
Marketing
25 artifacts in this set
Ford Automobile Emblem, circa 1930
Radiator emblem
An automobile manufacturer's badge is fundamental to the company's brand identity -- just as the maker's name is often important to our identity as consumers and drivers. Early automobile badges tended to be small and often discreetly located; today they have evolved into enlarged, prominently placed, and frequently symmetrical logos -- easy to recognize, even at a glance in a rear-view mirror.
Volkswagen Badge, 2011
Badge
An automobile manufacturer's badge is fundamental to the company's brand identity -- just as the maker's name is often important to our identity as consumers and drivers. Early automobile badges tended to be small and often discreetly located; today they have evolved into enlarged, prominently placed, and frequently symmetrical logos -- easy to recognize, even at a glance in a rear-view mirror.
Chevrolet Volt Nameplate, 2011
Nameplate
Car model names might seem straightforward (especially once they are well-established and familiar) but most are masterpieces of allusion, rife with references to glamorous locations, social rank, rugged environment -- all tied to the self-image and aspirations of potential car buyers. Different styles of lettering -- whether bold, high-tech, freehand, or formal -- offer further reinforcement to the power of a model name.
Nissan Leaf Emblem, 2011
Nameplate
Car model names might seem straightforward (especially once they are well-established and familiar) but most are masterpieces of allusion, rife with references to glamorous locations, social rank, rugged environment -- all tied to the self-image and aspirations of potential car buyers. Different styles of lettering -- whether bold, high-tech, freehand, or formal -- offer further reinforcement to the power of a model name.
Chevrolet Dealer, Clarence Gifford Motor Sales, Inc., Promotional Can & Bottle Opener, 1957
Can opener
Promotional giveaways can place advertising messages deeper into people's lives than billboards or magazine ads. The power of branding -- coupled with consumer brand loyalty -- has also led to the creation of promotional items designed for sale to the public. Simple tools, like this 1957 can opener from a Chevrolet dealer, provided space for company brands and became daily reminders to consumers.
Ford Infant Bib, 2011
Bib (Protective wear)
Promotional giveaways can place advertising messages deeper into people's lives than billboards or magazine ads. The power of branding -- coupled with consumer brand loyalty -- has also led to the creation of promotional items designed for sale to the public. Parents can keep their baby clean and show Ford brand loyalty with this bib. Will the baby drive a Ford in 2027?
1941 Plymouth Catalog, "Here's the One for '41"
Trade catalog
Car brochures have evolved from straightforward product catalogues into polished creative sales tools. Their quality paper, rich color, inventive formats, and sophisticated graphic design all contribute to a buyer's developing impression of a car in a showroom. Advertising might entice people to a dealership, but brochures extend and deepen the relationship between vehicle and potential buyer.
2011 Nissan Leaf Sales Brochure, "The 100% Electric, No-Gas Nissan Leaf"
Trade catalog
Car brochures have evolved from straightforward product catalogues into polished creative sales tools. Their quality paper, rich color, inventive formats, and sophisticated graphic design all contribute to a buyer's developing impression of a car in a showroom. Advertising might entice people to a dealership, but brochures extend and deepen the relationship between vehicle and potential buyer.
1931 Buick Sales Catalog, "Buick Valve-in-Head Straight 8"
Trade catalog
Car brochures have evolved from straightforward product catalogues into polished creative sales tools. Their quality paper, rich color, inventive formats, and sophisticated graphic design all contribute to a buyer's developing impression of a car in a showroom. Advertising might entice people to a dealership, but brochures extend and deepen the relationship between vehicle and potential buyer.
1957 De Soto Sales Catalog, "Fireflite, Firedome, Firesweep"
Trade catalog
De Soto promoted its automobile as "The Most Exciting Car in the World Today!" in this 1957 sales catalog. The De Soto lineup included the Virgil Exner-designed Fireflite, Firedome, and Firesweep. Along with the new look came pushbutton automatic transmission, something viewed as modern in the 1950s.
Sales Catalog for 1917 Brewster & Co. Automobiles
Trade catalog
This 1917 Brewster and Company sales catalog features the Town Landaulet. "Landaulet" is a car body style with separate compartments for passengers and driver. The passenger compartment is usually convertible, while the driver's compartment can be either enclosed or open.
Auto Show Poster, "Detroit 2006: North American International Auto Show"
Poster
Auto shows use glamour, giveaways, spectacle, and sex appeal to show off manufacturers' latest offerings. Part entertainment and part consumer education, auto shows have their roots in 19th Century industrial exhibitions and world's fairs. New York City hosted America's first auto show in 1900 and the idea caught on. This poster promoted the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
Poster, "Auto Show February 18th -25th, 1922, State Armory, Albany, New York,"
Poster
Auto shows use glamour, giveaways, spectacle, and sex appeal to show off manufacturers' latest offerings. Part entertainment and part consumer education, auto shows have their roots in 19th Century industrial exhibitions and world's fairs. New York City hosted America's first auto show in 1900 and the idea caught on. This poster promoted the 1922 Albany, New York, Auto Show.
1966 Volvo Advertisement, "Your Car is Obsolete. Again"
Advertisement
The automobile is a paradox -- a practical tool that plays host to both human needs and fantasies. Like car consumers, automotive ads seem to land somewhere between fantasy and reality, emotions and rationality. Many ads incorporate apparent opposites: fantasy can sell practicality, and vice versa. Sometimes the car has disappeared completely -- an emotional appeal prompts us to complete the ad.
Postcard, "Simca 1000, America's Best Economy Import is Now Best Protected Too!," circa 1963
Postcard
Promotional giveaways can place advertising messages deeper into people's lives than billboards or magazine ads. The power of branding -- coupled with consumer brand loyalty -- has also led to the creation of promotional items designed for sale to the public. The front of this 1960s postcard for the Simca 1000, a Chrysler import, provides visual advertising. The back contains more detailed information.
"The Man Who Simplified Housing Bought a Honda Civic," Honda Civic Advertisement Featuring R. Buckminster Fuller, 1978
Advertisement
The automobile is a paradox -- a practical tool that plays host to both human needs and fantasies. Like car consumers, automotive ads seem to land somewhere between fantasy and reality, emotions and rationality. Many ads incorporate apparent opposites: fantasy can sell practicality, and vice versa. Sometimes the car has disappeared completely -- an emotional appeal prompts us to complete the ad.
"Today's Man of Action is Impatient with Yesterday's Standard of Quality or Last Year's Record of Performance," Buick Electra 225 Advertisement, 1962
Advertisement
The automobile is a paradox -- a practical tool that plays host to both human needs and fantasies. Like car consumers, automotive ads seem to land somewhere between fantasy and reality, emotions and rationality. Many ads incorporate apparent opposites: fantasy can sell practicality, and vice versa. Sometimes the car has disappeared completely -- an emotional appeal prompts us to complete the ad.
Brochure for the 1924 Ford Model T Car, "Make Pleasure Island a Treasure Island for the Whole Family"
Trade catalog
Car brochures have evolved from straightforward product catalogues into polished creative sales tools. Their quality paper, rich color, inventive formats, and sophisticated graphic design all contribute to a buyer's developing impression of a car in a showroom. Advertising might entice people to a dealership, but brochures extend and deepen the relationship between vehicle and potential buyer.
"People Need the Occasional Tune-Up. Wouldn't It Be Nice If Their Car Didn't?," General Motors, 1997
Advertisement
The automobile is a paradox -- a practical tool that plays host to both human needs and fantasies. Like car consumers, automotive ads seem to land somewhere between fantasy and reality, emotions and rationality. Many ads incorporate apparent opposites: fantasy can sell practicality, and vice versa. Sometimes the car has disappeared completely -- an emotional appeal prompts us to complete the ad.
1967 Dodge Dart Advertisement, "Dodge Rebellion Operation '67, Revolt against Kiddy Car Compacts. Go '67 Dart!"
Advertisement
Chrysler first used "Dart" on a concept car in 1956. Dodge adopted the name for a series of production cars starting with the 1960 model year. By 1963, Dart had downsized into a compact car and remained so through the end of its run in 1976. Dodge revived the name for an all-new compact built from 2013 to 2016.
"Now You Can Sleep at Night," Toyota Sienna Minivan Advertisement, 1999
Advertisement
The automobile is a paradox -- a practical tool that plays host to both human needs and fantasies. Like car consumers, automotive ads seem to land somewhere between fantasy and reality, emotions and rationality. Many ads incorporate apparent opposites: fantasy can sell practicality, and vice versa. Sometimes the car has disappeared completely -- an emotional appeal prompts us to complete the ad.
Brochure for the 1965 Ford Mustang, "The Total Performance"
Trade catalog
Car brochures have evolved from straightforward product catalogues into polished creative sales tools. Their quality paper, rich color, inventive formats, and sophisticated graphic design all contribute to a buyer's developing impression of a car in a showroom. Advertising might entice people to a dealership, but brochures extend and deepen the relationship between vehicle and potential buyer.
Car Radio for 1948 Tucker Automobile
Car radio
Promotional giveaways can place advertising messages deeper into people's lives than billboards or magazine ads. The power of branding -- coupled with consumer brand loyalty -- has also led to the creation of promotional items designed for sale to the public. This Tucker-branded radio could be purchased prior to owning the car. Many radios were sold but only 51 cars were built.
1986 Ford Taurus LX Sedan
Automobile
When the Taurus appeared in 1986 some people said its aerodynamic styling reminded them of a bar of soap or a potato. But the car was roomy, handled well, and had a thoughtfully designed interior. It was a big hit with the public, and other companies adopted similar styling. Eventually people complained that every car looked like a Taurus.
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible, Serial Number One
Automobile
It's an old auto industry cliche -- "you can't sell a young man an old man's car, but you can sell an old man a young man's car." It's also true. The sporty Mustang was a young man's -- and woman's -- car. The under-30 crowd loved it. But older people also bought them, often as a second car. The Mustang hit a sweet spot in the market, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
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