Musk's Twitter takeover—how Ford, GM, Volkswagen and other automakers are responding

Several automakers have been quick to reevaluate their advertising relationships with Twitter now that the social media giant is controlled by one of their most significant competitors: Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk. Here's what some have said so far. Volkswagen Group: The German automaker, whose brands include VW and Audi, said Friday that it has recommended its brands pause paid advertising on Twitter until further notice in the wake of Musk's takeover. "We are closely monitoring the situation and will decide about next steps depending on its evolvement," Europe's top carmaker said in a statement. Ford Motor Co.: A spokesperson told CNBC last week that the automaker is not currently advertising on the platform and had not been before Musk's deal. In a statement to Ad Age, Ford said: "We will continue to evaluate the direction of the platform under the new ownership. Meanwhile, we continue to engage with our consumers on the platform." Related: More Twitter advertisers pause campaigns General Motors: The largest U.S. automaker temporarily halted paid advertising on Twitter after Musk completed his takeover, it said on Oct. 28. GM said it was "engaging with Twitter to understand the direction of the platform under their new ownership. As is normal course of business with a significant change in a media platform, we have temporarily paused our paid advertising." Ad Age Next: CMO Get your tickets for the Dec. 7 event in New York Register here Stellantis: The owner of Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram had continued to advertise on Twitter as of mid-week. In a statement to Ad Age, the company said: "We consistently monitor all social media channels in which our brands actively participate through our advertising agencies. This vigilance will continue under Twitter's new leadership." Nissan Motor Co.: The company declined to comment on Twitter advertising specifically but released a statement saying, "Nissan does not share our go-to market strategy externally. However, we regularly evaluate and adjust advertising efforts, regarding how and where we showcase Nissan’s product portfolio, to best connect with consumers." Related: Advertisers should pause Twitter ads, says Mediabrands American Honda Motor Co.: In a statement, the automaker said: "We have advertised on Twitter in the past and continually evaluate our paid social media strategy. Right now, Twitter is not a part of our mix." Hyundai Motor America: In a statement earlier this week, the automaker said: "Hyundai is carefully tracking any changes on Twitter, as we do with all marketing platforms, to ensure it remains an appropriate part of our marketing and communications strategy." Toyota Motor Corp: The automaker has not responded to multiple requests for comment from Ad Age. Reporting from Ad Age and Automotive News.

Musk's Twitter takeover—how Ford, GM, Volkswagen and other automakers are responding

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