33 responses to “VW Targets iPhone Users”

1. VW Targets iPhone Users October 27th, 2009 at 06:27

   [...] mattregaw wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe best scores are uploaded into an online database and each week the best virtual driver will win one of the six cars available. … So here’s the deal: VW is betting rolling out the new 2010 VW GTi via an iPhone app will be a winner. We report, you decide. Hank… [...]

2. 

   Karlis Jansons October 27th, 2009 at 07:42

   It seems like a very interesting marketing technique, but I believe they are isolating their market too much. Statistically it looks good, but which potential customers are they ignoring?

3. 

   Chris Miller October 27th, 2009 at 07:56

   Definitely a neat idea, but I agree; they are segmenting their market pretty severely. Also, I enjoyed your commentary while playing the game .

4. 

   Xi Wu October 27th, 2009 at 08:58

   It’s cool. I’d like to download.

5. 

   Ankit Buti October 27th, 2009 at 09:38

   This seems like a very unique marketing technique to me as well and I also agree with the point of isolating the market a little too much.

   I believe this one of those marketing techniques that will return more profit than the investment that went into it.

   It looked like a nice game with great graphics. I really enjoyed your commentary at the back and appreciate the work you must have done putting this up.

6. 

   Andrew Rodriguez October 27th, 2009 at 09:48

   A very unique marketing tip that I believe will be sufficient.
   Typically, German-made vehicles in general have a very unique loyalty and backing behind them. VW is no exception. And if you have a passion for a quick, precise, every-ride-is-a-joy-ride type of VW, the GTI is the way to go. Because of this, marketing isn’t on top of the corporations list when it comes to the GTI because the cars sell themselves. No need to place money where it is not needed.

7. 

   Mayura Davda October 27th, 2009 at 09:55

   It’s a really good marketing strategy to impress and attract the specific target market. Also, I totally agree with Andy about the selling of such reputed cars on their own. But, this kind of marketing can add to their reputation and may be, enable them to stand out from the rest of their competitors in a way.

8. 

   Christina Jacobs October 27th, 2009 at 09:58

   I just downloaded this app. Very neat. Their marketing strategy is interesting. If the want to reach the tech savvy they got them!

9. 

   Lyndsey S. October 27th, 2009 at 10:20

   Ruled out again because I don’t have an iPhone. If only ATT wasn’t half ignorant half greedy…

10. 

    Marisa Strupp October 27th, 2009 at 12:38

    I really enjoy this marketing technique. They are missing a lot of their target audience, but getting the “techies” out to view what VW has to offer is a good way to do it with the iPhone app.

11. 

    Shawn Tomlinson October 27th, 2009 at 12:46

    This is a great example of using a combination of two advertising techniques. Volkswagon is using the idea of creating an interactive ad and a contest. These are both very effective techniques traditionally so i expect Volkswagon to be very successful in their attempts.

12. 

    Allison Weilbaker October 27th, 2009 at 13:03

    It’s great that they can save money on marketing but I’m not sure if they will make as many sales

13. 

    Eugene October 27th, 2009 at 14:41

    As great as it sounds, it’s a considerable risk. I am sure there are a lot of smart people at VW and this was a calculated risk, but any innovation is a risk… I am sure Hank will tell us how this works for VW.
    P.S if it works, it just might be the norm for the industry.

14. 

    Chris Perry October 27th, 2009 at 16:27

    How much will you have to pay in taxes if you win it?

15. 

    Micajah Green October 27th, 2009 at 17:19

    I think this is a great way to market the product. Even though they are narrowing their market a lot, it is creating interest, and the exclusive aspect of this marketing technique may also bring more attention.

16. 

    Theresa Reinhart October 27th, 2009 at 17:34

    This a a good marketing strategy but also a gamble.

17. 

    Brent McClean October 27th, 2009 at 17:42

    This is an excellent marketing strategy for the teenagers, college students, and recent graduates. The vehicle appeals to them in general, but especially through this app.

18. 

    Josh Johnson October 27th, 2009 at 18:01

    It is a cool new idea, but it will be interesting to see if this helps sales or just restricts their marketing.

19. 

    Jenna York October 27th, 2009 at 18:06

    This is such a great way to maximize available resources in order for VW to market their new cars. The prize of a 6 new cars are a great incentive for people to download the app and play the game in order to obtain the highest score. I think this will definitely be a success with gen yers and college students!

20. 

    Zheng Wang October 27th, 2009 at 18:47

    Wow! Another interesting app,but I still think their target market is a little limited.

21. 

    Nick Brenneke October 27th, 2009 at 18:52

    Haha I just saw this in the App Store the other day. I was looking for a racing game, but I’m not a fan of the GTI. There was a similar game for the Xbox 360 promoting the Toyota Yaris. Good marketing idea on paper, but they don’t make the games interesting enough or really motivate me to buy their cars. But hey, what do I know?

22. 

    Zacheriah Ruggles October 27th, 2009 at 21:05

    Very good way to get a product name out! The more someone hears your brandname the more likely they are to buy it. So, just simply put you brandname somewhere where everyone looks, their phone.

23. 

    Josh Dennison October 27th, 2009 at 21:57

    this is what im talking about. the iPhone apps are great but they are also a great way to advertise. With Tivo and pop up blockers and stuff advertising needs to take one step up. and this is a good way to do that.

24. 

    Emily Wetterich October 27th, 2009 at 22:09

    This does seem pretty cool. Even though their target market is small, the chance of winning a car will probably bring on all the attention they need.

25. 

    Cara Cymbala October 27th, 2009 at 22:12

    Sure Feeser, blame it on the video taping. “Watch out guys, here I come… Ooops… Oook here comes Hank… ohhh I’m off the track (again)…” Haha! Very entertaining video Professor Feeser!I think it’s cool how they’re tying the game in with the real cars, and they make the cars look good in the game too. Cool competition online, and a smart encentive to get people to buy the app. You sold me on the idea. I’m about to see how much it costs right now.

26. 

    Katelyne Moody October 28th, 2009 at 00:36

    I think this is an interesting technique, but do most people who can afford brank new VWs actually carry iphones, and utilize the game apps?

    My dad just got the 3GS and has no idea how to work the apps! So I don’t think using apps on iphone to market people who can afford cars is a good stragety.

    –katelyne–

27. 

    Brian Lee October 28th, 2009 at 20:54

    I’ve had this app for a few days now and it’s one of the best racing games for the iphone. I think it’s a great way to market the GTi

    This isn’t VW’s first iphone game either. They have other games up for the Polo and Scirocco as well.

28. 

    Leah Keough October 28th, 2009 at 21:29

    This definitely targets a specific market, but I think it is a great application with great graphics. We’ll have to see how it goes.

29. 

    Alex Selby October 29th, 2009 at 00:13

    I still love all the fast and unpimping your car commercials. One of my good buddies from New York drives a GTi LOVE THAT CAR.

30. 

    Michael Mullen October 29th, 2009 at 11:00

    I actually have this app for my iphone and it is quite addicting.

31. 

    Rohan Thakkar October 29th, 2009 at 11:25

    I have this app too, great quality but dont care much for the GTI car more of a Beamer man.

32. 

    sreeharsha October 30th, 2009 at 06:20

    I really enjoyed the background mousic and also the marketing analysis was pretty decent and it worked in the market.

33. 

    Sung jae October 30th, 2009 at 15:10

    This is very good app that commercialize their product. Previously, i had downloaded similar app that were similar to this, which didn’t have as good graphis as it did. However, i think it is great idea.