Cars are freakin’ cool.

Our cars are a reflection of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going. The interior. The exterior. And especially under the hood. Cars make statements without saying a word. “Freedom.” “Status.” “Mid-life crisis.” People fall in love with cars long before they're even old enough to drive. So it’s no wonder this machine springboards such creativity. FKM’s The Ride is a showcase of two things: 1) The automobile as the spark for creative genius. 2) fkm’s enthusiasm to be a part of the AutoZone review. So buckle up, hang on and enjoy.

Our time with #2 – Advance Auto Parts®

We know your industry. For five years, FKM was Agency of Record for Advance Auto Parts, which means we know the business of automotive replacement parts and accessories.

During our time with Advance, we created a distinctive, memorable campaign, “We're Ready in Advance,” which served as a rallying cry for store managers and employees alike. Same-store sales rose 3.1% the first year, 6.1% the next and 9.0% in the third year. The campaign earned a positive rating from 94% of respondents in copy tests.

Now we want to work with the leader in the category – AutoZone^®.

Smokey Yunick

This NASCAR mechanical genus was considered the "Best Damn Race Car Mechanic" who worked out of the "Best Damn Garage In Town," in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Cleaning the Battery

Can Dr. Pepper substitute for Coca-Cola as a battery-cleaning agent?

FKM created ads even the Pentagon noticed.

For the AAP 500 at Martinsville, FKM arranged to have "live" broadcast coverage of an Advance Auto Parts District Manager serving in Iraq to be the race's Grand Marshall. Positioned in front of two tanks dressed in Advance banners, two AAP managers were shown on national FOX TV asking their troops "Are you ready?!" (tying to the brand theme). So many people noticed the Advance presence that the Pentagon forbade similar approaches the Monday after the race.

SNL: Mechanics Bedtime Story

Car vs. Fruit Stand

The team at mythbusters take on Hollywood’s “car crash into a fruit stand.”

The strongest car-pulling beard in Lithuania.

FKM gave Advance a strong NASCAR presence.

FKM created a custom brand integration campaign for Advance Auto with SPEED, the Advance Cutaway Car. This car was used before each NASCAR race by top team managers to demonstrate car setups, etc. Sort of like a pre-game football show. The car went on tour – drawing crowds of visitors at each NASCAR race. All without having to sponsor a $16-20MM race car.

The Houston Art Car Parade

Houston, our headquarters, is home to the world’s oldest and largest Art Car Parade. Our town is crazy about cars. Literally, cuckoo.

Supercharged Suburban

Need to get the kids to soccer practice faster? Try this red GMC Suburban from the guys at Lingenfelter. Its 9.9 liter V8 engine goes from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds – comparable to some Ferraris.

Rock knew mechanics.

Rock Hudson served with the U.S. Navy as a mechanic during World War Two. His father was an auto mechanic.

FKM made Advance wiper blades sales rain.

Top 5 Most Famous Cars of All Time

1. 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback: Gone in 60 Seconds

2. 1981 DeLorean DMC 12: Back To The Future

3. 1963 Volkswagen Beetle: The Herbie series

4. 1969 Dodge Charger: The Dukes Of Hazzard

5. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: Knight Rider

Economics and the Future of Car Repair

Economic theory says that as the supply of Priuses becomes more abundant, the costs associated with repairing its uncommon transmission should decrease.

Jason Bourne Car Chase

FKM works at the speed of your business.

FKM produced 400 radio spots a year for Advance Auto Grand Openings program, all produced quickly and cost-effectively in-house (both in Spanish and English).

Automobile History

It is estimated that over 100,000 patents created the modern automobile.

Let the Good Times Roll

Drummer David Robinson came up with the name "The Cars," which led to automobile-related puns. Lead singer Ric Ocasek said of the name, "It's so easy to spell; it doesn't have a 'z' on the end; it's real authentic. It's pop art, in a sense."