News from Billington Cartmell ...Lexus has recruited pop-star Kylie Minogue to be the face of its latest ad campaign

Japanese car brand Lexus has recruited pop-star Kylie Minogue to be the face of its latest ad campaign in an effort to attract younger drivers.The Toyota-owned marque has also signed a deal with the Australian singer to be headline sponsor of her world tour.

Under the agreement, devised by Billington Cartmell, Minogue will appear in TV and print ads backing the launch of Lexus' CT 200h model. The ad campaign, created by CHI & Partners, will roll out next month under the strapline 'Join the quiet revolution.'

Lexus director Belinda Poole said using Minogue would enable the marque to reach out to the 'new customers we believe will form the core market for the CT 200h'.

Billington Cartmell is also creating a series of online films featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Minogue's tour.

The launch of the CT 200h, a hybrid hatchback that goes on general sale on 11 March, is Lexus' first foray into the luxury compact vehicle category.

Beckham moves up two places booting out pop star Kylie Minogue from the number one position

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Despite no longer playing football in England, David Beckham was today named the UK’s most powerful celebrity in the latest Millward Brown celebrity and brand (Cebra) research. The Cebra research now includes a measure of marketability alongside familiarity, affinity, media attention. The study aims to help marketers and media agencies identify celebrities and brand partnerships with the greatest marketplace potential.
Beckham moves up two places in the ranking, booting out pop star Kylie Minogue from the number one position she has held since the research was first conducted in March this year.  “Although living in the USA, Beckham is still an ambassador for England and football which keeps him firmly in the hearts and minds of British people. Despite not playing football during this year’s World Cup, his role as a liaison between management and the players was clearly well received,” says Mark Husak, Media Development Director, Millward Brown Europe.
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