In a marketing first, automaker Toyota is creating a comedy series designed specifically for multimedia mobile phones that is partly promoted through commercials that will run on traditional TV. The series will feature the Toyota Camry, and is believed to be the first branded entertainment series created for the videophone medium. The series, called "The Pool," will cost Toyota $10 million--and targets young urban influencers. The carmaker hopes it will pass along the mobile episodes to a wider audience. The Camry is displayed prominently in the series, which even highlights some of the car's new features. The premiere is set …

Beverage marketer Coca-Cola Co. is the latest major advertiser to embrace user-generated content. It has re-launched its own Web site as part of an effort to encourage consumers to create material supporting its brand. The site, CocaCola.com, invites users to participate in a contest to create material, and provides them with the tools to carry out the challenge. Participants are given a specific theme, and the winners are rewarded. First prize includes a computer, digital camera, and editing software valued at approximately $5,000. Users are also able to have their entries judged by a global community. "Throughout Coke's history, we …

China is still one of the hottest markets on earth. But it's beginning to cool off for two pioneers that participated in the early days of market expansion, but now face the threat of aggressive competition. Consumer product behemoths Procter & Gamble and Colgate had enjoyed double-digit sales growth for years, but those days are fading fast. P&G, Colgate, and smaller rival Avon Products have all posted disappointing results in China--due to mounting competition from L'Oreal, Unilever, and Kao, which have made acquisitions and generally improved their market positions in China. In addition, competition from local marketers has been tougher …

Automaker Ford's ailing Fusion model is getting a marketing boost from two of the nation's biggest brands--cereal marketer Kellogg's and giant retailer Target. Beginning this week, consumers will find toy models of the Fusion inside boxes of Kellogg's Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes, and Cocoa Krispies sold at Target stores. The gifts will be promoted by Target in Sunday weekly print ads and through point-of-purchase advertising, including stand-ups. The deal is said to be a coincidental, win-win situation for all parties. "Fusion wanted some brand awareness, and Target was looking for a way to beef up cereal sales," a …