Annual growth in the USA on online B2B marketing spend is forecast to rise by 8% in 2010, with 14% growth by 2012 and total online spending reaching 12% of the marketing mix by 2013.

Although these figures cover the US market, it seems reasonable to assume that other western economies will follow a similar pattern.

Interestingly, this particular survey also highlighted the fact that around two thirds of marketers believe that online needs to be supported by traditional marketing activities to be successful.

We’re seeing a similar pattern emerge among our clients: there’s a lot of interest in online P.R. and advertising, which is tempered by continued support for the print media. In many respects the view is that coverage in the trade and technical print media still represents an important part of the marketing mix, continuing to deliver strong and credible messages.

Where online scores is in its immediacy; it’s ideal for urgent product launches or for covering corporate news stories. Conversely, the B2B print media – at least those that have not sold out entirely to the god of colour separations – provide an increasingly valuable platform for addressing subjects such as longer term industry issues, technical subjects and the impact of legislation.

Although the shift from print to online will inevitably increase in the next few years there will be an important role for both – something that offers excellent opportunities for building market profile and, through careful use of dedicated online tools, the generation of sales enquiries.

Published in this Month’s Management Today magazine – and online at the link below – this article takes a look at some of the changes that we might see in the future, with predictions from ten leading futurologists.

From technology that enables you to chat to your TV, microwave and garage door (devices that I hadn’t previously thought as great conversationalists), to video visors and systems that will allow you to microchip children and receive scents through your computer, there’s an intriguing range of suggestions.

Here’s where you can find the full article:

http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/975308/tomorrows-world-future-technology/

Commercial Vehicle Engineer is written for transport engineers and fleet managers running UK-based fleets of trucks, light commercial vehicles, buses and coaches. 

Editor David Wilcox and Managing Editor Tim Blakemore are prominent road transport journalists who also have extensive experience of commercial vehicle engineering and operations. 

According to David Wilcox the online magazine will provide a unique combination of news, analysis and comment on commercial vehicles and  aftermarket.  

To see the launch issue please click here: www.cvengineer.com

Needless to say at 4CM we’ll be doing our best to ensure that we achieve editorial coverage in Commercial Vehicle Engineer for our clients working in the transport sector.