CONSUMER-MARKETING | ENGAGEMENT

Pledging its commitment to sport, McDonald's Corp. has renewed its longtime sponsorship of the Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup through 2014.

Thrifty Car Rental and Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. have individually partnered with airline companies to reward frequent flyer members with additional miles for renting the companies' vehicles.

MARITZ LOYALTY MARKETING: has named Shea Long

Cingular Wireless is offering customers a new service: electronic coupons and discounts.

Electronics maker Maxell Corp. of America is showcasing its "blow-away guy" in an online game that stars the iconic advertising character. The debut of the game coincides with Maxell's first-time sponsorship of ESPN's X Game 12 in August; both efforts are a bid to jump start sales with a younger demographic.

American Eagle Outfitters is with a new incentive that awards free movie tickets to consumers who try on a pair of jeans from its new denim line.

Cingular Wireless is using its sponsorship of the Vans Warped Tour 2006, a touring music festival, to provide its customers with cool perks including ring tones, VIP access, phone tattoos and more.

Domestic automakers spent 12% less on consumer incentives in June over the previous year indicating that the Big Three U.S. automakers (Chrysler, Ford and General Motors) have tightened the purse strings.

Starbucks is out with an interactive scavenger hunt that will get consumer texting on their cell phones for a chance to win a trip to Costa Rica.

Volkswagen of America is headed to Miami for a blow-out block party on Sunday, where it will target African-Americans with ticket upgrades to the All-Star Basketball Game, as well as rides in its vehicles.