New Alamo Car Rental Kiosk Reduces Transaction Time
Alamo Rent A Car is testing a new touch-screen car rental kiosk that reduces the check-in time for customers by approximately 50%.
The touch screen kiosk allows any customer with a driver’s license, credit card and existing reservation to skip the rental counter and check in directly at the kiosk. After a customer agrees to the terms and conditions, a receipt-sized rental agreement is printed from the kiosk and the customer is directed to his or her rental car on the lot.
The Kiosk also allows the customer to review rental information, upgrade to a larger car class, add additional drivers, and purchase option items such as Navigation Station (GPS unit), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and child car seats.
OnStar Now Available In Spanish
With the Hispanic population approaching 45 million in the U.S., GM and OnStar are strengthening their commitment to provide subscribers the best in-vehicle assistance service by launching an industry-first service enhancement-OnStar en Espanol. The new service, available in OnStar-equipped 2006 vehicles at no additional cost, provides subscribers a more holistic Spanish experience including voice-recognition and hands-free calling.
“In 2005, more than 20% of all new vehicles sold to Hispanics were GM products,” said Tony DiSalle, OnStar’s V.P. “The launch of Spanish language services helps OnStar and GM enhance the customer experience and provides a unique differentiator for GM vehicles.”
Ford Promotional Campaign Targets Women
Ford Motor Co., has launched a promotional campaign targeting women for its Ford Fusion. At the heart of Ford’s strategy to reach women is Fusion Studio D, a unique lifestyle experience center which is currently traveling to malls across the country. It’s a pop-up store set up in the mall where women can interact with the Fusion while they’re being treated with everything from beauty services and fitness training to music and health information. It also offers visitors the opportunity to test-drive the car.
“Fusion Studio D was designed to touch on the three ‘passion points’ of women: beauty, fitness and music,” said Linda Perry-Lube, Ford Communications Manager. “It’s all about engaging women where they already are -- in the mall -- in a completely non-threatening, non-showroom environment so that they can start to connect with the brand and see that we have this cool vehicle.”
Autobytel Reports On Chinese Cars
Autobytel reports that 73% of U.S. shoppers it polled recently described their preconception of what a Chinese car might be like as “negative-low quality, not very stylish or safe,” while only 27% replied “positive-inexpensive, interesting and cutting-edge.” Some 55% of those polled said they’d consider boycotting Chinese vehicles to protect American workers, while only 31% said they wouldn’t consider boycotting (in the interest of free trade). The remaining 14% replied “not sure-everyone already buys Chinese products; why should vehicles be singled out?”
Trust appears to trump price as the factor that would most influence shoppers to buy Chinese-with 40% saying they’d be most swayed by “good quality, safety and performance ratings,” and 28% replying that “a great warranty” would most influence them to buy. Only 23% said the most influential factor would be “a substantially lower price,” and only 9% said style would be their primary draw.
Chinese manufacturers can take heart in this bit of collective American market wisdom: 71% of the consumers surveyed predicted that China will succeed in the U.S. car market-either quickly (30%) or in the long-term (41%).
STERLING PROMOTIONAL CORP.
Boomers, Gen Y, & Women Rev Up Motorcycle Market
Boomers, Gen Y and Women are but a few of the demographics fueling an anticipated 18-year continuous growth spurt for the domestic motorcycle market, according to The U.S. Market for Motorcycles, a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com.
Following a slump in the 80s, the motorcycle industry has enjoyed phenomenal growth. Product segmentation has helped diversify the consumer base for bikes, allowing marketers to reach a wide and varied demographic. As a result, the current $14.5 billion market should nearly triple from 2000 to $21 billion, by 2010.
“You have a generation moving into affluency that has historically embraced the thrills associated with the motorcycle culture,” said Don Montuori, Publisher of Packaged Facts, “Simultaneously, more women and young adults are seeking stylish, affordable means of transportation for fun and daily commuting.“
BEHR Premium Plus Line Uses Nanotechnology
BEHR Paints has introduced a new Premium Plus Interior Sateen Kitchen and Bath Enamel, which utilizes Nanotechnology making for superior physical and aesthetic qualities.
The paint doubles as an impenetrable safeguard against mildew and stains in those high-traffic areas of the home that are most susceptible-kitchens and bathrooms.
Honda Launches ‘FIT’ Vehicle Tour
Honda recently launched a multi-city U.S. dealer training tour for the introduction of the 2007 Honda “FIT” vehicle, a versatile, five door vehicle that allows its owners diverse seating configurations to move anything from tall plants to surfboards and large boxes.
Campos Creative Works, Inc., a Santa Monica, CA-based event producer, developed an innovative training program that will educate Honda Sales Consultants on the features and benefits of the Honda Fit along with the best sales practices to capture the Gen Y target buyer.
Bumper To Bumper Inflatable Attracts Business
Fun Equipment Sales created this unit, which measures 7' ft x l6' ft. It is made of a 70oz. Vinyl and weighs about 35 lbs. The client provided a logo and color scheme that made it easy for the company to customize the piece but they also have the capability to create a logo for clients. Inflatables have become a strong marketing tool because they can be personalized and are enticing to the eye and draw a crowd. They are being used to entertain as well as to promote businesses from restaurants to baseball teams to car dealerships. For more information, contact Fun Equipment Sales, 4332 Tejasco, San Antonio, TX 78218.
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