On the eve of the 2011 Chicago Auto Show at the Windy City’s legendary McCormick Place, Ford Motor Co. announced that social media and other “new advertising strategies” will be employed to market all of the car-maker’s 2011 vehicles.
Jim Farley, chief marketing executive at Ford, told those gathered at the Auto Show pre-opening revue that the only media that grew in 2009 and 2010 was online and mobile. As a result, Ford will change how it reaches both current and prospective Ford customers.
“With 500 million people on Facebook, we can reach more potential customers in a more personal way,” Farley admitted.
Ford launched it’s new 2011 Explorer through Facebook in mid 2010 and as a result of a substantial social media push, the sports utility vehicle has reached 140,000 Facebook fans.
Farley says Ford regularly monitors feedback provided from consumers – feedback that also inspired Ford to launch its “Go. Do.” campaign, focusing on what “real people” will do with their Ford Explorer.
Given the success that the venerable automaker has enjoyed in online media, Farley says Ford will continue to concentrate on other new media tools – especially mobile communication.
“We’re not just a car company, we’re a tech company,” Farley says.
The Chicago Auto Show, at McCormick Place in Chicago, is open to the public today through February 20th.
