Smartphone technology has given way to a new channel through which to communicate with buyers and enable commerce. The fascination around mobile marketing started with quick response (QR) codes and has graduated to mobile commerce. Marketers across a variety of business segments are beginning to look at QR codes as a "silent salesperson" that can bring a competitive edge. For print/marketing services providers, QR codes open a new value proposition relative to return on marketing investment.

Last year, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled new window stickers that will be present on all vehicles starting in 2013. In the future, all automotive window stickers will feature a QR code that can be read by the smartphone of a prospective car buyer. The redesigned window stickers, required on all 2013 models, will enable consumers to quickly compare fuel savings for different types of vehicles (whether they rely on gasoline or some type of alternative fuel) from a mobile device. For example, the labels display estimates of how much fuel or electricity would be required to drive 100 miles and how much time is needed to charge plug-in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.

Figure 1: Sample Automotive Sticker with QR Code