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Hot Wheels' Twitter-enabled vending machine coughs up free Camaro diecasts

There are still plenty of companies that haven't gotten the whole social media thing down pat yet, but Hot Wheels isn't one of them. During the recent Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Hot Wheels created a lot of buzz for itself by using a vending machine filled with Chevrolet Camaro models, but instead of money to get the cars, show attendees just had to use Twitter.
To get the free car, people were asked to send a tweet to Hot Wheels Canada saying what they liked about the new Hot Wheels Edition Camaro, and including the #ChevyCIAS hashtag. This seemed to be a popular marketing tool, too, as AdWeek reports that the @HotWheelsCanada account more than tripled in followers during the course of the 10-day show. Looking ahead, this could open up even more innovative marketing possibilities using social media.
Check out the video posted below to watch how it works, and while the auto show has ended and the free-car giveaway has too, we're almost certain that some of the 1,500 freebies will make their way onto eBay.

Lutz dishes dirt on GM in latest Autoline Detroit

Bob Lutz sits down for Autoline Detroit - Click above to watch video after the jump
Autoline Detroit recently played host to Bob Lutz, and, as is always the case, the former General Motors vice chairman dished out some great commentary. Lutz was promoting his new book Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business, and talk quickly turned to his role as it related to product development and high-level decision making at GM. While on the topic of brand management, Lutz revealed a few rather interesting tidbits about his former employer:
All Chevrolet vehicles were required to have five-spoke aluminum wheels and a chrome band up front, as part of the Bowtie brand's overall image.

2016 Chevy Volt orders start tomorrow

For anyone in California who wants to be among the first adopters of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, then May 28 is very important. Dealers in the Golden State get to be first to place orders for the range-extended electric vehicle on that day, but buyers in the rest of the US just have to wait a few months until their turn comes. This info comes from dealer data gathered by Inside EVs and confirmed by General Motors to AutoblogGreen. According to these slides, dealers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont must wait until August 27 to place an order for the Volt. Finally, the reservations for the rest of the nation open up on October 1. The first production of these new models starts in August after a six-week shutdown at the Hamtramck factory to prepare for it. We already know that the 2016 Volt starts at $33,170, plus $825 destination, before federal or state incentives and is available in seven exterior colors and five interior upholstery options. The sedan is offered in LT and LTZ trims. Opting for the higher level adds features like an upgraded audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, front and rear heated leather seats, wireless device charging, and Automatic Park Assist. A navigation system on an 8-inch screen and safety assist suite are also optional, according to these documents. Related Video: