Detroit automakers Ford, GM and Chrysler are in their best shape in decades. Bob Lutz, former GM VP, who has a book out, Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business, says the companies, which used to be The Big Three, are all much better off than they were a few years ago when they couldn't make very interesting cars and their life support systems were trucks. "This is a window of opportunity, a focus for the first time, a focus on product excellence. When you look at midsize cars, it's hard not to choose …

Cuba used to be a resort island where Americans went to party and gamble. It will happen again at some point, except this time there will be lots of advertising when the embargo lifts and the U.S. starts sending its brands and tourists there once again. One Toronto-based consultant has worked in marketing there. He says there's marketing going on there as we speak, even though it's frowned upon. There's no free media there, and billboards carry government messages.

UCB has agreed to pay $34 million to resolve claims it marketed Keppra, an epilepsy drug, to treat headaches and pain. The FDA approves neither use of the drug. UCB must also plead guilty to a misdemeanor as part of its deal with the Justice Department.

Cape Town tourism chief Mariette du Toit-Helmbold said South Africa's marketing efforts to overseas tourists should place more focus on the attractions of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg rather than lions and tigers. "Successful cities of the future will be stand-out urban centers seen as the most livable and enjoyable places on the planet, delivering benefits to residents and visitors alike. For many people, escape does not always mean a wilderness experience but rather to explore new and different cultures," she said.

Leo Greenland, who created memorable ads for the likes of Johnny Walker and Ovaltine, has died. Greenland founded Smith/Greenland in the late 1950's with Martin L. Smith. The agency, whose ads were cheeky and unorthodox, shuttered in 1994.

Automakers have turned cars and trucks into rolling Internet hubs, but the National Traffic Safety Administration's new chief, David Strickland, said that "a car is not a mobile device." Wheels notwithstanding. Speaking at the Telematics Detroit 2011 conference this week, he said he is not "in the business of helping people tweet better. I'm not in the business of helping people post on Facebook better." That may not be what attendees at the conference about new apps and systems wanted to hear.

Online consumer electronics and IT e-tailer has a new national campaign aimed at growing its consumer base. The largest online only retailer in the segment is using cable TV and online ads with the theme "Take it from a Geek." The ads also poke fun at Best Buy's BlueShirt and Walmart. Best Buy is demanding Newegg cease its "negative portrayal of our employees" and is charging that Newegg is violating Best Buy's Geek Squad trademark rights.

Sources say Kraft Foods Inc., has put its Triscuit creative account into review. Incumbent Euro RSCG, New York, is not expected to defend. The agency said it will continue as the digital and social media agency of record for the brand, but directed further questions to Kraft. The agency has had the account since 2007 when it also won the Ritz and Toasted Chips accounts. Other agencies on the Kraft roster include Dentsu's McGarryBowen, Interpublic Group of Cos.' DraftFCB, WPP's Ogilvy & Mather and MDC Partners' CP&B.

Orbitz had been a big advertiser on Fox News, but after a three-week campaign by LGBT organizations, the company says it will review its ad policy to make sure its media strategy aligns with its corporate values and non-discrimination. The company says it will review programming on which it buys ads and that "customers will see that our actions will reflect the values that Orbitz, the brand and company, embody."

Last June, ESPN launched a 3D network tied to its coverage of the FIFA World Cup, committing hundreds of millions to the category. One year later, 3D seems stuck and one top digital exec at the network says the problem is simple: nobody is all that keen on wearing Clark Kent glasses whenever they want to see things leap off the screen. "Until you can have the 3D experience without the glasses, it will be a niche category," said John Kosner, SVP and GM of digital and print for the network.