A gasoline giveaway in the Northeast, a flying car prototype, and a week of music in Detroit were among the items promoted by automakers recently.

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[naviga:li]Nissan is employing an unusual strategy to try to get drivers to consider switching to electric vehicles such as its LEAF model: giving away free gasoline. The automaker says the promotion is intended to illustrate the freedom of not having to pay for fuel. The "Kick Gas" campaign will visit five states in the Northeast, including Connecticut, during the summer. Drivers can follow the #KickGas hashtag to follow Nissan's updates on which gas stations are taking part in the effort.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Toyota is backing an effort to develop a flying car in time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The automaker has invested in the startup Cartivator Resource Management, which is hoping to create a "Sky Drive" airborne vehicle whose driver will be able to light the Olympic torch. Toyota also intends to have autonomous vehicles available to transport athletes between the Olympic village and their sporting venues as well as various other sites around Tokyo.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Ford recently supported a week of musical events in Detroit. The automaker was the presenting sponsor of the 72nd League of American Orchestras National Conference as well as the inaugural Detroit Music Weekend. At the former event, Ford presented five orchestra musicians with $75,000 as part of its second annual Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service.[/naviga:li]

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