As Bank of America's global strategy and marketing officer, Finucane has the job of repairing the bank's global image after the global financial crisis. The nation's largest bank, which got $45 billion from taxpayers, has been in the news for allegedly mishandling foreclosures, and forcing people, whom the company had promised it would help, out of houses. It has also been accused of misleading shareholders, and overcharging customers. Finucane said she has worked nonstop for the past two years to mend the company's reputation and relationships with customers, watchdog groups and politicians.

Penske Automotive Group is exiting its deal with Daimler AG to market Smart in the U.S. Instead, the automaker's Mercedes-Benz luxury division will handle sales and marketing of the slow seller. In a joint statement, the two companies said the move reflected changes at Smart's headquarters in Germany. Sales of the Smart fell nearly 60% last year in a market that expanded 11.1%. Penske and Daimler put the distribution deal together five years ago. Now the automaker says it will collaborate with Renault SA on product development for Smart vehicles.

Harley-Davidson's new YouTube effort via Boulder, Colo.-based Victor & Spoils, "No Cages," touts the HD1 factory customization program that lets buyers of Harley-Davidson bikes go online to design them, with the customization process taking about a month. The ads will also run on cable TV. A customer came up with the idea in response to the original call the shop made in September. Victor & Spoils replaces long-time Harley agency Carmichael Lynch, based in Minneapolis. Starcom will continue to handle media and Digitas to handle digital work. Harley Chief Marketing Officer Mark-Hans Richer said the campaign reflects the company's new …

Ad executive Peter Arnell, known for koan-like marketing insights, epic weight-loss, and unwavering ability to inspire true terror within the Arnell Group rank-and-file, has been fired at his own agency and replaced by his wife. He is now apparently suing his agency and parent Omnicom for allegedly refusing to return his objects d' art.

AT&T is hoping for Old Spice's level of success with a group of grizzled old guys who will shout Valentine's Day messages from a mountain top (California's Mount Baldy). Monday's webcast starts at noon eastern and will run for hours featuring live video of the characters shouting messages tweeted and entered on Facebook.

The number of electric cars sold in California will be greater than that of the five next largest states combined. The Center for Automotive Research (CAR), based in Ann Arbor, Mich. said sales of the electrics will follow a similar pattern to those of hybrids like Toyota's Prius. A CAR study says California also has the highest density of hybrid owners, with more than 50 per 10,000 residents, compared with fewer than 26 per 10,000 in Texas or Michigan. Chevrolet has started deliveries of the Volt and Nissan its Leaf, and Ford is prepping production of an electric …

MillerCoors LLC said it will increase marketing spend this year and introduce new packaging for Coors Light. The company said fourth-quarter profit is up 41%. The new packaging, which the company will introduce this spring, will have a feature that indicates when the beverage has reached a "super cold" temperature.

An Illinois lawmaker has introduced a bill to allow corporate sponsorship of license plates. Motorists could, theoretically, buy sponsored plates at a discount. The lawmaker, state Sen. John Mulroe, D-Chicago, said it would let the state raise revenue without raising taxes.

The song most of us know, "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there," was written by a young Barry Manilow when he was writing jingles. The full song was never recorded, but rock band Weezer, approached by State Farm to record the song, said they'd give it a try. They can fill concerts but can they insure your car? You be the judge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaaHevyxvvA&feature=player_embedded

General Motors' Buick division will be presenting sponsor of the March Madness postgame on TruTV and TBS. "Inside March Madness Presented by Buick" includes 13 half-hour installments starting March 15. AT&T returns as the presenting sponsor of the half-time show, "AT&T at the Half."