V8SC, Advertisement, Brand rivalry, Brand Recognition & Sales. All relative??

[Revolver]

In light of the two threads that have been posted in regards to Fords advertising efforts after winning a major accolade in V8SC (Bathurst, Championship Title), or rather lack of, I dragged this one out of mothballs of some of the threads I have typed but decided not to post them after a few re-reads & thought "no, maybe when the time is right" & simply saved it away. Now the threads that are started in regards to this are usually given the same debate & that "Brand rivalry is no longer alive", that manufacturer funding, & public awareness of their achievements of these teams is just simply "wasted money". Hmmm ok, well here is my blue eyed assesment:

It's funny how it is thought that the the Holden vs Ford Rivalry isn't applicable. maybe not so much from the "Race on Sunday, sell on monday" perspective, however, if it isnt applicable. Why is it that:

Whenever Garph Tander is on the podium, he thanks Holden & HSV. (I know he himself is personally sponsored by them)
Garph Tander is personally sponsored by HSV & Holden
That Holden's Motorsport manager is always sticking his head out & big noting the company. (In other words making a goose out of himself)
-Sponsorship dollars from each manufacturer is so important to teams. (Not just for more money)
-V8SC hasn't told them both stop funding (I'll answer that one: Because V8SC realises that Manufacturer involvement is still necessary)
-Why whenever Steven Richards was having an interview, he says Dunlop Super Dealer/FPR Falcon.
- SBR/FPR/DJR merchandise (less so DJR) virtually has a big FORD logo plastered somewhere on it.
-That above the windscreen there is a Holden in red or Ford in blue sticker
-That both manufacturers advertise their new products on the cars:
-The "NEW" 335 GT on the FPR beasts at PI & Bathurst,
-A big SERIES II on the splitter on T8 & HRT's roof at Bathurst.
-Why Murph, Skaife, GT, The Kelly's & That Idiot Morris has never set foot in a Ford.
- Moffat & Johnson JNR are in Fords.
- Whenever The SBR/FPR boys are on the podium they thank Ford.
- The cars are badged each individual Branding.

There are many other instances I can put forward. No, Sorry, whether you choose to believe it or not, brand rivalry is important, & alive & well. Thats the Facts . No doubt someone will list out most if not all the reasons on the above list. But thats not the main objective

I believe that it will be around for sometime to come. Admittedly there is a bigger movement these days in contrast to the Brock/Moffat Days in the 70's & 80's, on the drivers & teams more than the brands, however the brand rivalry is important.

It sells merchandise. Probably the biggest profit maker in the car industry. Do you really think it costs over $200 to make a team jacket? I picked one up through a site sponsor a few months ago for $55 band new. Originally $250. I bought a whole heap of DJR merchandise on special (end of season) last week: 2 pit crew shirts, Team Jacket, Polo shirt, DJR flag, & cooler tub for $270 posted. It would have cost $520 at any other time this season. Do you reckon there's some profit in that comparing the normal prices to the EOS specials? I do. (Just so you know they do still make profit on the EOS stuff, just not the monster margins the usually do, because they know that the fans WILL pay to have the current season merchandise)

Now while your wearing their merchandise with the Ford & Holden Logo's on them, your advertising for them. In fact your paying to advertise for them, because you paid for it in the first place. (Bloody good way of advertising I think). Now the Average Joe Blow is walking down your street, doesn't care about the brand of car he drives, doesn't even know V8SC exists (Yes there are some) he picks his cars through styling, & practicality for his lifestyle. Sees the FORD logo on your jacket, & subconsciously stores it.

When looking for a new car, he's driving along, sees a ford, & thinks "wow THAT looks good, I'll look at one of those, its a..." *squint* - *only sees blue oval* "oh Ford, I remember that logo"

Now I know there will be a major difference of opinion on this, but I believe that the main objective is Brand Recognition. That sells itself in a roundabout way....