There are two principal ways advertisers are trying to create value for consumers on the web — and they must create value because, you know, consumers are in control. On the web, advertisers can provide entertainment or information. How effective is advertising as information on the web? See Google’s $15B in ad revenue — an $5.19 billion in ad revenue in Q1 2008. The technology of web search enabled advertisers to create value for consumers in a way that was never possible in analogue media.

Washington - XM Satellite Radio, which now claims over 8.5 million subscribers, said on Thursday that Toyota will include XM Radio as a standard feature on its 2009 Corolla and Matrix vehicles that come with a premium audio system. The XM NavTraffic service will also be available as an option on Corolla and Matrix vehicles equipped with a navigation system. Toyota's annual factory production of XM-equipped vehicles is expected to exceed one million by 2010.

Detroit - Toyota on Thursday launched two new versions of its Scion brand, simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and in the virtual world Second Life. The company held a virtual press conference within Second Life at the same time as the real-world event in Chicago. The virtual Scion xB and xD cars can be purchased in Second Life for 300 "Linden dollars," equivalent to $1 U.S. dollar. "That's our target demographic -- people who do things first. Trendsetters are instrumental in promoting brands," Adrian Si, Scion's interactive marketing manager, told Reuters.

Washington - Just a day after announcing a new 10-year pact with American Honda, XM Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite radio service to more than 7.6 million subscribers, said on Wednesday that it has signed a similar deal with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. The latest deal extends the current partnership between XM and Toyota through 2017. XM is the factory-installed satellite radio provider for Toyota and Lexus vehicle models. Toyota said that its annual products of XM-equipped vehicles is expected to exceed one million by 2010.