Well, this popped up in the tips box late yesterday afternoon and piqued our curiosity. According to spies in the ether, the $20 million direct/CRM portion of the Nissan/Infiniti account, which has been handled by TBWA\Chiat\Day like basically all other components of the automaker’s ad business, is up for review. When reached, the TBWA camp referred all inquiries to Nissan, and a spokesperson would only go so far as to tell us (and reiterate it on second inquiry) that “as a matter of policy we do not discuss matters involving our Purchasing operations.” So…you’re saying there’s a chance?
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the direct/CRM business, the Nissan rep did assure us that TBWA\Chiat\Day is the brand’s agency of record (as well as for Infiniti, of course). In fact, both agency and client’s relationship has expanded as Nissan recently selected TBWA to resurrect its long-lost Datsun brand. The agency’s \London and \HAKUHODO offices will steer the ship for Datsun. As for the direct/CRM, we’ll keep you posted if and when we hear more.