Taco Bell’s New Spot Hits; Y & R; Rides Lincoln to U.S. Open
Today marks the 120th day of the actors’ strike. But OC advertisers continue to plug away with new spots using non-union talent, including the latest commercials created by Los Angeles-based davidandgoliath to launch the new Rio models for its client Kia Motors America Inc. in Irvine.
The spots originally were scheduled to debut Aug. 1, but slow vehicle production and a planned month-long September sales event have combined to push the launch back by two months, to Oct. 1. Dealers do have a few of the new cars in their showrooms, selling for about $8,600.
The spots will air on E! Entertainment, MTV, ESPN, VH1, USA, Comedy Channel and the CBS network, among others.
In the first spot, Kia touts its Long Haul Warranty Program by showing a driver slamming on his brakes to avoid hitting a flying bug. The tagline is: “Because when it comes to looking out for your car, we’re as committed as you are.”
In the second spot, a proud Kia owner stands guard by his new car armed with a leaf blower to keep the car clean and safe from falling leaves.
The two spots were created by a team headed by David Angelo, chief creative officer, davidandgoliath.
New Taco Bell Spot, Too
The strike hasn’t stopped Irvine-based Taco Bell Corp. from launching its latest TV spot to support its new cheesy gordita crunch.
FCB Southern California, which recently replaced TBWA/Chiat/Day in Los Angeles as the chain’s agency, created the new spots featuring a guy who is so engrossed in eating his taco that he doesn’t hear his girlfriend’s plea to break up their relationship.
Times Buzz
The Orange County Press Club’s recent luau at Newport Dunes was pretty quiet, except for the latest buzz about the Los Angeles Times. It seems that department heads at the paper, including those at the Times OC, have been told to find ways to pare $1.3 million from the editorial budget. It would be the first sizeable cost-cutting instituted at the Times since parent, Times Mirror Co. was acquired by the Chicago Tribune earlier this year. A call to Times OC editor Lennie LaGuire was not returned by press time. Times spokesman Mike Lang said the paper “does not respond to rumors.”
Y & R; Going to U.S. Open
As part of its sponsorship deal with the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Lincoln Mercury’s advertising agency, Young & Rubicam, Irvine, has put together a special pavilion to showcase its new 2002 Lincoln Blackwood luxury four-door pickup. The event will be staged at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York.
The American Luxury Immevsion pavilion, which will be the size of four tennis courts, will encompass more than just cars. The facility will feature multi-media American luxury experiences.
The Blackwood was originally designed as a concept vehicle, but Lincoln had such a good response to the car that it developed a production model.
Bits and Pieces:
Microtek Lab Inc. recently chose Single Source Marketing Inc. to handle its advertising and public relations, without a review. Microtek, which designs and manufactures computer desktop devices such as scanners, projectors and digital cameras, said it was impressed with the agency’s past work for clients such as ViewSonic and Access Technologies, according to a company press release The Chicago-based parent of Jones-Lundin Associates Inc. in Rancho Santa Margarita has sold the firm to two of the agency’s top executives. Stanley Beals and David Beals, who were managing partner and executive vice president, respectively, have changed the firm’s name to Jones Lundin Beals. Bob Lundin, who sold the firm to the Beals, will remain a senior partner and adviser to the company that specializes in aiding companies who are seeking to hire advertising agencies Audio production house Creative Media, Cypress, has picked up a six-month contract with Pasadena Water & Power to create a series of voice-message menu greetings Hilary Kaye Associates, Tustin, will handle PR efforts for the San Diego-based U.S. arm of Hong Kong-based NetCel360 as it launches in this country Aurelon, Irvine, has selected San Diego-based [formula] PR to handle its public relations.
