
CNN has an interesting feature on how Kia has been using unusual marketing techniques during this world recession. The video is centered only on the new Kia Soul. No doubt it has been working – Kia sales has been up 24% in September 2009 and 4% for the whole of 2009 compared to the last year. I particularly enjoy the silly April fool gags that they come up with every year, such as the Aero-Soul. These little playful marketing efforts sort of remind me of what MINI would do.
I’ll let the video do the rest of the talking at CNN’s site.






This is some interesting news, but I think it sparks up even more questions about the reliability and longevity of CVT transmissions compared to conventional slushbox automatics. Nissan USA have decided to extend its CVT transmission warranty from the existing 5 years or 60,000 miles to a total of 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s effectively doubling the length of the warranty.



When I first read Honda’s most recent press release for the 2009 Los Angeles Autoshow, I thought they were pulling off a very belated April Fool’s joke, judging from the car’s funny name. They’re going to show a car called the Honda P-NUT.