Cadillac Is for Hipsters?

That was my conclusion after watching the first three TV commercials from Cadillac’s new ad agency, Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Most of that impression comes from the music because anyone could edit the footage of the cars — CTS, CTS-V and SRX — like these three, but the standout feature seems to be the soundtrack. The exploding emblem is kind of cool, but otherwise I’m not sure how these commercials speak to the product they’re pushing.

Check out  all three commercials on Cadillac's YouTube page — because they don't allow embedding — and let us know if you’re impressed. 

Toyota Sienna's 'Swagger Wagon' Music Video

We’re still on the fence about Toyota’s new ad campaign around the Sienna minivan, but the company keeps stepping it up a notch. The latest effort is a two-and-a-half-minute music video featuring the parents from the TV commercials rapping to a pretty realistic mix of beats and background vocals. It’s being heavily promoted on YouTube.

Everything about the video speaks to high production values, which may make it not as fun to watch as the classic “Stay At Home Dad.” What do you think? Is it too much or just plain funny?

Subaru Lets Dogs Drive in New Ads

Kia has animated hamsters, but Subaru is letting real live dogs drive their vehicles in a series of humorous ads aimed at dog lovers. The concept is built around the fact that 50% of Subaru owners also own dogs. We’re not sure the industry even tracks that stat.

The ads look strange because the car is moving as if a dog were actually driving it, with stilted movements and all. And while the dogs can do some things like pay cash for dog food, they can’t parallel park. There are seven different ads on this Subaru site, but our favorite is the third one, where the two dogs get their parking spot nabbed by a rude kitty.

Subaru: Dog tested. Dog approved.

Toyota's Smart Sienna Viral Ads

The concept of Toyota’s new viral videos promoting the redesigned Sienna is a pretty radical departure for the staid company. It features an incredibly dorky mom and dad who are oblivious to just how lame they are, which is the continuing joke of all seven videos — and their shorter TV commercial versions — that also happen to point out the van’s features.

It gets a little old after one or two, but it’s surprising that the Sienna is the one Toyota vehicle with a unique ad campaign. A few years ago, the minivan was featured in a humorous TV spot that mimicked a sultry perfume commercial.

While these videos all use the tag lines “Daddy Like” or “Mommy Like,” those phrases are actually used on billboards for the Sienna as well, and they have a bit more impact.

The 2011 Sienna recently went on sale and is the first new Toyota to feature a brake override system, which is a fail-safe measure for unintended acceleration.

Check out the other videos on Toyota's YouTube page for the Sienna and let us know what you think.

2010 Hyundai Tucson Ads Offer Straight Talk

I complain often about how car companies try too hard with television commercials. They pit trucks against explosions, show minivans as objects of lust and try to sell family cars to hip, urban singles. I just don’t get it.

That’s why when I saw the new commercial for Hyundai’s redesigned Tucson compact crossover, I was surprised. The commercial shows the car driving on the road. That’s it, just the car. No gimmicks, no woman talking seductively from behind the wheel. Just a car driving. The voiceover hammers home that it’s all-new, in fact, “new new.” To me, this is something buyers want to know, and finally there’s a commercial addressing it.

Plus, Hyundai doesn’t list the bare bones starting price of $18,995, either. It lists a “well-equipped” one for $21,695. Usually, car companies have a low base price strictly for advertising purposes.

A second Tucson commercial can be found below, but it doesn’t resonate as much as the first one I saw. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Cars.com To Hit Super Bowl XLIV

Yes, Cars.com will return as an advertiser for Super Bowl XLIV (aka 44). This will mark the third consecutive appearance by a Cars.com ad during the NFL’s biggest game. Last year the world got to know David Abernathy in a memorable clip to build on the company’s “Confidence” campaign. And it’s unlikely anyone has forgotten Glondor from the previous year’s spot.
 
What will be on tap this year? Well, we’d like to tell you, but instead enjoy last year's David Abernathy spot below.

Saturn: We're Still Here

As General Motors fights for its own survival, its subsidiaries — Saturn and Saab — were the first to feel the effects of the automaker’s empty coffers. Saab has already declared bankruptcy, cut 750 jobs and reduced production. There are reportedly a number of “interested parties” who might save the brand from absolute closure.

As for Saturn, GM fully intends to jettison the brand by 2012, with or without a buyer. With Saturn’s possible death out in the open, sales have fallen precipitously, down more than 50% since the beginning of 2009 compared to the same time frame in 2008.

According to The New York Times, in order to keep its few remaining customers, Saturn will roll out a new ad campaign this spring. One of them is featured above and one below. The campaign reminds viewers that despite all the depressing news surrounding Saturn, the brand is still here with all its cars and most of its dealerships intact.

Audi Q5 Commercials Win Over Oscars

There I was, trying to make it through the Oscars, and low and behold a clever Audi commercial won me over. It was for the new Q5 SUV, which just went on sale. In the commercial, a bunch of kids run out of a schoolhouse to go home and all the cars waiting for them are beige Lexus RX SUVs. Then, up pulls a black Q5. A happy boy jumps in and drives home with his father. The tagline about identity theft is kind of lame, but the concept is great. You can check out the commercial above, and there’s another one featuring a woman who can’t find her SUV in a parking lot below.

The build-a-Q5 feature also just went live on Audi’s consumer webpage. It looks like the Premium Plus trim level is the sweet spot, at $41,500 with cool LED headlights, a standard Panoramic roof and heated seats. The Q5 went on sale last week.

More Audi Q5 News

Hyundai Genesis Coupe in Super Bowl XLIII Ad Lineup

It seems Hyundai is going to follow up its 2008 Super Ads for the Genesis sedan with spots for the upcoming Genesis coupe. While the sedan ads were a tad sedate, ranking low on most people’s ad meters, the company says the coupe ads will feature precision driving by famed racer Rhys Millen, teamed with music. In the first commercial, the music will be supplied by classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma, while a secret guest artist will be featured in the second ad.

The title of both commercials is “The Epic Lap.” Shot at Road Atlanta, the racetrack didn’t do much damage to the car. The company says the Genesis only needed a new set of tires after three days of filming. 

More Hyundai Genesis News

Saturn Goes Social

It seems the world is abuzz with social media these days. Or should that be atwitter? Either way, major companies are taking note, including GM’s Saturn brand. Once known for its customer get-togethers in the hills of Tennessee, the company is moving into today’s Web 2.0 world with imsaturn.com.

The social website allows people to sign in and join the community by creating their own pages, similar to Facebook or MySpace. As I’m writing this post, there are 215 members on the site, which launched sometime last week.

We’re not sure if the world needs more social websites, but Saturn seems to be a logical car brand to do it. What do you think?