Drive Thru: News to Go
Giving media a jump. Ad network Jumpstart Automotive Media has joined the EyeWonder Select Publishing Program, which helps media buyers and planners to incorporate rich media into their ad buys. The Jumpstart network includes CarandDriver.com, RoadandTrack.com, CycleWorld.com, NADAguides, Vehix, Consumer Guide Automotive, JD Power Autos and Shopping.com. The site (http://www.jumpstartautomotivemedia.com) is a division of Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.
Custom built teen dreams. Gaia Online and Toyota’s Scion brand have formed a joint partnership that will enable Gaia members to buy and customize virtual versions of Scion cars, beginning with the virtual Scion xB. Gaia members can ‘pimp their rides’ with customizable options such as wheels, decals, fog lights, tail lights and spoilers, and then compete in and socialize at drag races, join forums dedicated to car culture, and nominate their cars for accolades within Gaia’s arenas.
Charge it.Google philanthropic arm Google.org has launched the RechargeIT initiative (http://www.google.org/recharge), which aims to encourage people to use plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Google.org has awarded $1 million in grants and announced plans for a $10 million request for proposals to fund development, adoption and commercialization of plug-ins, fully electric cars and related vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
Holy road rage! The Vatican recently released a set of guidelines urging drivers to be more courteous to others on the roadway, obey traffic regulations, pray before driving and to not let a car be an expression of “power and domination.” According to AP reports, Cardinal Renato Martino told a news conference that the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.
A space of your own. A new guide to help find the most cost efficient New York parking lot closest to your destination recently debuted. Lots NYC (
http://www.lotsguide.com) compares Manhattan’s 1,100-plus parking lots and garages in a glove-box-sized book. The title sells for $9.95.
