AG JEERETJIE -SIESTOG!
author: Leon Botha
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
When something pathetic happened my long departed grandmother used to say in typical Afrikaans, "Ag jeeretjie siestog!"
That is about what I would like to say to yet another pathetic performance by the Subaru marketing team. Are all these marketing guys from the same family or a clone of a specimen that wondered through the world about 40 or 50 years back?
"Ken Block - in his Subaru!"
"Did you see what Ken Block did in the Subaru?"
"Can you believe the Subaru that Block drove - did you see the YouTube video?" were all statements and questions you heard or saw daily.
When I saw the press release from Ford I knew that an icon has now finally died and we may just as well start buying Fords to use at RallyStar!
|
|
Some more marketing magic by Subawho?
|
"Ag jeeretjie siestog - and I thought only Subaru South Africa was in a coma?" I said while lying on the floor typing with my one hand that I could still keep on the table after reading the press release issued by Ford.
Hallo…Hallo…Subaru …? Sabura, Subawho, Saburie, Sambuka? Hello..hello…
"Shjjj …." The customer said, as he looked over his shoulder, "sjjjjjtt …they must be resting a bit after McRae and Burns (thinking about it - there seem to be a curse on whoever drive the cars) and will probably open again in January 2015?" and then he picked up his cheque book got into his Ford and drove away with a smile on his face!
FORD TEAMS UP WITH RALLY CAR DRIVER KEN BLOCK FOR GLOBAL MOTORSPORTS
Ford Motor Company announced today (6th January 2010) that it is teaming up with Ken Block, the California-based action sports icon-turned-rally driver, for future global motorsports opportunities.
Block, the 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year and a three-time medalist at X Games, has cultivated a tremendous following with his Gymkhana videos on YouTube. In 2010, Block will campaign a Ford Focus in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and a Ford Fiesta in Rally America and X Games.
“I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford. They are an impressive force in the sport,” said Ken Block. “From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200 to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford just does an excellent job at rally and I couldn’t be happier to now be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a dedicated Ford guy.”
“Ken Block has established himself as an action sports competitor and a rising star in the world of American rally racing,” said Jamie Allison, director Ford North America Motorsports. “We are excited to have him on our team to help promote our new global products, the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Ford Focus.”
|
|
Now for the real show!
|
Rallying is a crucial part of Ford’s global motorsports strategy and provides the company with the opportunity to showcase the true performance capabilities of Ford’s products. Since its support of rallying began, Ford has won three WRC titles and 73 individual events. And, last year in North America, Ford's participation in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and X Games 15 were key elements for the launch of the Ford Fiesta for the U.S.
“Thanks to our participation in WRC, rallying has always played a key role in Ford’s global motorsports programs,” said Allison. “Ford is the only manufacturer that could provide Ken with global rally opportunities.”
“We’re delighted that Ken Block has chosen to team up with Ford to develop his rallying activities beyond America and into the global arena,” said Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s senior motorsports manager. “Ford and its U.K.-based rally partner, M-Sport, is looking forward to welcoming Ken to the wider team of talented rally drivers using Ford vehicles to compete in this demanding sport at the highest level internationally.”
# # #
About Ken Block
Ken Block’s rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control were quickly apparent and Block was aptly named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. Since then, he has continued to race in the series, boasting a healthy number of podium appearances, as well as X Games medals. In addition to his performance in the car, Block has been a driving force in shining a spotlight on the sport of rally in the United States. Before entering motorsports, Block co-founded DC Shoes, a worldwide leader in performance skateboarding shoes and a renowned action sports brand. His keen sense of marketing not only helped elevate DC to their current status, but it has also allowed Block to achieve global fame as a national rally driver through his very successful viral video campaigns. Ad Age named his Gymkhana TWP film the No. 4 Viral Video of 2009.
About Ford North America Motorsports
Ford North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing.
"Did you see the latest YouTube where Ken Block drove that magic new Ford?"
"Ford? You mean the wasitsname …Sabuwho or what was that Chinese car he used to drive …??"
|
|
