Chevy has launched a new “viral” online advertising campaign that lets you create your own video advertising the Chevy Tahoe. This is both a great idea and a bad idea. It is a great idea because it turns the brand over to the public and not only draws on the creative talent of… anyone, but also gets people engaged with the brand.

To see why this is possibly a bad idea, check out the ad I made.

And here is another one among many others on YouTube.

Chevy has taken a big risk in doing this, but I think in the end it will be a good thing. Either way, it has already created TONS of buzz for them.

Its back!!! Yes I have come up with another fabulous way to blow that hard earned bonus or tax return. Just in time for spring how about checking out a little high quality auto racing in the principality of Monaco. All the details are below:

The Monaco Grand Prix is the most historic and prestigious road race in the world, drawing thousands of visitors to the fairy-tale Mediterranean destination of Monaco. We have exclusive access to take part in all the glamorous action of Grand Prix weekend (May 25th-28th) from aboard a luxury mega-yacht in Monaco’s legendary harbor.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers five-star luxury services aboard a 200-foot private yacht moored in the harbor for the four days and nights surrounding the Grand Prix. Each day guests will enjoy exquisite cuisine, unlimited on-board hospitality and spa services, exclusive celebrity parties and designer events, and of course, all the exciting racing action of the Grand Prix. A nightly evening reception includes open bar, dancing, a buffet dinner, and celebrity DJ each night until 3:00am. This is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the world’s most celebrated luxury events with an unparalleled level of style and access.

The four-day, all-inclusive experience costs USD 15,000 per couple. Overnight accommodations in Monaco’s luxurious hotels can be arranged, as well, for an additional cost.

Okay Okay so I went a bit over budget, but come on, fast cars, crazy parties and a yacht, are you thinking what I am thinking?

In the first of what will be a continuing series of posts I examine great ways to blow the 10 grand bonus you just got as part of your annual review. Up first, the Classic Car Club of Manhattan.

In the words of the owners “Buying a million dollars worth of cars is a tough job, but Zac, Phil and I took one on the chin for you.” The Classic Car Club of Manhattan allows access to some of the greatest cars ever built as well as membership into a swanky private lounge. Cars include 1965 AC Shelby Cobra, 2005 Lotus Elise HRM Edition and the 1957 Porsche Speedster as well as many others. If you just absolutely need to ride in style then these guys are for you. For a set annual fee they take care of all of the business end so all you have to do is pay for gas and burn rubber.

Check it all out Cool Cars, Go Fast!

Today the US Auto industry proved once again that they have a complete lack of new ideas. This week is of course the North American International Auto Show, a chance for all of the auto companies to give us a taste of the new models and concepts coming out in the next couple of years. This year with coasts soaring and losses pilling up many were hoping that the big three would introduce innovative new models that will help them better compete with the flood of Asian and European imports containing updated designs and the latest features.

Rather than taking a bold step forward the US automakers took a step backward, to the 1970’s to be exact. Following in Ford’s lead Chevy and Dodge are releasing muscle cars that look very similar to the models released during the hey day of American manufacturing. I would love to sit in the decision making meetings at the American Auto Companies, who approves these designs, who actually thinks they will be well accepted by the public?

Quick, if you were forced to purchase an American car today what would you buy? Interesting thought isn’t it? For companies losing billions of dollars the lack of innovation is spellbinding, imagine what would happen to a tech firm if they relied on this type of thinking (No Microsoft Jokes). If the US Auto industry is serious about competing they had better figure out a way to breathe new life into their design teams as well as taking a serious look at their decision making structure. In business today innovation is key, and though old school is hip these cars are not going to do anything but leave the big three languishing further and further behind the competition.

The average daily commute to work is 53 miles round-trip. At that rate, I would produce over 9,391 lbs of CO₂ a year! That’s well over 2 times the weight of the car itself… in light fluffy gas, not solid material! Or in volume, that’s about 627,000 gallons. That’s a lot of milk jugs.

The reason I bring this up is because a California company named TerraPass is trying to do somehting to help the everyday commuter offset their car’s dirty work. You can go to their site, calculate a good estimate of how much CO₂ your car produces, and buy a “pass” which guarantees the reduction of CO₂ somewhere else in the world.

The idea of understanding and somehow offsetting the true cost of driving has always fascinated me, and this seems like an affordable way to move toward that. This also reminds me of tradable emissions permits, a program that the United States and other countries use, but TerraPass points out that it is not exactly the same. Think of it more as a way to take responsibility for your actions.