During the last week, there were news stories that reflected brand announcements, brand identity, product packaging, personal branding, and more.
HERTZ'S TESLA INVENTORY
Hertz is trying to sell its Tesla cars to renters as it tries to unload its electric vehicle inventory after a massive drop in value. According to Hertz communications director Jamie Line, "By connecting our rental customers who opt into our emails to our sales channels, we're not only building awareness of the fact that we sell cars but also offering a unique opportunity to someone who may be in the market for the same car they have on rent." In addition, Hertz is advertising a limited 12-month, 12,000-mile powertrain warranty for each EV, and customers will have seven days to return the car in case of buyer's regret.
BELGIUM'S BAN OF DISPOSABLE E-CIGARETTES
According to The Guardian, "Belgium has become the EU first country to ban the sale of disposable vapes in an effort to stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and to protect the environment. The sale of disposable electronic cigarettes is banned in Belgium on health and environmental grounds from 1 January. A ban on outdoor smoking in Milan came into force on the same day, as EU countries discuss tighter controls on tobacco." Time will tell as to how this ban will impact sales.
SIMONE BILES NEWS
Simone Biles, a four-time Olympian and the most decorated gymnast in history, has been named "Sports Illustrated's 2024 Sportsperson of the Year." The announcement came after the 27-year-old's remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, where she secured three gold medals and a silver medal, adding to her 32 total global titles. According to Newsweek, "Biles's triumphs in Paris mark a dramatic comeback after the challenges she faced during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In Tokyo, Biles withdrew from several events due to mental health concerns after suffering from gymnastics vertigo. She is the first female recipient of the award since tennis and basketball stars Naomi Osaka and Breanna Stewart in 2020 respectively, and joins the likes of Serena Williams and three-time winner LeBron James in the magazine past selections of influential African American sporting titans."
HEALTH WARNING LABELS ON ALCOHOL
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to require health warning labels that inform consumers about the link between alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer. He released a new advisory detailing how drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing seven types of cancer: breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box (larynx). According to Murthy, who leaves office later this month, "Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer behind tobacco and obesity. Just to put this in perspective, alcohol is responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer in the United States each year and 20,000 cancer deaths."
How will alcohol marketers be impacted by the Surgeon General's recommendation?
BLUESKY NEWS
Bluesky's user base continues to rise (and users continue to leave Musk's X), and the social media site launched its version of "Trending Topics" to make it easier for users to tap into the latest discussions of interest.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY BRAND
An article in Politico asked the question, "Is the Democratic brand toxic? A growing number of Dems wonder if going 'independent' will help them win. After devastating losses across the map, some Democrats are thinking about a serious rebrand."
An independent who caucuses with Democrats, Maine Senator Angus King, said the Senate map is evidence of just how far the Democratic Party has slipped with voters outside of coastal states and major urban centers. It's a starkly different picture compared to when he took office nearly 12 years ago.
"When I came to the Senate, we had Democratic senators from North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, two from Montana, Florida, Arkansas, Indiana, and about four or five more," King said, adding those states are now viewed as out of reach for today's Democratic Party. King said the 2026 midterms favor the GOP because Vice President Kamala Harris only carried one of the states held by Republicans who will be up for re-election. It happened to be Maine.
But, King cautioned, campaigning for office as an independent is no easy task. He abandoned the Democratic Party in 1993 when he ran for Governor of Maine and built support "coffee by coffee" during that bid. He explained, "Running as an independent is a difficult job because you don't have a party apparatus."
JIMMY CARTER'S LEGACY
With the funeral for the 39th President just days away, many people are talking about Carter's legacy. I will always associate Carter with his inspiring work with Habitat for Humanity. How about you?
SUPER BOWL
Oh, and that big game, I mean the day when some people gather for a football game and others gather to watch the expensive ads is just 35 short days away!
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: Hertz, Sports Illustrated, and Habitat for Humanity.
Read the full advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy:
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/alcohol-cancer/index.html
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