In the news

In the news

Vauxhall has had a relatively strong presence in recent news. Thanks to the launch of the Astra GTC, media coverage, advertising and news stories have been a common sight in the press, web and motoring magazines. The announcement of a new car, putting Vauxhall in a new market segment, is risky but will aid media coverage. However, this model could face tough criticism if it is not as good as it competitors. Other coverage has even included early Vauxhall models featuring in big screen blockbuster films.


Many of the articles and news around Vauxhall recently have concerned new models, products and engines. There has been on-going rumours that the brand is up for sale, however numerous articles have outlined that this is not the case.

Below is an outline of Vauxhall’s presence in the media over the past 3 months:




Astra GTC/VXR

Coverage of the new Astra GTC and VXR variant has been strong. With the cars striking looks and bold design, it has featured in numerous magazines, newpapers and websites. It has also made it onto the cover of numerous magazines including Autocar and Auto Express.

This coverage will have had a positive effect on the brand, showing the positive light and increasing the brand and model awareness with the public. Good reviews and a strong performance in group tests have aided the cars image and with it, the perception of Vauxhall.




Amerpa

The new Ampera has featured in early road tests of the vehicle in Autocar magazine and in news sections of various other car magazines and news papers. Due to this cars new technology, it has had a positive influence on Vauxhall, showing the companies green creditals.

Worryingly, its sister car, the Chevrolet Volt, has appeared in the American media more recently for alleged safety and design faults claiming the range-extended electric vehicle catches fire during charging or after a crash. This has had a negative effect on the already difficult to market and long overdue Amerpa/Volt.




Mokka

Only very recently announced, the new Mokka has shown Vauxhall to be expanding into new market territory which again adds coverage of the brand. A new model release is a good move for the brand, as each new model will be picked up by car review magazines and pitched against rivals. This added coverage does have its drawbacks. If the model is found to be flawed or not as good as a competitor, big investments in marketing and development can be lost when the market is steered away from the new model, due to a poor review.




Car of the Year awards

The Ampera is currently a candidate for the Car of the Year award. Just being shortlisted for an award is great coverage for the brand and model and shows the car to hold particular merit. This not only adds an industry recognised achievement to the brand and model, but also shows the brand and car in a positive light. Winning the overall award is, of course, the best outcome and shows the car in question to be of particular good design.






New Engine


The news of a new engine being added to the line-up, especially one that is commendable for performance and economy, shows Vauxhall in a positive light and that the manufacturer is in touch with the current market place. They have managed to identify, develop and supply a demand made by the public, the fact they want good economy without the penalty of poor performance, and have provided a solution to the issue. Also, this introduction will gain more media coverage from road tests in motoring magazines. Introducing a new engine to any model, or a new model to the market, will always result in media attention as it could move the model forward into a new segment. Models commendable on environmental performance are within the public's interest as is the current climate for cars. 




Sources


Autocar magazine
evo magazine

Auto Express magazine
www.vauxhall.co.uk
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/260777/
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/260835/
http://www.autocar.co.uk/vauxhall/
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/RoadTestsLiving/Vauxhall-Insignia-2.0-CDTi-160-SE/236060/
http://www.osv.ltd.uk/latestnews/main-osv-news/vauxhall-to-ape-bmw-in-attempt-to-increase-profits/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16066855
http://www.carbuzz.co.uk/blog/Vauxhall-Mokka-109
www.newspress.co.uk
Vauxhall press office

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