Hi, This Is Your Mini Speaking
Keywords: used Mini, BMW, Mini
In New York, Chicago and Miami owners of new and used Mini’s are signing up for a new gimmick of personalised billboard messages displayed at the road side.
A radio chip embedded within the key fob sends a coded signal to the billboard that you are approaching and messages will flag up, dependent on the information the driver has supplied in a questionnaire. Examples are ‘Hi Kate, nice day for your convertible’.
There have been complaints that Mini key fobs do not activate until within ten feet of the car, making them a little pointless. However, it is suspected that an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is responsible for the signal with a sensor in the road that sends information of the owner to the billboard.
This technology is not new. It has been used for some time in identification implants in livestock and pets as well as items like access control cards.
Manufacturers have invested in tags with RFID technology to track products as they go through the supply chain but doesn’t this open up the possibility of tracking Mini owners and their activities?
Mini say this will not happen and that no personally sensitive information is held within the tags. Is it possible for ‘hackers’ to get into this transmitted information and change the messages to something wholly unsuitable? No different to any other digitally displayed advertising.
So, what is the idea of this? Is it just a gimmick for Mini drivers? I doubt that any business is going to plough those sort of set up costs into such a venture just to entertain its current customers.
It’s more likely that this is just another form of advertising. But is it a good one? In typical Mini style, they like to steer they’re advertising campaigns to show everyone that Mini owners are having a better time than everyone else. To see a personal billboard message is meant to show everyone that Mini owners are special.
However, with all the publicity surrounding the danger of mobile phone usage while driving, is it any safer to read a personal message instead of a text message? Is it good advertising to drivers of other vehicles who are then going to naturally be looking for the nearest Mini to see what ‘Kate’, ‘Bill’ or ‘Tara’ looks like?
It is argued that these billboards are no more distracting than other road signs. People read road signs all the time without it causing a problem but these are usually warning or directional signs. Isn’t a personalised message a little different?
Maybe this would make Mini drivers, and others, less observant to what is going on around them if they are watching out for their name to come up in lights.
And what if you were stationary in a traffic jam? Apparently, 3 different personalised messages would be flashed up over a period of time before the billboard reverted to its usual standard advertising. By which time, everybody knows the name of the Mini driver and if he/she is driving irresponsibly at least you can personalise your insults!
If more than one Mini is in the vicinity, then it will pick up the nearest, display the owners message, and change to the next one after 10 seconds. Does this bring a potential for jealous road rage?
If this is purely gimmicky advertising aimed at non-Mini drivers, is it fair to play on a Mini owners ego to do the job that a quality car should do by itself? Is it fair to make Mini owners pay for their advertising?
Of the 150,000 used Mini and new Mini owners in the US, 1,000 have so far subscribed to this messaging service. Mini intend to monitor response to this campaign over the next three months. The government have already done so and intend to publish their findings on this subject very soon.
Marketing expert Shaun Parker looks into the new ego boost for used Mini owners. To find out more please visit www.coopermini.co.uk
Previous Articles Highlighter:
The 13 Factors That Determine Your RV Insurance Rate (1)
If insurance price is of no concern to you, don't worry about this factor; however, if you're looking to keep your fixed costs as low as possible, you might do some advance research to make sure you're getting the cheapest-to-insure RV possible.
Should Your Next Sports Car Be A Convertible? (2)
If you'd like to get fairly regular use out of your sports car, you should probably avoid the purchase of a convertible unless you live and drive in a fairly temperate climate.
Oil Is The Life Of Your Car (3)
If it is below the add line, you need a quart of oil. Make sure you use the kind recommended in your owners manual. After adding the oil, repeat all the steps.
What Are Free Police Car Auctions? (4)
There are many car auctions running thought the USA and is becoming more popular through word of mouth. Back in the days car dealers were the ones who know about car auctions and had access to them.
How To Decide If You Need An Extended Warranty For Your Car (5)
You are now the proud owner of a brand new Ford Mustang, but as you sign the last remaining forms, the car salesman asks you if you are interested in purchasing an extended warranty for your vehicle.
How And Why Automotive Sound Systems Are Evolving Into Entertainment Systems (6)
This means that you should just get over the old and in with the new so you don't have to do it later. I often feel that we are catching up to the "Jetsons" world because we are constantly moving up in technology.
Go With Used Parts Rather Than New Car Parts (7)
There shouldn't be a need to even glue it or seal it if the fit is tight enough. Victor Epand is an expert consultant for www.UsedCarPartSell.com. Used Car Part Sell is a community of used car part sellers from around the world.
Hybrid Sports Cars Coming Soon (8)
In addition to hybrid sports car working from the same general principles of their better-known economy car brethren, hydrogen-burning sports cars are also under investigation. Many years ago, Mazda discovered their rotary engine performed exceptionally well while using lean-burning hydrogen as a fuel source.
Are You Considering Online Motorcycle Shopping? (9)
Another factor that will affect your budget is the medium of purchase. As earlier said, an online purchase at time is more expensive than an express purchase. Think of the cost of advert over the web, think of all the labor and level of expertise incurred in setting up that webpage?
Some Important Considerations In Choosing A Quality Body Shop For Your Auto Repair (10)
Keywords: car parts, auto parts, automotive parts, car body parts, auto body parts Although your sports car may take scratches and beatings, accidents sometimes happen. When they happen, the car owner must decide where to take it for body repair.
5 Points To Choose A Moving Truck Rental Company (11)
2. Compare the prices. See if the truck that you need falls within your budget. 3. There is another often overlooked point that you should consider.
How To Easily Find The Right Electric Scooter For Your Individual Situation (12)
Dreams become reality thanks to these zippy inventions. Additionally, engineers have made scooters more balanced and safe than ever with three and four wheel versions. Past scooters needed recharging in the middle of the day.
The Latest In Hybrid Happenings (13)
The Ford Escape that was introduced for the 2005 model year is doing so well that manufacturers are optimistic about these new designs. Obviously, these designs won't get as many mpg as a hybrid car will, but they are still very eco-friendly.
BMW Dealerships In Chicago - Diverse Choice And Competition (14)
The options may be close and the color may be close as well however if it is not exactly what you're looking for, you can go to one of the various other BMW Chicago area dealers to locate exactly what you want.
Watch Out For Big Trucks (15)
We have to be extra careful when sharing the highway with these vehicles because as stated in many cases they cannot see us. Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son.
Buying Cars From Auto Auction (16)
The entire deal of buying a car is all so convenient for the consumer that the consumers seeks to buy it from these auctions, which has eventually become a very popular and very plausible way of buying cars.
Show Me The Money - Where The Profit Is In New Cars (17)
Keywords: patented car care products How many tomes have you heard a car salesman or manager tell you, "I would love to give you that deal but we only have a few hundred dollars profit to play with"?
How To Change A Tire In 7 Steps (18)
Changing the Tire 1) Remove the wheel covers (when necessary) and depending on the type of car you posses, you may need to unlock them, while others are simply popped off or unscrewed.
How To Avoid Being Stuck With A Flood Damaged Sports Cars (19)
The more important side of flooding is what can happen to the motor if it too is submerged by water. If water has gotten to your motor of your high dollar sports car it is only a matter of time before it seizes up and stops working since the salt in the water will rust the insides of the motor such as the valves, cylinders, head, block, cams it will ruin everything.
How To Avoid The High Pressure Tactics Of Car Salesmen (20)
If they won't show it to you get up and leave. Don't let your self get worked by one the "selling systems" out there. One of the most common is the Four Square.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Alternative Ways To Cut Fuel Usage (1)
Regular maintenance can mean greater fuel economy and dollars saved. Regular tune-ups also extend the engine life of a car as well as improve a cars performance. A poorly tuned car can use as much as 3 to 9 percent more gasoline than a well-tuned vehicle.
Some Of The Reasons You Should Consider A Premium Sound System For Your Car (2)
After all this is your money and you should spend it on the best system you can find for the price you're wanting and the features you are looking for as well.
Tips For Auto Enthusiasts For Finding And Attending International Car Shows (3)
You will always want to get a room lined up so as soon as you get there you can just go dump all your luggage off and go exploring the area in which you are in.
Important Things To Consider For Exotic Sports Car Buyers (4)
Often the owners of exotic sports cars will need to have some parts custom-fabricated during their ownership of the vehicle. This is especially true of older exotics, some of which have been orphaned after their original manufacturer ceased to exist.
Motor Home Through The Australian Outback (5)
There are lots of sights to see, and once you're there you can explore on your own, but here are some of the big ones. Ayer's Rock, or Uluru, is one of the natural wonders of the world.
How To Advertise Your Car Online Successfully (6)
Also when advertising your car online, you are usually allowed more than one picture in your advertisement. This can make a true portrayal of your car and can interest more buyers.
A Review Of The 2006 Yamaha Raptor 700 (7)
Last weekend I had what was quite possibly the second best weekend at the dunes in my entire life. I got to follow behind Cardiac Dan, his 11 year old daughter Cassy, and Big Mike, (my eldest son's teacher's husband who's been riding all his life).
How To Choose A Quality Mechanic Who Won't Rip You Off (8)
If you belong to a car club for your particular make of vehicle ask other owners who they use. Most likely you will find that the majority of them use the same person who specializes in your particular vehicle and may even offer a discount to members of your club.
Wearing A Safety Belt Isn't Just For Your Safety (9)
What about the safety of those in the vehicle with you? People don't stop to think about that. If you are in the car without a seat belt on and you have someone in the car with you, particularly a child who is smaller, the force of your body being thrown into them could kill them.
Blue Books Define All Types Of Cars (10)
Some people have found that buying a luxury car is possible because they received a pre-approval for a car loan through a blue book lender. They knew they could afford the monthly payments because they consulted the blue book car loan calculator.
Gas Prices Driving You Nuts? Look At These Tips To Help Save At The Pump (11)
Many wish for a return to the days when gas was only $.75 a gallon. Unfortunately, those days are over and now gas prices are higher than ever. The prices of gas are hitting people where it hurts; in the pocket and in their social lives.
Don't Get Upside Down On Your Motorcycle Loan (12)
If you have found yourself in a negative equity or upside down situation with your motorcycle don't feel like there is no way out. A lot of people just give up and allow their bike to be repossessed and sold off at auction which just exacerbates their problem, now you owe money on a bike that you don't have and can't ride!
How To Choose A High Performance Fuel Injection Kit For Your Truck (13)
If you are not a mechanic and still would like to get a cold air intake system try visiting your local mechanic and asking them if they think it would be a good fit for your truck.
More Tips On Online Motorcycle Shopping (14)
There may be certain devices such as electronic security tools and other gadgets which you will want to adapt to your bike. It will be impossible to evaluate this when shopping online.
How To Lease A Car The Right Way (15)
Don't lease if you are tight financially or have any concerns about job security. Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son.
How To Find The Best Paint Protection System For Your Car (16)
This gives them a general idea of how much you can afford to pay. They may offer a debt laden person the system for $500 dollars and offer it to a person who has a lower amount of debt for $1500.00.
Environmentally Friendly Reasons To Choose A Hybrid (17)
To many, any issues that makers are having with the production of hybrids seem like less of a problem than finding real ways to stay green. Emissions and efficiency have come to the forefront of people's minds more and more as gas prices rise.
Where To Find A Free Online Car Auction (18)
The only fee that the site charges is 2.5% commission against the final sale price paid by the buyer. So in fact, this is a free online car auction excellent for car sellers.
Motorcycle Storage: Tips From The Pros (19)
Maintain Good Temperature: If you keep your motorcycle in a place of humid temperature or very hot temperature you may damage it and even cause it to crack. A possible solution is to store your motorcycle in a heated garage.
Checklist For Buying The Perfect Used Travel Trailer (20)
Once you do find a trailer to consider, there are a lot of things to keep in mind; I suggest making a checklist to remind yourself what you are looking for and to take notes about the features and condition of each model you see.