Pit Notes

Dan Jedlicka continues writing about autos for the Chicago Sun Times as he has since 1968 but now will do so from home. His new email address is danjedlicka@comcast.net. . . . John Biel of Publications International was quick to point out that the recent handsome edition of Collectible Automobile with a “25” in the logo was not the Anniversary issue Itself ( as reported here last month along with the misspelling of its publisher’s name) – just a masthead teaser for the months leading up to the celebratory milestone issue coming in April ’09 under the watchful eye of the originator and continuous publisher, Frank Peiler.

The drop in Source Interlink’s stock to 0.335 per share may have something to do with Richard Truesdell’s rant in last month’s Newsletter about his being paid once for an article used twice in different publications from the supermarket distributor and publisher’s stable of many titles. Truesdell’s lament prompted an “Amen” from LandSpeed Louise Noeth who wrote, “It made me recall the same crap Petersen Publishing used to put us through 20 years ago. If the writers and photogs and illustrators don’t hang together, the publishers will surely hang us one by one.”

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John Matras reports that his www.Carbuzzard.com web site has been seriously hacked and will not be dispensing its autoworld gleanings for a time. In the meantime the site is being re-imagined. His automotive wit and wisdom can still be enjoyed at Examiner.com.  . . . Tom Kelley, tom.Kelley@deadlinefactory.com wants it known that the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA) responds to any negative, misleading, inaccurate or incorrect news stories related to trucks and trucking in non-trade media. He asks that those coming across such negative publicity alert TWNA directors David A. Kolman (caboverkolman@comcast.net) or Tim Brady (tbrady@writeuptheroad.com) TWNA also likes to recognize exceptional work by writers, editors, freelancers, public relations and communications specialists, sales, marketing and other personnel involved in the business of producing information related to the world of trucking. Contact the same two directors for more information or to submit nominees.

Automotive Who’s Who has set a new record for itself with 21,000 plus automotive industry key employees listed. . . . Courtney Caldwell, editor publisher of Road and Travel and executive producer of the International Car Of The Year Awards has announced that this year’s annual gala during the North American International Auto Show will include new Earth, Wind & Power Awards, honoring the most environmentally-friendly Car and Truck of the Year. They join the Earth Angel Award introduced last year to honor an automaker selected for for its progress on environmental programs worldwide.

If you are among the auto PR folk regularly surprised by how fast your press kits disappear at auto shows and other events, here’s one answer passed along by Steve Parker who came across this internet offer by McClellan Automotives.com: “50% off on all 1997 or newer Press Kits THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2008”  Parker says he has been donating his used kits to schools or auto clubs but if there is money to be made….?

Tirekicking Today editor Jim Flammang, author of more than two dozen books (mainly on auto history) is working on three more. Steering Toward Oblivion is a critical but humorous observation of the car culture and auto business. Hotel Life ponders the satisfactions of simpler living and minimal consumption. Work Hurts questions the conventional wisdom on work and careers.

Bill Moore’s SpeedStyle Emagazine has published so far 15 anecdotes and recollections of auto racer Paul Newman volunteered by auto journalists and others from the auto world. . . . William Jeanes, who not altogether facetiously referred to himself as “the oldest Navy Lieutenant in uniform,” participated as Ceremonial Officer of the Deck when the U.S.S. Intrepid was moved up the Hudson Oct. 2 from refurbishment in New Jersey to its pier at the west end of 46th Street in Manhattan. Jeanes recalled many moments from his 1960s tour on the Intrepid, including a time when a young John McCain had under-instruction duty on Jeanes’ watches in the Mediterranean.

Coventry University in England offers an MA in Automotive Journalism.  Is there anything similar in the U.S?  Or a scholarship like the 1500 pounds, trophy and internship presented annually by that country’s Guild of Motoring Writers?

The Consumer Federation of America contends there are serious specific and analytical errors in the recently mandated new fuel economy standards.  Contact: Jack Gillis, CFA, 202-737-0766 or jack@jagillis.com. . . . J.D. Power’s 2008 Manufacturer’s Web Site Evaluation survey of consumers put Kia ahead of BMW, Lexus and Ford. . . . Bridgestone Firestone is taking its “Drive and Learn Classroom Behind The Wheel” to 15 markets this summer.  Contact Susan Sizemore for a complete schedule and information at sizemoresusa@bfusa.com. 

The Trader Media Group in England is re-launching its Top Marques magazine and website this month. . . . VAuto is helping car dealers keep pace with the rapidly changing auto market by providing continual updates on how days supply and gasoline prices affect the market price of new cars on their lots. For more information contact: jcabadas@usautocom.com.  Read the rest of this entry »

There is very little that hasn’t been done before in autodom but Volkswagen may have been the first to stage a new model press launch on a college campus and ask journalism students there to participate in it.  Curious as to how an undergraduate might react to a full-blown press launch, AWCom asked the Dean of the University of Colorado School of Journalism at Boulder, Paul Voakes, to select a student to provide a brief impression of his/her Tiguan intro experience. Following is aspiring auto journalist Matt Wessels’ un-edited report:

“In late April Dean Paul Voakes walked into my journalism class at the University of Colorado and promptly announced that VW and Road and Track are offering us an opportunity of a lifetime.  My ears perked.  He spoke of testing a brand new vehicle and the opportunity to have our material published in arguably the most prestigious North American automotive magazine.  As soon as he said “test drive” he might as well have put a leash around my neck and drug me wherever he liked.  They educated us on automotive media, coverage and how reviewing cars isn’t just about thrashing a brand new vehicle.  Check.  They invited us to the pre-release dinner.  Great food, great company, great opportunity.  I must say, I had no idea a German car manufacturer could have this much fun!  Maybe it will be reflected in their car?!  After many briefings, presentations, education and the like our press day started.  We were given the same press release the professional journalists group received, including a full press packet, and the cars followed. VW assigned two students to a car and told us to stick to the route book.  And then they turned their eyes away.  No way!  So we drove and drove, had a couple of snacks on the way, and kept admiring the fact that VW actually trusted us with their cars.  The experience and business lunch half way through was well orchestrated and most delicious.  We all ended back up at CU with all cars intact, with fuel gauges showing the right amount of fuel.  VW, I definitely hope to work with you again in the future!”  In case they or others are interested, Wessels appended his email address: mattheus.wessels@colorado.edu

The online charity auction for Frank Washington had gathered $6500 by the May issue of this Newsletter and “taken on a life of its own,” Brenda Priddy reports. She also notes, “And people have been so generous: It’s not uncommon for a ‘winning bid’ to be $60 or $70, and yet the buyer sends in an even hundred! People who have donated items have also donated the shipping charges - which make the items even more appealing. It’s just been an amazing experience.”  This makes it easier for 100% of the proceeds to go to Washington, who is uninsured. Priddy says Jim Dunne has offered to share in the costs of the ongoing E-Bay auction.

Porsche, Lexus and Mercedes finished 1,2,3 in the Luxury Institute’s Luxury Brand Status Index, as reported by Media Post, June 2. The survey went to 1600 plus Americans with incomes averaging $349,000 and net worth averaging $3.7 million . . . Until gas prices drop well below $4.00 per gallon, even Corvette owners might find it better to skip this year’s annual “Drive Your Corvette to Work Day” scheduled for June 17.

Sardonic John Dinkel suggests that AWCOM might change its mission statement to: “Get the right info to the right people left writing about cars.”  Perhaps, but AWCom has a vetted list of 3000 persons in the U.S. and Canada who make all or part of their living writing about cars. . . . The Automotive Communications Council recently awarded $1,000 scholarship to two graduating high school seniors focusing on marketing, public relations, journalism, advertising or a related field within the aftermarket.  Attracting the best and brightest into the marketing and communications discipline of its industry is deemed increasingly important by ACC members.

White is still tops but blue is gaining in popularity, according to a special mid-year DuPont car color update (richard.a.straitman@usa.dupont.com). . . . Bridgestone has a teen video contest underway.  The contest will award three $5,000 college scholarships for the most compelling and effective videos that drive home life-saving messages on auto and tire safety.  Entries close June 24.  Rules and other information available at www.SafetyScholars.com . . . The General Motors 2009 Product Information Guide is now available.