Hyundai’s Missed opportunity

Ahh ha!  Just as I hoped Hyundai is going to market the new Sonata Hybrid during the Sun Bowl in El Paso on Dec. 31.  It’s odd the local dealer’s website has 2010 models on the landing page, however, sales are up.  That’s a benefit of being the host city for the Sun Bowl.  Notre Dame vs. Univ. of Miami.  (Watch on CBS at 2:00pm Eastern)

They’ve filmed commercials touting the Sonata Hybrid’s technological advances.  The vehicle goes on sale in January 2011, according to Hyundai officials.

“The spot makes a point about how all technology evolves.  Hybrid Sonata capitalizes on the learnings of hybrid models that have come before it, and advances the technology so that it’s practical and affordable for a broader consumer audience – not just early adopters,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.

You can watch the commercial here.

Surprisingly all of the Hyundai folks I’ve spoken to in El Paso this week know almost nothing about the Sonata Hybrid.  Perhaps, it’s because Hybrids are predicted to be a small portion of the company’s aggregate sales.  According to auto supersite Edmunds.com sales of Hybrids were down 8.1% in 2010.

Either way, I suspected this day would come and go and Hyundai would miss out on having it’s first Sonata Hybrid sale on the last day of 2010.

Think about it.

My initial thoughts of Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs)

I did it!  I signed up for Second Life.

It’s interesting that Second Life has drawn the interests of major corporations for advertising.  I’m not sure that there is a good Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI)–thanks Don Neal–however, a few companies were able to get a bit of earned media for their efforts.  Read more: here, here, here.

Within the metaverse of Second Life there are people who are trying to make money.  One of the biggest money makers is selling clothing/costumes for avatars.  Here is a quote from a report on cnet.com about the burgeoning Second Life fashion industry:

More to the point, Second Life fashion is a huge business opportunity. It’s the biggest volume business–and the most profitable. Well-known designer Munchflower Zaius offers a reason: “The first thing you see when you come into Second Life? Other people wearing hot skins, hot clothes. It’s instant peer pressure. You want to look as good as everyone else.

In a world where everyone can be a sex god or goddess, why wouldn’t you want to? I’m just catering to it.”

And upon some research it turns out Second Life is available for Mobile Phones.  While I can’t see myself playing Second Life on my cell phone, I can understand the appeal.  Today many people play standard video games online with PS3, XBOX 360, and PSP.  I suspect it will continue to grow, especially if they resolve their software limitations.

AMERICA’S ARMY:

All I can say is this is a wonderful tool for recruiting and developing greater appreciation for the life of a Soldier engaged in close combat.  After playing the latest version, I discovered that this game is challenging and faaaaaaaaaaar more realistic than games of my childhood.  (Ikari Warriors, Rambo, Intellevision Armor Battle)