Coca-Cola, the world’s premier soft-drink company, has announced the removal of its ''Classic'' name because of its irrelevance today. The ''Classic'' designation was added to the packaging in 1985, to distinguish the original formula from a sweeter, unpopular new version of Coke. The marketing tactic of introducing a new coke to replace the ''Classic'' one is touted by many as one of the biggest blunders in marketing history. The dropping of the now extraneous logo brings to an end the infamous episode, when the company was openly boycotted in protest of the new drink, and company employees had to work overtime on its complaints hotline. According to a company spokesman, Coca-Cola decided to make the change as it launches a new global marketing campaign called ''Open Happiness.''
Smartphones Boost Mobile Gaming, Says Report
According to a report from comScore, the rapid growth in smartphone adoption has propelled the number of gaming subscribers by 17% last year compared to 2007. Gaming downloads nearly tripled in smartphones, while it dropped by 14% in feature phones. iPhone and Blackberry are also quickly rising up the charts trying to pip Motorola Razr in the list of leading smartphones which promote complete gaming experience. The iPhone is reported to have accounted for 14% of mobile game downloads; 32.4% of iPhone users have downloaded a game, compared with a market average of 3.8%, last year. Analysts believe that the reason for iPhone’s success in the gaming arena is because of the tight integration of the App Store, which makes downloading and playing games easier than on alternative platforms. Successful game developers Electronic Arts (EA), Sega, and LucasArts are hoping to capitalize on this success in the market too.
Fiat CMO Resigns ''to Pursue New Opportunities''
Luca De Meo, Chief Marketing Officer of Fiat Group and CEO of Alfa Romeo and Abarth, unexpectedly resigned from his positions, reports confirm. No official comments were offered by the company as to reasons of his departure, but unnamed sources said that he left to ''pursue other opportunities.'' Meo joined Fiat Group in 2002, and was promoted to Head of Marketing at Lancia and named as CEO of Alfa Romeo in quick succession. Analysts term the departure of Meo as a bad sign for the company which is battling decreasing sales and global recession. Meo, 41, was the youngest executive and was known as one of the rising stars in the company. He was appointed as CEO of Alfa Romeo to revive the dying sales of the premium sports car brand in the market.
