Consider the state of affairs when viewers tuned into the Super Bowl in February: Banks had failed, a stimulus package still hadn't been announced, and unemployment was surging toward 8%, up from 4.8% the year before.

An investigation into the cost-effectiveness of franchised dealer marketing activities illustrates the growing importance of the internet to successful lead generation.

Hyundai is one of only three brands that increased U.S. sales through the first nine months of the year. And Hyundai's U.S. market share has risen more than any other brand's in 2009.

General Motors and Chrysler have launched far-reaching reviews of their marketing strategies in the latest sign of carmakers adjusting their business in an economic downturn that has crippled their industry.

Ford Motor Co. will spend up to 20 percent more on Ford-brand U.S. marketing in the fourth quarter as it launches the next phase of its Drive One campaign.

Toyota Motor Sales USA and its ad agency of record, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, engaged in a bizarre, online "terror marketing campaign" that frightened and harassed thousands of consumers via e-mails, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 28 in Los Angeles.

The new managing director of Kia Motors UK plans to build on the strong relationships with dealers founded by predecessor Paul Philpott.

Mercedes-Benz, the luxury automaker, currently directs around half of its marketing budget in the UK to digital media, an approach it has adopted in response to changing behaviour among consumers in the country.

Many dealers report only a slight increase in showroom traffic and sales since General Motors Co. begin touting a 60-day money-back guarantee a week ago.

Eager to improve consumers' opinions after 39 days in federal bankruptcy protection, General Motors Co. will launch a national advertising campaign in mid-September for each of its brands.