"The Pepsi brand and Microsoft are very energetic, excited-about-life brands," she said.

They now produce Tasali potato chips, as well as distributing other Pepsi brands such as Fritos and Cheetos.

That is, it measures the relative sales strength of a brand within a specific market (e.g., the Pepsi brand among 10-50 year old's).

"And the C-Class is aimed at a younger driver," he added, "so the Pepsi brand was a natural one to select."

Previously, Sierra Mist, a Pepsi brand, was the advertised sponsor.

Two Pepsi brands are in the game, including the one in the Osbournes' commercial, Pepsi Twist, Pepsi's answer to Diet Coke with Lemon.

The company reported double-digit volume growth for Mountain Dew and solid gains for its Pepsi brand.

Television and radio advertising for beverages will be Pepsi brands.

Freshness dates will soon follow on all other Pepsi brands, including the flagship Pepsi-Cola.

Some industry observers said the spinoff of Pepsi's bottling operations limited Mr. Marineau's power within the company to build the Pepsi brands.