Smart car owners get own social network

by Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh, revolutionmagazine.com 30-Jun-09, 10:58

LONDON - Daimler Mercedes-Benz has become the latest big brand to launch a social network, this time for Smart car owners.

The site aims to enable drivers and fans of the car to interact and share their experiences with the vehicle, after research by Mercedes found smart owners enjoy discussing the brand and are active in social media, Martine Edgell, CRM specialist at Mercedes-Benz said.

Created by Martech Social and Digital Annexe, the site encourages users to create a profile and upload video and pictures of their cars, while featuring news on relevant topics such as driving economically, an Ask an Expert function, forums, groups and events.

Mercedes-Benz launched a social network aimed at Mercedes owners last May, offering members sneak previews of new vehicles, competitions, news and polls.

Toyota launched an online community for owners of its hybrid vehicles in 2007. Hybrid owners were encouraged to share their reasons for driving a hybrid and give some statistics about themselves and their vehicles.