General Motors Signs Exclusive Six-Figure Deal with Microsoft Advertising

LONDON, July 23, 2008: Microsoft Advertising announces an exclusive online advertising deal with General Motors to support the world premiere of its new model, the Vauxhall Insignia, at the British International Motor Show this week. Capitalising on MSN’s unique reach, engagement and behavioural targeting credentials, the bespoke campaign has been designed to drive awareness of this distinctive new model amongst its core market.

On 22nd July, the Vauxhall Insignia will enjoy a one-day takeover of the MSN Cars homepage complete with the first ever Video Skin of the cars site, allowing viewers to watch the ad across the whole page and around the standard display. It will also feature heavily on a bespoke MSN Homepage, which will include a digital clock counting down to the reveal of the Insignia at the British International Motor Show.

To coincide, General Motors has sponsored the MSN Cars British International Motor Show site integrated with a customised microsite featuring bespoke editorial videos of the entire Vauxhall range. Along with supporting media activities on Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger, the premiere of the Insignia will be revealed across many of MSN’s channels simultaneously. The campaign will last for nearly six weeks, until 30th August 2008.

Katherine Brashaw, Digital Communications Manager at General Motors UK, is confident in the success of this online advertising investment: “We’ve worked with Microsoft Advertising for a number of years and firmly believe that digital is the ideal channel for us to engage our target audience. Our key objectives are to not only raise the awareness of our dynamic new model, to captivate car enthusiasts and to prompt test drives, but to spotlight the entire Vauxhall range as the world gathers at the British International Motor Show . We also believe this UK campaign will gear us up for success as we prepare to reveal the car to the European market.”

Joshua Golbert, Microsoft Advertising Account Manager, is delighted with this exclusive partnership: “We’ve worked closely with General Motors to create a campaign tailored entirely to connect with Insignia’s target audience. With multiple touchpoints this campaign as a whole is far-reaching yet remains both relevant and engaging to the consumer and will effectively build awareness and help stimulate sales. We want to set the standard for launching a car to the UK market, with high impact and targeted reach. ”

Tom Evans, Head of MSN Cars adds: “I’m delighted that MSN Cars has teamed up with the rest of the Microsoft Advertising network to promote one of the year’s most exciting new cars – the new Vauxhall Insignia - at the biggest and best car event of the year, the British International Motor Show. We’re looking forward to it hugely.”