM | View the original post
Photo: Apple's iPod touch for movies, music and games.
iPod touch with new features is being introduced by Apple.
New features include a thin contoured metal design, a 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking, integrated volume control buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, a built-in accelerometer and other advanced sensors, and Apple's Multi-Touch(TM) user interface.
"iPod touch is the funnest iPod we've ever created," says Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Users can listen to millions of songs, watch thousands of Hollywood movies and now, thanks to the App Store, download and play hundreds of great games on their iPod touch."
Photo: Apple's App Store downloads thousands of games, movies and music.
"iPod touch works seamlessly with iTunes so you can import, manage, and then easily auto-sync your favorite content. With up to 36 hours of music playback or six hours of video playback on a single charge, the new iPod touch is the ultra-portable way to enjoy your favorite music, TV shows, movies and games on the go. The 32GB model holds up to 7,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 40 hours of video; the 16GB model holds up to 3,500 songs, 20,000 photos or 20 hours of video, and the 8GB model holds up to 1,750 songs, 10,000 photos and 10 hours of video," Apple explains.
Photo: Apple's new iPod lineup: the iPod touch for music, movies and games; the iPod classic; the iPod nano in nine colors; and iPod shuffle.
The new iPod touch is smaller and lighter than the original. With its rounded edges, flush display and curved, more compact design, the new iPod touch is more comfortable to hold and more portable.
Source: Apple
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:25 AM | View the original post
Photo: smart fortwo designed by Club Monaco.
Targeting the urban professional, global brands Club Monaco and smart USA are jointly advertising their products with the launch of FASHION FLEET: The Ultimate Urban Trunk Show. The fleet showcases a caravan of chic Club Monaco designed smart fortwos and Club Monaco fall fashion.
The Club Monaco smart fortwos, ten in total, feature images from the newly launched Fall 2008 Club Monaco Campaign, shot by renowned photographer Walter Chin as well as the brand's iconic black and white crest.
The smart fortwo is a brand of and is manufactured by Daimler AG. This technologically advanced vehicle achieves 41 mpg on the highway and is an ultra-low emissions vehicle. While Club Monaco is an international retail concept that designs, manufactures, and markets its own Club Monaco clothing, accessories and home collection. Now headquartered in New York City, Club Monaco operates 120 stores worldwide. Club Monaco is a subsidiary of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation.
"The Fall Collection and campaign were inspired by the idea of the downtown aristocrat who brings uptown elegance a downtown flare." "It's a natural partnership for us and one we feel aligns with Club Monaco's core values -- design, style, and function," says John Mehas, President and CEO of Club Monaco. "Both Club Monaco and the smart fortwo are urban and sophisticated, and are geared toward meeting the needs of the modern consumer -- one who has a versatile and demanding lifestyle, and is looking for affordable luxury."
Photo: smart fortwo designed by Club Monaco.
FASHION FLEET: The Ultimate Urban Trunk Show is being launched during New York Fashion Week. Club Monaco designed smart fortwo vehicles will cruise New York City streets making stops at the landmark Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week locales. Young professionals will model the 'must have styles' of the season while gifting 75 lucky New Yorkers with iconic pieces from Club Monaco's Fall Collection at each stop. Gifts will include cashmere scarves, sunglasses from the newly launched collection, statement jewelry, small Italian leather goods and the signature Club Monaco houndstooth glove for smart drivers.
"smart USA is excited to partner with Club Monaco for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week activities," says Dave Schembri, President, smart USA. "smart is the brand at home on the streets of New York City providing drivers with urban mobility, great gas mileage and environmental responsibility. The smart fortwo's iconic design also complements the sophisticated style of Club Monaco stores and customers."
"Ten years ago one of the world's most unusual production vehicles was launched on the market. It was new and excitingly different from conventional cars - the smart city coupé, now called the smart fortwo. This extremely compact vehicle had just two seats and measured slightly more than two and a half metres in length. It was also able to fit into parking spaces perpendicular to the flow of traffic and it established its own class. Nevertheless, it took two people and their luggage to their destination very comfortably and with maximum safety. It also had impressively low fuel consumption and minimum carbon dioxide emissions. Even then it anticipated many of today's pressing questions concerning individual mobility and answered them in a unique way. After ten years of production one thing is certain: the idea has caught on. Thanks to technical innovations and a design that combines functionality with joie de vivre, the smart fortwo has become a cult car."
- Daimler AG, Stuttgart Sep 03, 2008
Photo: smart ed (electric drive)
And on September 5, 2008, Daimler AG and RWE AG launched the world's largest joint project for environmentally friendly electric cars (see the picture above).
"Before its introduction in January 2008, 'smart fortwo' was unknown in the United States.
Today, this most compact car is firmly establishing itself in the world's largest automobile market.
Almost all American auto reviewers are commenting on it. The dealer network is already in place.
The specialized market for "high-standard two-seater microcars" is automatically being created exclusively for Daimler AG. The German car maker is the solitary player in this American field.
And the way the things are going, 'smart fortwo' is poised to become a Super Brand in the USA."
© GlobalGiants.Com
Also check the following Relevant Posts:
• October 17, 2007: "smart fortwo" prepares for its US market launch in January 2008
• December 1, 2007: Launch of the smart fortwo in the USA
• December 17, 2007: Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche presents smart fortwo to Representatives of U.S. Government and Business
• January 14, 2008: Launch of the smart fortwo in the USA
• February 24, 2008: Designing of Daimler AG Mercedes-Benz "smart fortwo"
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:33 AM | View the original post
Kodak was the Official Imaging Sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
In Beijing, Kodak's most advanced imaging technologies were employed to help create accreditation badges, provide onsite image-rich printing and publishing services, and support thousands of photojournalists capturing the action of the Olympic Games for news media worldwide.
The Kodak Image Center, a 22,000-square foot facility located in the Main Press Center, served the needs of more than 1,500 professional photographers and news agencies with traditional and digital photographic products and services. An estimated six million images were acquired and digitized. By digitizing all the images, the Kodak Image Center enabled photographers and photo editors to share these memorable moments with editors, producers and audiences worldwide.
Kodak printed Opening Ceremony photos and other image related items, and delivered imaging services throughout the games to the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee and several other National Olympic Committees, and many of the Olympic Games Sponsors.
Kodak systems also produced more than 1.2 million security badges and credentials required for the Olympic athletes, officials, volunteers and sponsors.
Kodak Picture of the Day: August 17, 2008. Men's Swimming. Photographer: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images. Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates victory in the Men's 100m Butterfly Final held at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 8 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 16, 2008 in Beijing, China. By winning gold in the Men's 100m Butterfly, Phelps tied Mark Spitz's record of winning seven gold medals in a single Olympic Games.
Kodak Picture of the Day: August 15, 2008. Men's Water Polo. Photographer: Adam Pretty/Getty Images. Milan Ticic of Montenegro fights for the ball against Greece during the men's preliminary round water polo match at the Olympic Sports Centre Yingdong Natatorium during Day 6 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 14, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Kodak Picture of the Day: August 11, 2008. Women's Gymnastics. Photographer: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images. Deng Linlin of China competes on the balance beam during qualification for the women's artistic gymnastics event held at the National Indoor Stadium during Day 2 of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games on August 10, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Kodak Picture of the Day: August 18, 2008. Fencing. Photographer: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images. Wang Jingzhi (right) of China and Aron Szilagyi of Hungary compete in the men's team sabre fencing semifinals at the Fencing Hall of National Convention Center on Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Photo: Kodak Photo Shop in Olympic Athletes' Village, Beijing.
Eastman Kodak has been offering fans an inside look at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games through a variety of interactive online features at kodak.com/go/olympics including Olympic Picture of the Day, a photo tour of Beijing and daily posts on Kodak's blogs.
"While many websites cover medal tallies and country standings, we turn our cameras 180 degrees to show national pride, fan support and local color along with great sports photography," said Thomas Hoehn, Director, Brand Communications and New Media. "We want to provide a sense of what it's like to be at the Games through pictures and personal stories direct from Beijing."
"The Olympic Games captivate people everywhere and enable the world's best athletes to showcase their talents," said Antonio M. Perez, Kodak Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Dating back to the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, Kodak has been there to help capture and preserve the history, while also supporting the athletes. We're proud to play that role again in Beijing."
"The Olympic Games have played a major role for Kodak historically, helping us to showcase our products, innovations and services," said Perez. "We are culminating a long, fruitful relationship with the Olympic Movement and look forward to a successful program at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games." Mr. Perez was speaking a few days before the games began on August 8, 2008.
Eastman Kodak Company is reevaluating its sponsorship policy. A few months ago, it had announced that it would end its Olympic sponsorship after the 2008 Beijing Games. "As we complete the transformation of Kodak, it makes sense for us to take a new direction," said Elizabeth Noonan, Kodak's director of brand management. "Digital technology changes everything, including the way we market our products and services," she said. "Our new business strategy requires us to reassess our marketing tactics as well, and adapt them to changing market conditions and evolving customer behavior."
Source: Eastman Kodak Company
(Kodak is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Company)
• The end of the Kodak sponsorship opens the category of film, photography and imaging to new companies. Fuji, Kodak's main competitor, was a sponsor for the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
• For advertisers, the Olympics is one of the splashiest events for reaching the widest possible audiences on a world stage. But when the Beijing Olympics closed on August 24, 2008, more than a century of "Kodak Moments" at the global sporting event also came to an end.
"Then in 1984 the Olympics came to Los Angeles. Olympic czar Peter Ueberroth believed that Kodak was the natural choice to be the exclusive film sponsor, but Kodak wouldn't bite. Even after Ueberroth visited Rochester to make his pitch, Kodak refused to pay just $1 million, far below the $4 million floor for sponsorships that Ueberroth had established. So he approached Fuji, which in those days was still barely known in the U.S. market. Ohnishi said yes on the spot and eventually committed around $7 million. No marketing investment ever brought better returns. Within months of becoming a sponsor, Fuji landed 50,000 new distribution outlets. "Salespeople said that accounts that didn't used to return their calls were suddenly calling them," says Tom Shay, head of corporate communications for Fuji USA and a 26-year Fuji veteran. "The Olympics completely changed the way people looked at us." ...
Finally, Kodak and Fuji have jumped into the digital camera business themselves. But they are in a mob of nearly two dozen camera, computer, and consumer electronics companies trying to get into the same space. One thing is sure: The companies that win in digital photography will need marketing and product smarts, technology and, not least, money. Fuji, it seems, has them all."
- FORTUNE Magazine, October 27, 1997
"Kodak photographic materials and equipment are sold worldwide and are are bought and used by consumers, photographers, photo studios, photo labs, cinema, television, and various businesses involving photography & imaging.
• Yet none of the America's top business commentators would feel comfortable answering the following simple question:
In your view, approximately how many photographic goods users in the world (or in the USA) appreciate or even know that Kodak was the exclusive Official Photography & Imaging Sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and that the Kodak technology, products and services helped in staging the world's largest event ?" ©GlobalGiants.Com
[Also check the August 20, 2008 Relevant Post: Branding at the Olympics]
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:39 AM | View the original post
• Supermodel Carol Alt Pairs with Publisher HarperCollins and Lord & Taylor to Seek Fresh New Face to Launch Cover of her 2009 Novel.
Photo: Carol Alt Seeks America's Next 'Cover Girl'.
Along with supermodel Carol Alt (author of "This Year's Model") and Lord & Taylor, "Avon A" an imprint of HarperCollins is launching an interactive online contest to help discover the fresh new face who will grace the cover of Alt's 2009 novel. Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins is one of the largest English-language publishers in the world and is a subsidiary of News Corporation. The "NEXT YEAR'S MODEL" Search Online Sweepstakes contest is being launched on August 26, 2008 (i.e., today), the date "This Year's Model" goes on-sale. From August 26 to November 20, potential cover girls from 16 to 25 years of age can submit photos to the contest feature page at http://www.harpercollins.com/nextyearsmodel. Meanwhile, a distinguished panel of judges will select finalists, with new finalist pictures posting weekly at http://www.flickr.com/groups/nextyearsmodel/. On November 21, the judges, led by Alt, will announce the 4 top Next Year's Model entrants, launching all participants into an exciting fan-based voting contest at http://www.harpercollins.com/nextyearsmodel. On December 11, 2008, "NEXT YEAR'S MODEL" will be announced, and arrangements will be made for the winner and a guest to be flown to New York City. The grand prize winner will be awarded a professional photo shoot, a meet-and-greet with a top modeling agency, and a wardrobe prize from Lord & Taylor. "Avon A" intends to feature the winner on the cover of Alt's upcoming book, "Next Year's Model", in stores in 2009.
Alt, a savvy and innovative marketer whose creative skills were recently featured when she became a top-2 runner up on Celebrity Apprentice, created this contest as a way to help a young woman break into the competitive world of professional modeling. In her debut novel, "This Year's Model" (in-stores August 26), Alt introduces readers to the high-stakes world of modeling and gives valuable life lessons to all young women looking to break into the field. "(Modeling) is one of the only businesses where a woman makes more money than a man," says Alt, "and in which a young girl can achieve financial stability, meet great people, and travel the world -- all while becoming famous and securing her future." Widely regarded as one of the world's most recognizable faces after launching the supermodel industry, Alt believes that modeling can be a healthy and empowering career for a young woman -- and wanted to offer a hand in helping a new talent into the industry with the "NEXT YEAR'S MODEL" online search.
Source: Avon Books
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:23 PM | View the original post
Photo: Beijing 2008 Olympics -- Panasonic LED ASTROVISION large display system at the National Stadium (Bird's Nest).
Photo: Beijing 2008 Olympics -- Panasonic LED ASTROVISION large display system at the National Stadium (Bird's Nest).
Japanese multinational brand PANASONIC (Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.) is the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Video and Audio Equipment category. It provided the largest ever delivery of equipment at all 37 venues in Beijing. A total of 25 ASTROVISION large-screen display systems were installed in 18 venues. The large display system at Workers' Stadium, which can rotate 270 degrees, has been delivering live footage of the Games. A total of 284 RAMSA (Research for Advanced Music Sound and Acoustics) professional audio systems were installed at 41 venues.
Photo: Panasonic Olympic Exhibition at CHITEC 2008 (China Beijing International High-tech Expo).
Panasonic has been sharing the passion of the world's top athletes through the state-of-the-art audio and visual technology from the field and track into the living rooms of millions of people around the globe. The whole world has been watching the Beijing 2008 Olympics with all the action and excitement recorded and delivered entirely in high definition (HD) format, a first in the history of the Olympic Games.
Photo: Panasonic 2008 Olympics Advertisement for USA.
"Panasonic fully supports the ideals of the Olympic Movement, which strives to promote world peace through its various activities. Through state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, Panasonic brings the passion and performance of top athletes to homes around the world.
The sponsorship of one of the world's most celebrated sport events helps to enhance our brand value and provides us with tremendous opportunities to demonstrate the performance of our products on a global basis." - PANASONIC
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:08 PM | View the original post
Sprint Sensation breaks 100m and 200m world records in Beijing.
Photo: Usain Bolt celebrates after his 200m win.
"PUMA's" Usain 'Lightning' Bolt of Jamaica made history Wednesday night in Beijing when he became the first man in history to break world records in the 100m and 200m at the same Games. Bolt again demolished the field with a winning time of 19.30 seconds, beating the previous time of 19.32 seconds set by Michael Johnson in Atlanta in 1996.
Bolt, who won 100m gold in a world record time of 9.69 seconds last Saturday, also became the first athlete since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win Olympic gold in both disciplines. According to PUMA, the Jamaican sprinter ran to victory in his personalized PUMA Theseus II golden spikes inscribed with his nickname and the night's event -- 'UGO 200m Beijing'.
Photo: PUMA Headquarters, Herzogenaurach, Germany.
The company explains that Bolt worked with PUMA to develop the optimum running shoe. Running both the 100m and 200m, he needed a versatile shoe that provided support for power, as well as firmness to hold his foot in place around the turn. Following this collaborative process, the complete Theseus II was born. Made from synthetic leather with an airmesh upper construction for maximum breathability, it enhances sprinting efficiency due to its stiffness of material. Bolt was wearing the Theseus II shoe when he broke both the 100m and 200m world records in Beijing, the company adds.
Source: PUMA
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:07 AM | View the original post
Photo: Cindy Crawford at the OMEGA Pavilion on the Olympic Green in Beijing on 14 August, 2008.
Photo: American pole-vault athlete Jennifer Stuczynski at adidas Brand Center in Beijing, China, August 11, 2008. At the center's Olympic Brand Launch Area, consumers can get close and personal with the special products, designs and technologies that adidas has developed for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Photo: Women's 200m Olympian Marshevet Hooker of the USA at adidas Brand Center in Beijing, China, August 15, 2008. The new adidas Brand Center showcases and highlights the breadth and depth of the adidas brand to the Chinese consumers as well as to all visitors of the Olympic Games.
As the Olympic Games unfold, the branding experts at Siegel+Gale are commenting on topics such as how the Olympics are affecting the "brand" of China, how companies are using the Olympics to further their brands, specific corporate ad campaigns, branding through sports events in general, and other strategic branding and positioning issues.
Following are some comments by Larry Vincent, Siegel+Gale's Group Director of Strategy in Los Angeles, and Julius Roberge, Siegel+Gale's Strategy Director in New York, most recently relocated from Shanghai:
Why Companies Align With the Olympics - Larry Vincent
• "Most companies align with the Olympics because they hope to borrow equity or transfer goodwill from that of the Olympics to their own brands."
• "Twenty years ago it was a slam dunk. McDonald's and Coca-Cola measured noticeable lifts in preference, favorability, and attitudes toward the brand during the co-brand window of the Games."
• "1984 was the turning point, however. The Los Angeles Games, in some ways, reinvented the sponsorship model (so much so that LA had a surplus of funds after the Games). It was so successful, that more brands wanted in."
• "Today, sponsors have changed quite a bit: there are more of them and the affiliation competes with branded partnerships in vastly more channels and platforms."
• "The Olympic equity is still strong (although research shows that it is the strongest when the Games are actually in progress), but it's harder to transfer or borrow the equity."
• "'False reporting' of 'unaided awareness' of Olympic sponsorships is on the rise (meaning, consumers attribute an Olympic sponsorship to the wrong company) and ambush tactics by other marketers are more prolific. In that context, you have to ask, 'What is the return on investment for a company that spends millions to sponsor the Games, and millions more to purchase the media that activates the sponsorship?'"
Photo: adidas Olympics advertising campaign: Together in 2008 - Impossible is Nothing.
• "It still works for some. We expect Adidas, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's will still do well. Part of that is the legacy. In Adidas' case, it's the innovative way they've gone to market."
"At the Beijing 2008 Olympics, American global giants are blindly following a crude and hazy sponsorship advertising policy. Consequently, their global brand equity enhancement is only a fraction of what they deserve for spending huge money on this pursuit.
While sponsoring the Beijing Games, their focus is on China. Excellent. But they, as well as America's top business commentators and writers, have put the rest of the world into oblivion. They seem to have no idea that without much further expenditure, these multinationals could have utilized this rare opportunity to firmly establish their brands throughout the world.
Localized print advertisements publicizing the company's privileged involvement in the 2008 Olympics, for example, would have won them universal goodwill and respect in all their target markets worldwide."
© GlobalGiants.Com
• "We do think the Olympics is a horrible place to debut new brands, however. There is too much clutter and competition."
• "It CAN be an effective place to reposition a brand, particularly if the brand is in the B2B space and the repositioning can occur onsite at the events. Many of the attendees of Olympic events are executives (just like the Super Bowl). UPS is using the Beijing Games as an interesting venue to debut some of their new international brand activity."
• "Intuitively, we should be seeing international companies getting more involved in the Games in the future. It can become the coming out event for large international companies who wish to elevate brand awareness on a global stage. But the challenge is that for many viewers, the brands will be so foreign they won't know who they are or what they do. It requires the brand to do a lot of seeding work before the Games begin, and very aggressive follow-up work once the brand has launched with the marks."
Photos: Shanghai, China.
The "China Brand" - Julius Roberge
• "Until China, never before has the market potential of the host country on its own been viewed as possibly worth the significant investment. Despite the degree of controversy before the Games began, the market opportunity seems irresistible."
• "The Olympics have a clear purpose for the "China" brand: to prove to the world that China is capable of hosting Games at a quality level that the Olympic brand, the athletes and spectators worldwide demand and expect."
• "The China brand today is often correlated with low quality (products), so the challenge is Herculean. With the world watching their every step, success in Beijing will send a strong new message about China as a world power. If it missteps, it will not soon have such visibility to transform a lagging image."
• "It's safe to assume Americans understand that Olympic sponsorship is not the same as supporting China's political policies. That said, given the ongoing buzz and interest in how China enters the world stage, how a brand behaves in and/or partners with China may draw more attention in the future from international media, thus elevating the potential for a negative effect on a brand's image. This may be more of a concern for B2B organizations that deal more closely with the Chinese government or in government monitored sectors."
Siegel+Gale is one of the world's premier strategic branding companies. The firm has worked with an array of leading organizations, including American Express, AARP, College Board, Cornell University, Dell, Duke University, Lexus, MBA.com, Merrill Lynch, Motorola, the National Basketball Association, 3M, Dow, and The Four Seasons Hotel Group, Sony, and Yahoo! Siegel+Gale has full-service offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Dubai and strategic partnerships around the world. Siegel+Gale is part of the Omnicom Group Inc., a leading global marketing and corporate communications company.
Source: Siegel+Gale
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:02 AM | View the original post
Photo: "adidas by Stella McCartney" Spring / Summer 08 Golf
Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry and the adidas brand is one of the leading sports brands in the world. The brand attitude "Impossible is Nothing" drives all brand communication initiatives.
• As the Official Sportswear Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, adidas has been outfitting more than 100,000 volunteers, technical officials and staff. adidas has also been providing products for more than 3,000 athletes, 214 federations and 16 National Olympic Committees. In total, adidas is providing more than 3 million pieces of products for the Olympic Games including 43 different athletic shoes for 27 out of 28 sports.
adidas will be the Official Sportswear Partner again for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
adidas's Beijing Olympics operation is an extraordinary piece of sponsorship advertising and is the elite launching pad from where it can successfully strike any country, region or sports market it wishes to target worldwide. ©GlobalGiants.Com
Photo: The adidas Brand Center in Beijing.
adidas has opened its largest adidas Brand Center worldwide in Beijing, China, the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games. This adidas Brand Center store is the biggest adidas store worldwide occupying four floors inside the new Sanlitun Village Shopping Center.
"The opening of the world's first adidas Brand Center is another milestone in securing market leadership in China, one of the world's most important markets for the adidas brand," said Erich Stamminger, President of the adidas brand. "The Beijing adidas Brand Center will serve as a role model for our concept stores in key metropolitan cities around the world."
One of the highlights of the new adidas Brand Center is miCoach Core Skills, an interactive zone where customers can utilize innovative adidas technologies that are normally only available in professional level sports facilities. Visitors to the store can test their skills in balance, speed and jump, compare their results to their sporting heroes and get personalized training recommendations based on scientific research, using a number of interactive devices.
The 'Urban' area on the top floor of the adidas Brand Center is a new creative space dedicated to exploring and showcasing exciting trends and ideas in art, music and culture. This area will play host to a series of events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and consumer forums and meetings.
At the center's Olympic Brand Launch Area, consumers can get close and personal with the special products, designs and technologies that adidas has developed for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
View the "Made for Beijing" Footwear from adidas:
• Archery
• Boxing
• Cycling
• Discus
• Fencing
• Handball
• Hockey
• Javelin
• Rowing
• Sailing
• Shooting
• Tennis
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:31 AM | View the original post
As American athletes took to the stage during the commencement celebration in Beijing, the Polo Ralph Lauren 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Opening Ceremony Parade Outfits were unveiled to spectators around the world.
Inspired by the rich past of the Olympic Games, and in keeping with the time-honored tradition of this historic event, Polo Ralph Lauren brought an elegant and contemporary style to the U.S. Olympic Team.
According to the company, "Reflecting the brand's trademark sporty sophistication and refined sensibility, the Opening Ceremony uniforms evoke the heritage and legacy of the 1920's and 1930's. Featuring a polished and tailored silhouette, the ensemble is comprised of a crisp white cotton shirt and ivory cuffed pants, complemented by a timeless navy blue blazer in tropical wool, adorned with the iconic Polo Pony and the 2008 U.S. 'Look of the Team' logo. The chic outfits are accented by Americana-infused accessories with red, white and blue silk ties and scarves and classic canvas sneakers with red and blue lateral stripes, topped off with a white twill hat."
In addition to designing the Official Opening Ceremony Parade Outfits for the U.S. Olympic Team, Polo Ralph Lauren has also created their Closing Ceremony Parade Outfits and an assortment of Olympic Village Wear pieces to be provided to the U.S. Teams.
The Olympic Village Wear designs offer more casual sportswear looks with zip-up hooded sweatshirts, sleek track jackets and brightly colored cotton polo shirts all displaying the official U.S. Olympic Team logo and the classic Polo pony logo. Incorporating the theme of the Games' location, Chinese characters reading Beijing also decorate the apparel, while red, white and blue accents mark the pieces as quintessentially American.
The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games are being celebrated from August 8 to August 24 with an estimated four billion viewers watching global-televised coverage, which is expected to be the largest audience ever to view the Olympic Games.
Source: Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:24 AM | View the original post
Haier, the world's fourth largest white goods manufacturer and the official white goods sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, today opens the Haier "Making the World a Home" Experience Center in Chaoyang Park, Beijing. The Experience Center will be open to the public for the duration of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where visitors will experience Haier's vision of the future of home appliances and its "U-Home" technology.
Photo: Haier's "Making the World a Home" Experience Center in Chaoyang Park, Beijing will be open to the public for the duration of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The Experience Center, located at the south entrance of Chaoyang Park, Beijing, will allow visitors to experience 16 hours of a person's life in the future showcasing Haier's solutions to ease the life of the user from morning to evening. At home in the morning, while the consumer is exercising, his jogging machine will monitor his pulse rate or energy consumed. When leaving home, "U-Home" technology will automatically shut down lights to save energy and start the security system. In the office, Haier brings wireless interactive devices, making the office environment more clear and efficient. On the way home after work, the user can check the content of his refrigerator on his mobile phone and make a detour to the store accordingly. Finally, at home in the evening, the intelligent bed will recognize when the user has finished his day, and will shut down the lights, the television and close the curtains.
The bubble shaped building also serves as a giant screen where evening light shows will introduce Haier's history, Olympic sponsorship, and efforts for environmental protection. The entertainment area of the Experience Center will offer virtual sport games that will allow visitors to test Haier's technology while playing.
Haier's technology, named "U-Home" for "Ubiquitous Home", will accompany users in every step of their day-to-day life, keep them connected to the world when at home and to home when outside. Haier "U-Home" equipped home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners or washing machines use the internet, mobile communication and fixed telephone networks to allow users to communicate with their home appliances anytime anywhere to control them and retrieve information remotely.
Photo: Haier service staff make a daily check on Haier washing machines installed in the Olympic Village laundry, Beijing China.
"Haier's Experience Center matches the excellence of Haier's products and services offered to athletes, journalists, visitors and staff in the Olympic venues. Haier has provided the Beijing Olympic Games with state of the art appliances in terms of energy efficiency and environmental protection. At the Experience Center, visitors from around the world will enjoy a taste of the future imagined by Haier," said Mr. WU Shouzhang, Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC).
"The Olympic Spirit advocates mutual understanding, friendship, unity and the spirit of fair competition, and stands for harmonious, free, healthy and active lifestyles. By means of household appliances in line with the Olympic spirit, Haier 'Making the World a Home' Experience Center endows the visitor with a harmonious and joyful 16 hours life experience," said Haier Group SVP Mr. ZHOU Yunjie.
Founded in Qingdao, Shandong province, China, in 1984, Haier Group is the world's fourth largest white goods manufacturer. Haier is one of the best known Chinese brands in the world, with distribution in over 160 countries.
Source: Haier Group
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:48 AM | View the original post
Honda Delivers FCX Clarity Hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Vehicle to Jamie Lee Curtis.
Photo: Honda FCX Clarity
Photo: Honda FCX Clarity interior
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that its second FCX Clarity customer, Jamie Lee Curtis, took delivery of the vehicle on July 31, 2008. Curtis and husband Christopher Guest are the second of approximately 200 customers who will begin leasing the vehicle in the United States and Japan over the next three years.
Photo: Jamie Lee Curtis, second customer of Honda's FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle at a hydrogen filling station in West Los Angeles. Curtis is the second of approximately 200 customers who will lease the vehicle in the United States and Japan, with the vast majority of vehicles being leased in Southern California. (Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Alex Berliner(C)Berliner Studio/BEImages)
"I really wasn't expecting it to be so luxurious," said Curtis. "It's luxurious, luxurious, luxurious! I love the interior layout, design and access to controls. It is user-friendly and very modern."
Actress and children's book author Curtis and her husband, filmmaker Guest, live in Santa Monica. They have owned other alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles and continue to seek out ways to live and advocate a greener lifestyle.
Ron Yerxa and Annette Ballester, Santa Monica residents, took delivery of the first FCX Clarity on July 25, 2008.
Photo: Actress Q'Orianka Kilcher, who played Pocahontas in the film "The New World", poses for a photo after she drove the new Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007 at the LA Auto Show. (Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Susan Goldman)
"The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle's only by-products are heat and water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile."
Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:09 PM | View the original post
• Total of 23,292 Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S.
• Mercedes-Benz USA Records 12 Percent Sales Growth for the Month with 20,733 New Vehicles Sold.
• smart USA Records 2,559 Sales in July.
Photos: In a Road Trip from Los Angeles to Detroit earlier this year, smart and Mercedes-Benz demonstrated high environmental friendliness in a real-world test.
Daimler AG (NYSE:DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 23,292 units in the U.S. for July 2008.
As reported, there were sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, a 12 percent increase over last July. This brings the year-to-date sales total for MBUSA to 140,012 units, marking the best year-to-date sales for the period in the company's history. The most significant gains for the month were in the C-Class and E-Class passenger cars (45 percent and 38 percent respectively), while year-to-date growth was achieved in the M-Class and GL-Class line-up of SUVs (12 percent and 1 percent respectively).
Photo: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Photo: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Photo: Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Photo: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Photo: smart fortwo
Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,559 for the month of July. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 13,958 units in a little more than six months of being offered in the US market. The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a combination of fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness and low cost of ownership. There are currently 69 smart centers open in 31 states. smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008.
• Daimler AG's current global brand portfolio includes the world's most valuable automobile brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as smart, AMG, Maybach, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built Buses.
Source: Daimler AG
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:23 PM | View the original post
Kelley Blue Book's Web site Kbb.com, which provides new and used vehicle information, today announced the launch of KBB Green, a new section designed to guide new-vehicle shoppers on environmental and fuel economy issues.
Kelley Blue Book's new Green section allows new-car shoppers to obtain information about alternative-fuel technologies, such as hydrogen cars, diesel cars, hybrid cars, natural gas cars, electric cars and flex fuel/ethanol vehicles, as well as fuel-sipping gasoline cars.
The editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com have named their inaugural picks for the Top 10 Green Cars. With skyrocketing gas prices and growing environmental consciousness, Americans are seeking more fuel-efficient vehicles. While automakers are working to increase fuel efficiency, many economical standouts are already available in many categories to meet the needs of almost any new-car shopper.
In compiling the 2008 list of the Top 10 Green Cars, the kbb.com editors looked at more than just fuel economy and price. As would any new-car buyer, they also considered factors like comfort, performance, utility and technology. In addition to the three most fuel-friendly cars available today -- Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and smart fortwo -- the list includes exceptionally efficient vehicles from a variety of categories, all the way up to a full-size SUV, like the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The Top 10 Green Cars list also includes a sampling of the variety of drivetrains and Green technologies currently available to American consumers.
"In today's rapidly changing economy and environment, KBB Green is a one-of-a-kind resource for anyone interested in learning more about hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Our list of the Top 10 Green Cars shows consumers that there are fuel-friendly vehicles available in almost every segment to accommodate a variety of lifestyles, so you don't have to sacrifice much, if anything, to go Green."
Listed below, in order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy, are the kbb.com editors' choices for the 2008 Top 10 Green Cars:
TOP 10 GREEN CARS:
Vehicle --------- City MPG --- Highway MPG --- Combined MPG
2008 Toyota Prius -------------------- 48 --------- 45 --------- 46
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid ------------ 40 --------- 45 --------- 42
2008 smart fortwo ------------------- 33 --------- 41 --------- 36
2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid ---------- 35 --------- 33 --------- 34
2008 MINI Cooper -------------------- 28 --------- 37 --------- 32
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid ------------ 34 --------- 30 --------- 32
2008 Honda Fit ----------------------- 28 --------- 34 --------- 31
2008 Mercedes E320 BLUETEC ---- 23 --------- 32 --------- 26
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ---- 27 --------- 25 --------- 26
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ------ 21 --------- 22 --------- 21
Following are the Kbb.com Editorial Comments on the Top 10 Green Cars:
Toyota Prius:
Of all the vehicles sold in the United States by all the major manufacturers, none is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Prius. Not surprisingly, the green-car poster child also is the best-selling hybrid on the market. With exceptional average fuel economy of 46 mpg, seating for five and optional goodies like a rearview camera and navigation, the Prius remains the "it" car for everyone from green-leaning celebrities to commuters just looking to save some green at the pump.
Honda Civic Hybrid:
Although the Civic Hybrid plays second fiddle to the Toyota Prius -- and only the Toyota Prius -- in terms of fuel economy, many buyers prefer the Civic's more traditional sedan shape to the Prius' "flashier" ovoid styling. Whether it pencils out financially compared with a gas-only Civic depends on a number of factors, but a Civic Hybrid owner will buy and burn around 30 percent less gasoline than his or her voltage-deficient counterpart.
smart fortwo:
Instead of horsepower and handling, it might be more useful these days to measure a vehicle's "bang for the buck" in terms of its fuel economy. On that scale, the smart fortwo is without equal. The tiny two-seater delivers 41 highway miles per gallon for the low, low starting price of just above $12,000 (add about $2,000 for conveniences like a stereo, air conditioning and power windows). Starting around $17,000, the convertible version easily qualifies as the most fuel-efficient, lowest-priced drop top on the road today.
Nissan Altima Hybrid:
Using hybrid technology licensed from Toyota, the Nissan Altima Hybrid combines impressive fuel-economy with much of the same sporty character that has helped establish the Altima's reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive mid-size sedans. The advanced technology isn't confined to the engine bay, either, as the Altima Hybrid offers a slew of electronic comforts and digital conveniences like push-button start, navigation with traffic info and a rearview camera.
MINI Cooper:
Cars that consume less fuel don't necessarily have to sacrifice style or driving excitement. Need proof? You won't find a more convincing argument than the lovable MINI Cooper. On the highway it can travel up to 37 miles on a single gallon. In the mountains, it demonstrates road-holding acumen on par with some much thirstier and more expensive performance cars. Offering one of the most distinctive designs on the road to boot, the MINI Cooper is a smart choice for cost-cutting, fun-seeking and fashion-conscious buyers alike.
Ford Escape Hybrid:
Rising gas prices have been particularly troublesome for drivers who've grown accustomed to the raised seating position and added interior flexibility of SUVs. With the Ford Escape Hybrid, those so inclined can have their cake and haul it, too. The Escape Hybrid sweetens the sensible balance of a compact crossover SUV with lower fuel costs and the amusement of quiet, all-electric operation in parking lots.
Honda Fit:
The littlest Honda isn't the most fuel-efficient car in its class - a distinction that belongs to the Toyota Yaris -- but it is the most versatile and most fun. An exceptionally flexible rear seat maximizes cargo- and people-hauling abilities, while an available Sport model offers a performance-tuned suspension and paddle shifters. Combined with a starting price of less than $15,000, the five-door Fit is a well-rounded economy car that's good at everything from long commutes to long weekends.
Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC:
"Mercedes diesel." Can't you just see, hear and smell it idling so obtrusively before you at the stoplight? Now, forget that ever happened and picture a smooth, quiet and clean E-Class diesel that returns 36-percent better combined fuel economy than its gasoline-swilling counterpart. Like many new diesels on the way, the E320 BLUETEC combines cleaner diesel fuel with new engine and emissions technologies to deliver all the punch and efficiency of a diesel powerplant, but without all the shake and soot.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
For families that demand the added capacity of three rows, the Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient option available. The gas-electric version of Toyota's mid-size crossover SUV combines available seating for seven, impressive average fuel economy of 26 mpg and proven reliability. The standard equipment list even includes four-wheel drive, so you can commune with nature with the added peace of mind that you're spewing less into the air.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid:
Owners of full-size SUVs are suffering more than most at the pump, and many are trading the excess capacity for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. But what of the large, active families that really do need all the size and towing ability of a large SUV? Now there's a hybrid for them, too. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid can be equipped with seating for eight, four-wheel drive and can tow more than 8,000 pounds - all while seamlessly transitioning between gasoline and electric power and delivering 50-percent better city mileage than its gasoline-only counterpart.
• Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book has been providing vehicle buyers and sellers in America with the new and used vehicle information. The company's Web site KBB.Com displays new-car prices, car reviews and news, used-car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:40 PM | View the original post
Rising Latina star Melonie Diaz receives Suzuki 'Way of Life!' Award.
Automaker presents NYILFF opening night film 'American Son,' starring Nick Cannon, Melonie Diaz and Jay Hernandez.
Photo: Melonie Diaz arrives at a screening of her new film "American Son" at the New York International Latino Film Festival's opening night, presented by Suzuki Auto, Monday July 22, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Suzuki Auto, Jason DeCrow)
Suzuki Auto made a star appearance as the presenting sponsor of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) opening night film "American Son," featuring rising stars Nick Cannon, Melonie Diaz and Jay Hernandez. Suzuki's sponsorship of the NYILFF, which runs from July 22 through 27, 2008 in New York City, is part of the carmaker's ongoing effort to connect its brand and products with a wide range of Latinos -- a segment that represents nearly 10 percent of Suzuki new vehicle sales.
As part of the festival's opening night activities, Suzuki presented its first ever "Way of Life!" Award to Latina star on the rise Melonie Diaz. The award recognizes Diaz as a flourishing young Latina actress that embodies the authentic, bold and dynamic qualities of Suzuki's "Way of Life!" brand philosophy. Included with the award, the automaker presented a $2,500 cash donation on Diaz's behalf to the Manhattan-based Latin American Theatre Ensemble/El Porton del Barrio (LATE), a not-for-profit theater group responsible for the development of dramatic and literary talent from within the Hispanic-American community of New York City.
Photo: Suzuki Equator
Photo: Suzuki Forenza
"The Suzuki brand is about confidently exploring the world and discovering one's ability to live life to the fullest, and we're glad we've found a like-minded partner in the New York International Latino Film Festival," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing for American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "Just as Suzuki is dedicated to providing fun and exciting products that reflect our customers' 'Way of Life' attitude, the festival shares a similar commitment to providing exhilarating and culturally relevant entertainment for film fans."
The 2008 NYILFF is presented by HBO (Home Box Office, Inc.), and made possible with the additional support of Official Sponsors HBO Latino, Heineken, Suzuki Auto, TBS & TNT, American Airlines, The Hollywood Reporter, Daily News/VNY, Telemundo, Time Warner Cable's New York City Region, 103.5 WKTU, WNBC and Impre.com.
The NYILFF is one of the leading film festivals that focuses on the urban Latino experience and presents the work of the hottest emerging filmmakers from the U.S. and Latin America. This year's festival includes screenings throughout the day and evening, industry panel discussions, music showcases and an exclusive partnership with Australia's Hola Mexico Film Festival, all tailored to reach the diverse and generational Latino audience.
Source: Suzuki Auto
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:01 PM | View the original post
To coincide with the Walkman™ phone's third birthday, Sony Ericsson has unveiled three brand new mobile phones giving music on the go to more users.
Photo: Listening to Song with Sony Ericsson W595 Walkman™
Today, Sony Ericsson unveiled its latest innovative additions to the Walkman™ phone family: the W902, W595 and W302, and seven new music accessories. Sony Ericsson is unveiling phones and accessories with superior sound quality and pioneering features, which, according to the company, "Take Walkman™ phones beyond music and expectations with fantastic extras such as great imaging and video capabilities."
Photo: Sony Ericsson W595 -- Listening to Music
"Since the launch of our first Walkman™ phone in 2005, Sony Ericsson has continued to pioneer a superior mobile music experience - and the 77 million Walkman™ phones sold to date are testament to this commitment," says Ben Padley, Head of the Music Category at Sony Ericsson. "With this latest range of phones and accessories, we are offering high quality sound and a rich feature set that cements our position as a leader in the music phone category. We are pushing the boundaries of what people think is possible and are offering best-in-class sound quality and our most exciting Walkman™ phones to date. The list of pioneering and innovative features found on Walkman™ phones continues to be unmatched in the industry. Features like the music recognition application TrackID™, SensMe™, for matching your mood to the music and Shake control to change tracks with the flick of your hand make Walkman™ phones stand out from the rest."
Photo: Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman™
Photo: Sony Ericsson W595 Walkman™
Photo: Sony Ericsson W302 Walkman™
According to Sony Ericsson:
• The W902 makes the users listen to music the way it should be heard: true to original. It's also a mobile phone for those that want it all, with a five megapixel camera and great video capturing and sharing capabilities.
• The W595 Walkman™ is for those who want to share sounds with their friends. Store and play more than 1,900 songs through the built in stereo speakers. Plug in the in-box sharing jack to listen silently to your tunes with a friend or Bluetooth™ your sounds to Sony Ericsson's range of wireless speakers.
• The new W302 Walkman™ is packed with impressive features in an affordable no-compromise slim handset. Targeting all audiences, the phone comes complete with a two megapixel camera, FM radio, TrackID™ and 512MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2).
• The next generation of accessories includes three new sets of speakers, the MBS-200, MBS-400 and MPS-100, to help music lovers go beyond the individual and play music directly from their mobile phone. Enhancing its music accessories collection Sony Ericsson has also introduced three new stereo headphones, HBH-IS800, HPM-88 and HPM-66 for the optimal listening experience.
Sony Ericsson is a top global industry player with sales of over 100 million phones in 2007. With operations in over 80 countries including manufacturing in China and R&D sites in China, Europe, India, Japan and North America. Sony Ericsson was established as a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London.
Source: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:18 AM | View the original post
Over 500 Native Applications for iPhone & iPod touch Available at Launch.
Apple today announced that more than 500 native applications will be available on the iPhone's App Store when Apple's iPhone™ 3G goes on sale tomorrow. These applications will be available on Apple's new App Store, enabling customers to wirelessly download them directly onto their iPhones and start using them immediately. More than 125 applications are being offered to iPhone customers for free.
The new iPhone 3G combines all the features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast*, built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications available through the new App Store which is a built-in application on every iPhone running iPhone 2.0 software.
The App Store on iPhone works over cellular networks and Wi-Fi, which means it is accessible from just about anywhere, so users can purchase and download applications wirelessly and start using them instantly. Applications are free or charged to the user's iTunes account and the App Store notifies the user when updates are available for their apps. The App Store is also available in iTunes (www.itunes.com) running on a Mac or PC, which syncs applications to the iPhone or iPod touch using a USB cable.
The App Store will offer over 500 native applications from hundreds of companies around the world in a variety of categories including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.
In addition to the App Store, the iPhone 2.0 software update includes enterprise support, contact search, complete iWork and MS Office document viewing support, the ability to delete or move emails in bulk, saving images from emails, a scientific calculator, parental controls and support for 16 additional languages.
iPhone 3G will be available in more than 70 countries later this year, beginning with customer availability in 22 countries--Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the US--on July 11.
"Just one year after launching the iPhone, we're launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.
According to Apple, iPhone 3G gives users ever faster access to the Internet and email over their cellular network with quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connectivity around the world. iPhone 3G supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks and automatically switches between them to ensure the fastest possible download speeds. The new iPhone 3G also makes it easier to multi-task with simultaneous voice and data communications, so with iPhone 3G you can browse the web, get map directions, or check your email while you are on a call.
Additional features available with the iPhone 2.0 software include the ability to do real-time mapping and track your progress with GPS technology, mass move and delete multiple email messages, search for contacts, access a new scientific calculator, turn on parental control restrictions for specified content, save images directly from a web page or email them to your iPhone and easily transfer them back to your photo library on your Mac or PC. According to Apple, iPhone 3G delivers a 10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours using 3G, with up to 5 to 6 hours of web browsing, up to 7 hours for video playback and up to 24 hours for audio playback.
iPhone 3G takes advantage of MobileMe™, a new Internet service that pushes email, contacts, and calendars from an online "cloud" to native applications on iPhone, iPod touch, Macs and PCs. With MobileMe email, messages are pushed instantly to iPhone, removing the need to manually check email and wait for downloads, and push keeps contacts and calendars continuously up-to-date so changes made on one device are automatically updated on other devices.
Source: Apple
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:08 PM | View the original post
Cadillac is a brand of luxury vehicles, part of General Motors, produced and mostly sold in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the name became a synonym for "high quality", used in such phrases as "the Cadillac of watches," referring to a Rolex. Cadillac's current slogan is "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit," in reference to the inalienable rights mentioned in the United States Declaration of Independence. (Wikipedia).
Thanks to a remarkable blend of dramatic design, technology and craftsmanship, Cadillac CTS enters 2009 riding a wave of acclaim from critics and consumers.
According to Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager, "CTS is earning the acclaim of luxury buyers, the most discerning critics. It has earned a position as one of the premier luxury sports sedans, further strengthening Cadillac's historic resurgence into the top tier of global luxury brands."
The redesigned CTS has also been lauded for its safety. Features such as a robust body structure that helps absorb crash energy and six standard air bags - including a segment-first dual depth passenger frontal air bag, active headrests and head curtain side air bags - helped it earn a Top Safety Pick recognition by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
According to GM, CTS sales are rising sharply, with monthly sales increases consistently exceeding 50 percent. Changes to 2009 Cadillac CTS are evolutionary, comprising content and feature revisions that reflect market demands.
Photo: The Cadillac CTS Launch in China.
Vehicle Highlights
• Cadillac's award-winning luxury sedan
• Advanced 3.6L V-6 engine with gasoline direct injection technology
• Six-speed transmissions paired with all powertrains
• Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models
• Six standard air bags including dual depth front passenger air bag
• Leading-edge electronics with Bluetooth connectivity
• Handcrafted cut-and-sewn interior trim
Design: At a glance, there is no mistaking the CTS for anything but a contemporary Cadillac. Signature exterior cues include vertically oriented "light pipes," horizontal spline lines and a dihedral-shaped hood. It also strikes a sporting stance, with a wide track, communicating a dramatic presence unlike most traditional luxury sedans and the car's performance capabilities
Interior elements: The CTS' interior emphasizes technical precision with elegant, hand-crafted details. Analog instrumentation is streamlined and defined by bright accents. An integrated center stack design, with either a satin metallic finish or genuine Sapele Pommele wood, blends into the lower instrument panel that sweeps forward and away of front-seat occupants. The hand-assembled center console leads seamlessly into the center stack, providing a sportier "cockpit" feel for the driver and passenger without compromising space.
Available heated and ventilated seats incorporate "thin-seat" technology for maximum occupant comfort and enhanced rear-seat leg, knee and foot room.
Clean, white ambient light emitting diode (LED) accent lighting is available, positioned in the door pulls, foot wells and recessed between the upper and lower instrument panels. The result is a dramatic effect similar to recessed lighting used in contemporary homes.
Powertrains: Direct injection technology helps the CTS offer more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. The standard 3.6L VVT engine that produces 263 horsepower (196 kW) and 253 lb.-ft (343 Nm) of torque serves as the base engine in North America and is available in rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts.
All CTS engines are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions, including an Aisin six-speed manual or an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic. The Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic features driver shift control, which enables on-demand clutch-less manual shifts.
Craftsmanship and quietness: Every CTS features Cadillac's "cut-and-sew" interior process that combines advanced technology with the hand-rendered precision of expert craftsmen. Coverings for components such as the instrument panel, center console and door trim are cut, sewn and wrapped by hand. This enables details such as decorative French stitching and the near elimination of gaps and seams, for a superbly tailored appearance.
Quietness is another measure of CTS' craftsmanship. Detailed analysis of sound and vibration was lavished on the CTS during its development. This reduced overall cabin noise via improved body sealing and sound insulation. It also focused on tuning the quality of the remaining sound.
Driving dynamics: The CTS chassis enables a great balance of performance and luxury. The CTS features advanced chassis technology in the form of Cadillac's StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system.
Infotainment and vehicle technology: CTS incorporates the best attributes, advanced technologies and electronics, including:
• Integrated iPod/MP3 capability - Designed in consultation with the engineers behind the iPod and other computer and entertainment industry experts, the center console of the CTS is tailored for MP3 players, iPods or other digital music devices. They can be charged via a USB port, which also enables playlists to appear on the car's touch-screen, and steering wheel controls can be used to advance tracks.
• Hard drive audio system - A 40-gigabyte hard drive allows pausing and rewinding of live radio, as well as "ripping" tracks from CDs. The hard drive enables 60-minute "buffering" of the car's radio, meaning that passengers can "pause" a live broadcast in order to take a phone call, or even leave the car to run an errand, or simply rewind to listen again.
• Navigation system - The navigation system includes 3D imaging of more than 800 major landmarks in 39 U.S. cities, voice recognition and real-time traffic and weather data. This available system uses an eight-inch diagonal, high-resolution full VGA infotainment display head with full touch-screen operation. The screen can retract into the instrument panel when not in use.
• Adaptive forward lighting system - When equipped with the uplevel HID headlamps, the CTS also includes an advanced forward lighting system that automatically adjusts headlamp direction for improved nighttime driving visibility. The system is capable of turning the headlamps a maximum of 5 degrees inboard and 15 degrees outboard on each lamp.
• Available Bluetooth connectivity - CTS is equipped from the factory for Bluetooth wireless connectivity of cell phones and other electronic data devices. It enables hands-free phone connectivity, providing easier and safer calling and dialing.
Safety features: The 2009 CTS is designed to enhance Cadillac's reputation for providing safe occupant environments in luxury vehicles. Details include:
• Dual-stage driver front air bag
• Segment-first dual depth front passenger air bag
• Driver and front passenger side seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags
• Roof-rail side curtain air bags, cover front and rear seating rows
• Front safety belt pretensioners
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Body structure with strategically placed high-strength steel
As with other Cadillac models, the 2009 CTS comes standard with OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Source: GM
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:51 AM | View the original post
Venom Introduces New Re-sealable Aluminum Bottle.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group today introduces Venom, an energy drink for those wanting to experience "thrill seeking adventures". Venom is supposed to provide "hard-core energy" and is available in Black Mamba, regular, and Mojave Rattler, low-carbohydrate/calorie.
"Venom will accelerate Dr Pepper Snapple's entry into the fast growing energy drink market by delivering a jolt of energy in new killer packaging," said Charlotte Dimery, director of marketing for Venom. "Its piercing energy that strikes back in a new re-sealable bottle delivers something new and functional in the competitive energy landscape."
Photo: Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. Makes a Splash on the New York Stock Exchange -- May 7, 2008; Beverage business separated from Cadbury Schweppes plc to become stand alone company.
Venom's 16.9 ounce re-sealable aluminum bottle allows consumers to enjoy the product during multiple occasions, unlike most energy drinks in cans.
The Venom energy blend contains caffeine, l-carnitine, guarana, ginseng and taurine, the hard-core ingredients that consumers are looking for in their energy drink.
Venom Black Mamba and Mojave Rattler will be available at retailers nationwide USA for a suggested retail price of $2.29.
In addition to Venom, the beverage portfolio of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. includes the flagship Dr Pepper, Snapple, 7UP, Mott's, A&W, Sunkist Soda, Hawaiian Punch, Canada Dry, Schweppes, Squirt, RC Cola, Diet Rite, Penafiel, Rose's, Yoo-hoo, Clamato, and Mr & Mrs T. Based in Plano, Texas, Dr Pepper Snapple Group operates 24 bottling and manufacturing facilities and more than 200 distribution centers across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Source: Dr Pepper Snapple Group
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:06 AM | View the original post
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