Mercedes-Benz USA Delivers First Zero-Emission Vehicle
The first new Mercedes-Benz F-CELL hydrogen-powered B-Class vehicles are now available to California residents, making emission-free driving a reality. Powered by an electric motor, the new B-Class F-CELL provides driving performance comparable to a similar conventional car while using about half the fuel. The car utilizes a fuel cell stack for generating electricity and a lithium ion battery for energy storage. Taking only three minutes to refuel, the B-Class F-CELL emits only water as a by-product of the fuel cell system.
In an exhibit spanning more than 75,000 sq. ft., Ford Motor Co.’s biggest ever presence in Los Angeles, Ford unveiled a completely new line up of engines for the F-150, breakthrough terrain management technology on the next generation Explorer, and all-new models of the Mustang, Fiesta and Focus. Visitors to the display, designed and executed for Ford by Imagination, (www.imagination.com), visitors can take a virtual ride in an in-car theater, discover Ford product advantages through games and fun physical challenges, or, try dozens of different digital interactions, including one that lets them customize and paint their “own” Fiesta with a virtual spray can. “Our auto show team has risen to the challenge of constantly creating new, more exciting experiences that connect customers in every market to our brand and our products in a very powerful and personal way,” said Darrell Bryja, Ford Director of Global Auto Shows and Events. (Web site) www.imagination.com
CODA Automotive, a California-based all-electric car and battery company, built a unique display for the Los Angeles Auto Show recently, that demonstrated its brand principles while showcasing the technology that powers its innovative electric sedan. The show’s 1.2 million attendees were treated to CODA’s ‘Zen meets Tech’ theme that highlighted the company’s green initiatives. The booth was constructed out of eco-friendly materials, including salvaged pickle wood walls, recycled rubber floors, and eco-friendly graphic ink. It also housed two “Commitment Walls” for participants to share their thoughts on sustainability. “We wanted to create a design as bold as our brand,” said Sean Blankenship, SVP Marketing, CODA Automotive. (Web site) www.codaautomotive.com
Ford Interactive Ads Feature MyTouch Technology
Ford and Monster Media, (wwwmonstermedia.net), a leader in storefront responsive advertising, teamed up with Team Detroit and developed a game to help introduce MyFord Touch in-car technology, only available in the 2011 Ford Edge. As the pedestrians approach the ad, they will see an oversized image of lips with a touch call to action enticing the user to activate the system. Once the player engages the experience they are directed to catch voice command phrases that fly out of the mouth. The system keeps track of the number of phrases the player is able to catch and after three misses the game over screen appears, revealing the user's total score and key messaging. Each installation uses a combination of four technologies: touch interaction, gesture based motion tracking, audio, and real-time dynamic data.
