Motor Trend's Top 10 Most Popular Web Articles of 2013

Motor Trend's Top 10 Most Popular Web Articles of 2013 written by Christian Seabaugh 

With the ball in Time's Square set to drop soon, it's time to officially put 2013 to rest. To celebrate the year that was, we're going to take a look back at our top 10 most popular Web articles of 2013, and get a look at the stories that got the most eyeballs this past year.

10. 2014 Motor Trend Car of the Year: Cadillac CTS -- November 2013

Our 2014 Car of the Year, the Cadillac CTS, just squeaks into the top 10, beating out our Ford Atlas Concept First Look. The 2014 Cadillac CTS is the second CTS to earn the golden calipers, following the 2008 CTS.

The Cadillac CTS ultimately won Car of the Year because it dominated in our six Car of the Year criteria. In our Car of the Year winner piece, Scott Evans wrote, "In this year's competition, the CTS was forced to directly face down its strongest rivals. Present and fighting for the Calipers were both the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the old guard of the segment and of luxury vehicles. The CTS demonstrated superior advancement in design, performance, handling, and experience over the other two."

9. 2013/2014 Compact Crossover Comparison-- August 2013

Our 2013/2014 Compact Crossover Comparison Test between the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5 was our ninth-most popular article of 2013. So what made our Compact Crossover Comparo so popular? Simple, says Detroit Editor Scott Burgess, "No modern family starter kit is complete without a small crossover." Couple that fact with a controversial last-place finish for a fan favorite and you've got enough hits to put you on this list.

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8. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 First Test -- July 2013

There arguably wasn't a more important First Test this year than the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51's. The new Corvette Stingray would be the car that either showed GM still had what it took to build a world-beating sports car, or show that the automaker was just going through the motions.

Thankfully, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds, and an ability to "laydown hero numbers without soiling the hero's pants," the 'Vette certainly lives up to expectations.

7. 2013 Honda Accord Sport vs. Toyota Camry SE vs. 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring -- May 2013

Who says a midsize sedan can't be sporty? This comparison test's seventh place finish proves that there are family-oriented enthusiasts out there who want their midsize sedans to offer up a high level of sportiness. Though the Toyota Camry proved to be outclassed by the other sedans in the comparo, both the Honda Accord and Mazda6 offered up high levels of sportiness, while returning the fuel economy, comfort, and refinement one would expect from a family sedan.

6. 2013 Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car -- August 2013

Number-six most-popular (but number-one in your hearts!) is our 2013 Best Driver's Car competition. This year's competition was a good one. It featured everything from the 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4-powered Ford Focus ST, to the 640-hp 8.4-liter V-10-powered SRT Viper. After a week of testing (and the World's Greatest Drag Race 3), the Porsche 911 Carrera S was ultimately crowned the winner.

5. 2015 Chevrolet Colorado First Look -- November 2013

If this doesn't speak to how popular the long-neglected midsize pickup segment is, we don't know what will. The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is the first truly new truck in the segment in years, and it certainly looks promising. It'll offer four-cylinder and V-6 engines at launch, and will be joined by a new turbodiesel I-4 in 2016.

4. 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year: Tesla Model S -- November 2012

Our 2013 Tesla Model S Car of the Year story makes its second consecutive appearance on our Top 10 Most Popular Web Articles list. Even a year after we named it our Car of the Year, the Model S still commands attention as our first-ever electric Car of the Year winner, and a fine example of American innovation and entrepreneurship.

3. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray First Look -- January 2013

It's been a good year for cars. This year kicked off with a bang in Detroit -- the debut of the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The year 2013 is bookended by another American icon; read on to find out what it is.

2. 2014 Mazda3 First Drive -- July 2013

To see a compact car's First Drive command the number-two spot on our 2013 Top 10 is a testament to just how good the new 2014 Mazda3 is. The new 2014 Mazda3 manages to not only be comfortable, spacious, and efficient, but sporty, luxurious, and a technological tour-de-force as well. You don't often find that in a compact car.

1. 2015 Ford Mustang First Look -- December 2013

We told you 2013 was a good year for cars. After being kicked off by the new 'Vette in January, the December debut of the 2015 Ford Mustang closes out the year. A dark horse contender considering it debuted earlier this month, our 2015 Ford Mustang First Look is far and away our most popular story of 2013. Click here to find out why.

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The Facebookification of Twitter Makes Scrolling the New Click – Automotive Digital Marketing Professional Community

In his ADM Professional Community Blog article, JD Rucker showcases recent changes to Twitter and how the micro blogging network is becoming more like Facebook. Rucker also explains how car dealers can better use Twitter to both acquire new business and retain previous customers.  Use the link below to check out Rucker's article and his included illustrations... 

http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/m/blogpost?id=1970539%3ABlogPost%3A505610

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Great Quote on Wisdom and Lessons Learned

"A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew."

- Herb Caen.

Ralph Paglia and JD Rucker Debate Marketing Strategy

Check out this video of Ralph Paglia and JD Rucker debating in-house versus outsourced marketing strategy and execution for car dealers on YouTube:

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AutoCon 2013 to Feature Eric Nichols Presntation

AutoCon 2013 attendees will learn how to create successful BDC practices that support the sales team when Eric Nichols presents at the automotive conference.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eric Nichols

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun. 26, 2013 -EATONTOWN, N.J. -- EATONTOWN, NJ– Attendees of the popular automotive conference, AutoCon 2013, will learn valuable tips to create more successful BDC practices during Eric Nichols' workshop. AutoCon 2013 is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas September 4-6 at the beautiful Aria Resort and Casino. 

Eric's workshop, 'Given The Opportunity', will also discuss the importance of scholarships and educational conferences to the automotive community. His role as BDC Director of Apple Honda in NY will also play a key role in his workshop when he shares BDC best practices such as  

·      How to organize a BDC staff schedule to provide phone coverage during peak hours. 

·      Creating an action plan to gain management acceptance of BDC process that supports the sales team. 

·      Establishing an integrated lease retention process in the BDC. 

·      Establishing what a BDC is responsible for and how to gauge if they are successful. 

·      Putting an effective service / sales drive into effect 

Apple Honda credits Eric for taking their BDC from its lackluster infant stage and molding it into an award winning revenue generator.  Apple Honda's BDC handles all incoming and outgoing calls, data mining, sales/service retention, and customer follow-up.  Similarly, Eric has created a brand new take on lease retention that their BDC is responsible for. 

Over the past 2 years, Eric has been recognized in the Internet sales community as an innovator and has been awarded a number of different honors.  He received two scholarships that allowed him to attend two major automotive conferences (AutoCon 2012 & DMSC 2013).  His accolades include: 

·      AutomotiveInternetSales.com Dealership of the Month – July 2012 

·      Dealersocket's 1st Dealership Spotlight Winner 

·      Numerous vendor write-ups on common dealership practices 

In addition to Eric's workshop, AutoCon 2013 attendees will have the opportunity to hear from more than a dozen other elite industry professionals on a wide range of topics. 

AutoCon is an extension of the widely popular Automotive Digital Marketing Community (ADM) created by Ralph Paglia and the industry's largest automotive social networking site, DealerElite.com, created by Chris Saraceno and Mike Myers.  During the conference, these communities, which boast thousands of members, will move their online conversations, education and discussions to an educational conference format.

AutoCon 2013 will offer an unprecedented quality of speakers, workshops, and exhibition space. AutoCon was the first automotive conference to offer complimentary admission for dealer principals in 2012 and they continue to do so in 2013.

AutoCon 2013 is being produced by First Class Educators and Automotive Media Partners, LLC.

First Class Educators (FCE) is a leading event planning company whose events have earned the highest the highest dealer and supplier ratings in the automotive industry.

For more information or to register for the conference, ease visit:

http://AutoCon2013.com 

Media Contacts:

Carrie Hemphill
Managing Director
First Class Educators
732.734.6993
carrie@firstclasseducators.com

Ralph Paglia

President

Automotive Media Partners, LLC

505.301.6369 

ralph@automotivemediapartners.com 

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Ten AutoCon Full Ride Scholarships Available Via TrueCar Sponsorship

AutoCon 2013 Announces a Special Program Sponsored by TrueCar to Award Ten "Full Ride Scholarships" for Dealership Managers to Attend AutoCon 2013*

     

Automotive Media Partners, LLC is proud to announce the creation of a "Full Ride Scholarship*" program sponsored by TrueCar of Santa Monica, California.  TrueCar’s pioneering sponsorship of this program provides the funds to cover the costs of transportation to and from Las Vegas, lodging at the Aria Resort and full AutoCon conference registration. 

 

One of the most surprising aspects of TrueCar’s sponsorship is that the company has funded ten (10) AutoCon "Full Ride Scholarships*".  Ten automotive professionals will receive the educational, networking, inspiration and innovation benefits from attending the 2013 AutoConnections Conference and Exposition at no out of pocket expense for travel, meals during the event or conference fees to themselves or their dealerships. 

  

The TrueCar AutoCon Scholarship Program is further evidence of the remarkable transformation that has taken place at TrueCar since the beginning of 2012. After receiving a remarkable level of criticism within the auto industry during the second half of 2011, TrueCar has evolved and revised their automotive purchasing programs for consumers and affiliated corporations to be far more dealer friendly.  TrueCar’s objectives supported by these changes have included raising dealer profit margins to levels that provide more room for dealers to cover facility costs and the staffing levels needed to properly service new vehicle buyers sent to them by TrueCar.   

TrueCar understands and recognizes the need for ongoing training and thought leadership within the ranks of the retail automotive industry.  Their management team has decided that one of the best ways to demonstrate this commitment to betterment of the industry is to commit the funds necessary to support independent dealer focused educational events such as AutoCon 2013. 

 

TrueCar executives Bernie Brenner and Mike Timmons approached the founders of the Automotive Digital Marketing and dealerElite professional communities, Ralph Paglia, Chris Saraceno and Mike Myers because these online networks have served as “Ground Zero” for some of the industry’s harshest criticism of TrueCar in the recent past.  Surprising for a company as large as TrueCar is, their management team has reviewed the criticism published by members of the ADM and DealerELITE networks and taken corrective actions, changed their business models and worked with State dealer associations to create vehicle purchase programs that make sense for participating dealers. 

 

How will the TrueCar AutoCon Scholarships be Awarded?

TrueCar has asked that the AutoConnections Conference Management Team take full control and responsibility for ensuring that the 10 Full Ride Scholarships be awarded based on merit and need.  Criteria will include a wide geographic representation by selecting automotive professionals from every region in North America.  Another consideration will be to award scholarships to professionals who represent a diverse range of vehicle brands and positions within the dealerships they serve.  

 

Written TrueCar Scholarship Application

The application process will be a simple online application that includes all the expected contact information, a description of the applicant’s role in the dealership where they work and space for them to describe in their own words why they should be awarded a TrueCar AutoCon Scholarship to attend the AutoConnections Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas from September 4th to the 6^th. 

 

Video TrueCar Scholarship Application

If you are better at explaining your reasons why you should be selected for a scholarship in a verbal manner, the AutoCon 2013 TrueCar scholarship committee will also be pleased to accept your proposal in a video format. Simply explain why you should be selected in a YouTube video that is either uploaded or embedded to eitherAutomotiveDigitalMarketing.com or dealerELITE.net . Please be sure to include the link to that video in your scholarship application where you write out your explanation of why YOU should be selected to receive a "Full Ride Scholarship".

 

The AutoCon Scholarship Selection Committee is comprised of Ralph Paglia, Chris Saraceno, Mike Myers, Carrie Hemphill and Brian Pasch.  As applicants are being considered they will be contacted by a committee member and interviewed via phone and email.  Final selections will be made by committee vote and the awardees notified by email and phone.

 

AutoCon 2013 Scholarship Selection Committe

§  Ralph Paglia

§  Chris Saraceno

§  Mike Myers

§  Carrie Hemphill

§  Brian Pasch 

                                                    

Applications for TrueCar AutoCon Scholarships will be accepted starting Monday July 1, 2013 and award selections will begin Monday August 5, 2013.

 

With 10 TrueCar AutoCon Scholarships being awarded, the odds of being selected are probably better than any other similar program in the auto industry… So, do not hesitate to apply and encourage other automotive professionals to do so!  All of us who are stakeholders in the AutoCon event are thrilled with the investment being made by TrueCar to support what we believe is the best event in the auto industry.  The TrueCar sponsorship of AutoCon 2013 and the Full Ride Scholarship Program is appreciated and respected. 

 

In the past, TrueCar was a company that received an enormous amount of criticism, much of which has been emotionally charged and at times, crossed the boundaries of decency and professional behavior.  Many other companies faced with similar criticism and public ridicule would have released a barrage of legal actions to defend themselves.  TrueCar has consistently taken the high road and responded to their critics with program changes and by sending their senior executives to major auto industry events and meetings. 

 

The TrueCar sponsorship of AutoCon is further proof that this company is led by professionals who want to be valuable contributors to the overall success of the auto industry.

 

On behalf of the AutoCon team and the 10 auto industry professionals who will receive the benefit of these scholarship awards, a sincere thank you to TrueCar is extended.

 

Apply for a TrueCar AutoCon Scholarship online at: http://AutoCon2013.com

    

 

*PLEASE NOTE: "Full Ride Scholarship" is the brand name for this category of award and is owned by Automotive Media Partners, LLC.  All "Full Ride Scholarships" associated with an AMP promoted event with include a travel stipend that reimburses the scholarship recipient for airfare expense submitted up to a maximum dollar amount. Recipients will also receive lodging for the nights of the conference itself. Any room charges authorized by the scholarship recipient, or incidental expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient. Also included are the conference fees for registering and attending the event, which will usually include scheduled breakfasts and lunches that all event participants receive. It is important for scholarship recipients to understand that ANY expenses outside of airfare to and from the event, hotel lodging and conference registration fees are NOT INCLUDED in our version of a "Full Ride Scholarship".  Furthermore, we strongly advise all scholarship recipients to travel with a valid major credit card and two forms of government issued ID. Adequate cash should be brought by scholarship recipients to cover meals outside of those scheduled on the conference agenda, local transportation and miscellaneous expenses... After all, you will be in Las Vegas and "Cash-In-Fist" is strongly advised!

   

§  Join ADM Professional Community: http://AutomotiveDigitalMarketing.com 

§  Join the DealerELITE network: http://www.dealerELITE.net

 

A Screen Capture of the TrueCar AutoCon 2013 "Full Ride Scholarship" Application is shown below... Click on the image to open up the actual form in a new browser window:

 

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AutoCon 2013: Why Attend Reason Number 11

I'll give dealers and managers an eleventh reason... MISSION AND PURPOSE! From inception to the present, and continuing for as long as I have responsibility for mission and strategy around AutoCon (AutoConnections Conference and Exposition), the primary purpose of this event is to reflect in the real world what the professional networks at http://ADMPC.com and http://www.dealerELITE.net do in the virtual online world. AutoCon is all about providing the car peeps who attend with a competitive advantage over those that do not. 

   

As JD points out, the quality control around speakers is intense... Poor presenter are not allowed to return and there is a focused effort on finding the very best presenters, strategists, tacticians and thought leaders to give AutoCon attendees a mix of insights, inspiration, know-how and structured strategies that will empower them to go back to their dealerships and take more market share in their local areas for sales, service and parts. 

  

AutoCon 2013 is the complete package, with invitation only special meetings and workshops before the main conference kick off and special guest speakers that will force you to think about how you and your team could do better than you are operating today.

Do NOT miss AutoCon 2013... If you can only attend one event for the remainder of the year, AutoCon is the one. Http://AutoCon.US and http://AutoCon2013.com 

Be sure to use Promotional Code ADM13 when registering to get a big discount on your reg fees!

   

 Give this to your GM: "Top 10 Reasons Your Dealership Should Be at AutoCon 2013" »

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Which Car Companies are Tops in Digital Marketing?

Ford, Jeep, Chevy Top Digital Auto Brands

Written by Mark Walsh

On the digital proving track, Detroit is beating out the competition. Ford, Jeep and Chevrolet were the top three auto brands based on an analysis of their Web site, digital marketing, social media and mobile efforts over the last year.

 

Each of the 42 brands assessed in the "L2 Digital IQ Index: Auto" study was scored against more than 350 qualitative and quantitative data points and assigned a Digital IQ ranking of Genius, Gifted, Average, Challenged or Feeble. Web site marketing is given the most weighting  at 35%, and social media, the least at 15%.

 

Only Ford earned a "Genius" rating, with a score of 142. "Strong digital fundamentals combined with a willingness to experiment set the brand apart," stated the report authored by Scott Galloway, L2 founder, and NYU Stern clinical professor of marketing.

 

In particular, it cited initiatives including Ford's connected car platform Sync, iPad catalogs for different models, strong customer support and dealer inventory search via its Web site, and a social media hub through its Ford Social site.

 

Jeep was cited for its retargeting efforts to send consumers to a microsite linking to local dealers, and its "Badge of Honor" community for off-road enthusiasts. Chevrolet received high marks for its active presence on YouTube, including competitive ad purchasing on the video site, as well as segmented email marketing across 24 models.

 

Among other auto brands in the "Gifted" category were Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Honda, Cadillac, Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. Toyota was credited especially for having a strong commitment to mobile with its touchscreen mobile site, "striking" iPad app and Entune suite of mobile apps and data services for in-car use.

 

At the other end of the spectrum, the "Feeble" category was populated by ultra-luxury brands, including Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley and Lamborghini.

 

What about Tesla Motors, the electric car startup that has seen its stock nearly double in the last two weeks after being rated the best car by Consumer Reports since 2007? It fell into the "Challenged' bucket, given the lack of a mobile site and low traction on YouTube, among other factors. 

 

Beyond ranking specific brands, the L2 study offered several broader findings about digital efforts in the auto category. For one, search advertising has gone mobile. Automakers are nearly four times more likely to rely on paid search in mobile than on the desktop, reflecting the desire to reach potential buyers while they're out shopping.

In the mobile realm, companies are also doing better work with smartphones than tablets. Nearly nine out of 10 (86%) auto brands had mobile-optimized sites on smartphones, while almost one in four had missing or broken components on tablet sites. On a third featured touch-and-swipe functionality versus 75% on mobile sites.

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