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Ford Bets On Social Media For Fiesta
Ford is gambling on the power of social media for the new marketing campaign surrounding the Ford Fiesta subcompact. The auto giant handed over 100 new Fiestas to "agents" selected from 4,000 applicants and created YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter accounts for them to relay their experiences. "Ford is taking a hands-off approach and telling participants not to hold back their opinions, bolstering the campaign's credibility. 'We've told them to be completely honest — that's the only way it's going to work,' Monty told us. 'We won't tell them what to say, nor will we censor or edit any of their content.' So far, it's working in Ford's favor. The tweets on the FordFiesta Twitter page are generally favorable, if a bit dry, as are the posts over at The Fiesta Movement Facebook page. None of the 80 pictures on the Fiesta Movement Flickr page show broken down cars. There are a few hundred videos on the FiestaMovement YouTube account if anyone's got a few hours to kill."
I owned a 1978 Fiesta. It was a blast to drive and got better gas mileage than most small cars today. The new ones look pretty sharp for a small car. Import 'em; I'll seriously consider buying one.
Don't give a shit about Twitter, though.
Or facebook, or myspace, or any other crap like that.
Companies bailing from the second life bandwagon have to go somewhere.
The problem so far with bringing in European-American cars has been the annoying desire by American auto manufacturers to "Americanize" the cars by making changes that in the end make them much less attractive. Almost invariably the nice interiors get replaced with insultingly cheap plastic, small and efficient engines get replaced with boring, me-too offerings, and turbo-diesels are dropped from the lineup.
I've been complementing Ford on their Fiesta ever since I drove it in Europe last year. Two people with considerable luggage, combined city and highway, we got 42 mpg (US) on the turbo diesel, even with my lead foot. I am 6'3", and I was quite comfortable (with an understanding that it is a small car, so no, this is not the Town Car-type of comfort). The interior was very pleasant. How much of it will make it to the US? I remain incredulous.
End anonymous moderation and posting on
After driving foreign cars for years we decided to give the Ford Fusion a try after hearing good things about it. Wow, we honestly were impressed, the price was great so we bought it. It drives nicely, European-like handling, has an interior that surprised us for a domestic, and the 4cyl gets great mileage for a car of this size. If the Fusion is any indication of Ford's direction, the Fiesta could be a hit. I know everyone on Slashdot automatically beats on domestics (I was there!), but really, they seem to be really trying. Plus since Ford didn't beg for any bailout money, that makes us feel even better about our choice. Way to go Ford, it was nice to be able to include a domestic on our shopping list.
News Flash: The Fiesta never went out of production in Europe, and has been constantly refined for the last three decades. In its current version, it is safer than a Volvo (thanks to Volvo technology), can come with a Mazda designed Diesel engine, and can storm a beach with the British Royal Navy. Seriously, watch the Top Gear review of the Fiesta; Ford could not buy a better review.
How much was this worth?