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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 remember looking at twitter a few years ago and thinking it was fucking retarded. My opinion hasn't changed.
"He's lost in a 'floyd hole"
And if there are real reasons to be sceptical, such as those as you suggest, then it'll all come out in the wash.
To me though, it just seems like one of those rare instances of a large company respecting its customer base and bravely embracing the internet - good things IMHO.
Getting large companies to get in touch with its customers like this can be really tough.. but when you think about it, and all the wasted natural resources from making crappy products.. initiatives like this should be encouraged.
The marketing may be honest, but that dosen't mean that there isn't B.S. there.
This should actually be pretty legit, I wouldn't guess that ford would hold the hands on these as they go through manufacturing. As a matter of fact Ford doesn't really have to do much of anything. The Fiesta should speak for itself and is widely regarded as being a good product. Here is a link for reference (I do not work for autoblog.com) This new Fiesta should even (hopefully) arrive on American shores. For once us Americans should have a competitive product compared to our European "friends." As a side note: it is nice to see a car that stays about the same size. It is lighter and stronger than the current Ford Fiesta, with similar dimensions.
"but money is the God of Algiers & Mahomet their prophet." - Rich. O'Bryen June 8th 1786
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.
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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.