Auto Car

Stateside, Robbie Williams is your run-of-the-mill music star, pumping out a couple of Top-40 hits a record, selling out small stadiums. You know, massively popular, but he’s no iconic pop-god like, say, Justin Timberlake.

Over in England, however, Robbie Williams is the second-coming – or, at least was. He has sold more albums (over 70 million worldwide) in the UK than any other British solo artist. His last album Rudebox didn’t fare as well – although it went platinum several times. However, that’s not the point. The point is; record conglomerate EMI expected to sell millions more copies of the record, but hasn’t.

So, the company announced that with the over 1 million leftover copies, it would crush the records and send them to China to be used in road resurfacing – according to Contact Music. EMI started the recycling initiative to reduce spending as it – like other record companies – is suffering from financial difficulties.

(More details after the jump)

Reports state that in retaliation, Williams is withholding his newest record - although he denies that to be the reason. Apparently, Williams isn’t too keen on his album being on roads instead of record players.

Provided you had the power and supply, what record would you use to resurface roads?

Let us know in the comments.

+ Contact Music: ROBBIE WILLIAMS - RUDEBOX TO PAVE CHINESE ROADS

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More automotive companies are planning to air ads during this weekend’s Super Bowl. The usual suspects General Motors, Ford, and Toyota will be joined this year by Audi and Hyundai – who are spending $2.7 million for 30-second spots, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Advertising experts told the Free Press that the ads aren’t designed to send the typical Super Bowl viewer off to the dealership, but for the consumer to remember that company next time they are out shopping for a new car.

Arthur Kover, an emeritus professor at Fordham University, said, “Car ads are like throwing seeds in the field and hoping that one of them will take hold at just the right moment.”

(More details after the jump)

This year’s Super Bowl marks Audi’s first appearance since 1991. The ad will feature the new R8 in a “The Godfather” theme featuring actor Alex Rocco – who played Moe Greene in the film.

Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer for Audi of America said, “We want to work extremely hard to get Audi known to Americans. We want to get into the American lexicon.”

Andrew Gershoff, associate professor of marketing at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, said that commercials by Audi and Hyundai will show consumers that they are serious about the vehicle’s they are marketing. He said, “If a company is willing to spend that much money on an advertisement it signals to consumers, and competitors as well, that they’re very serious about being in this particular market.”

+ Detroit Free Press: More auto giants join the ad blitz