[Automotive] Jim Sanfilippo, CMO of Team Detroit, the automaker's combination of its ad, media and communication agencies, tells Marketing Daily, among other things, "directionally, Q1 results were promising. Ford's new products are doing very well. They are having success with Fusion, which is surprising because it's not the newest product in the market." ...Read the whole story

[Conference] Women, social animals that they are, can best be reached through friends and family when it comes to food, consumer electronics and packaged goods, Ketchum has found. Blogs move just 4 in 10 women to buy products mentioned. ...Read the whole story

[Technology] In an edgy, quirky spin on the traditional upfront presentation, attendees of the Cartoon Network's upfront party in New York last night left with preview content of the network's new and returning "Adult Swim" shows on specially branded Zunes. ...Read the whole story

[Research] Marketing execs think single women are less educated, more adventuresome and richer than statistics indicate. They also are off the mark on the ethnicity of this market, which shares more similarities than differences with married women. ...Read the whole story

[Strategy] Bottles bore promotional tags with attached goodies designed to help throw a successful cocktail party. Wine purchasers received coupons for food items appropriate for holiday parties. A branded card bore a URL for a dedicated content portal and a PIN for downloading party music. But first, please answer five easy questions. ...Read the whole story

[Financial Services] Marketing to support new gift cards will be concentrated in the fourth quarter, but the financial services behemoth is looking to tap what it sees is growing consumer demand for year-round gift-card giving. While two years ago, only 33% of gift cards were sold outside the peak holiday season, in '06, more than half were sold between January and November. ...Read the whole story

[Beverages] The beer maker is targeting women under 50 who like variety in the beverages they consume, says a brand director, who adds that "beer mixers" are just beginning to hit mainstream America. The products will be promoted with POS, PR and sampling. ...Read the whole story

[Food] The growers banded together to collaborate on industry guidelines, inspections, and joint marketing efforts earlier this year. Enrollment in the group, called the California Leafy Green Handler Agreement, has been extended until May 18, to allow as many growers as possible to get on board. ...Read the whole story

Something strange is in the air. Two fast-food giants are out with new promotions, both of which focus on numbers. Odd numbers, at that. ... ...More