Lexus will launch its CT 200h compact hybrid at the New York International Auto Show next week with a panel discussion about global warming. The moderator will be comedienne and star of the eponymous Comedy Central show, "The Sarah Silverman Program." ...Read the whole story

"They actually said it was more provocative to them, and they see the potential value in this type of advertising," says Frank N. Magid's Natalie Suski. "Nowadays, you're looking at consumers that are so used to display, banner and Internet ads that the only thing they're interested in is viral advertising or something interesting in video ads." ...Read the whole story

Brand Keys does not specifically probe consumers about calorie counts, but was inspired to pull out these restaurant "healthy choices/quality" rankings from its brand loyalty research (conducted in February) by the menu calorie disclosure mandate within the new federal healthcare reform bill. ...Read the whole story

The poll found that after Chevy and Ford, in order, Chrysler, Honda and Nissan were the next go-to auto brands for Toyota avoiders. "What we have started to pick up on is that there may be a pro-American-car sentiment," says Jumpstart's Joe Kyriakoza, "that Toyota's problems may have given consumers a reason to start considering American cars more than they have in the past." ...Read the whole story

A spokesperson says it made sense to devote the big media guns to heavy-duty trucks, though they are 30% of the pickup truck market. "Our research tells us that messages that focus on heavy-duty drive light-duty traffic and vice versa. On the vocational side, creating credibility for the heavy-duty truck will support positive consideration for the entire brand." ...Read the whole story

"We are building on our foundation as a company that sells hardware and accessories," says CEO Brian Dunn, "to one that understands that means we can connect people to the people, content and networks they care about." He adds that the sale of each connectable device is an opportunity to create a longer relationship with the customer. ...Read the whole story

1. Subway 2. McDonald's 3. KFC 4. Domino's/Burger King 5. Quiznos 6. Wendy's 7. Red Lobster 8. IHOP 9. Outback 10. Hardee's 11. Papa John's/Olive ... ...More