Chrysler No. 56 on 101 Dumbest Moments in Business list
Fortune has called the notorious, dog-frying Dodge Nitro commercial done by BBDO Netherlands the 56th Dumbest Moment in Business. If you initially missed this story and are jjust hearing about the spot for the first time, you might think Fortune iseither picking on Chrysler or that it was an exceedingly smart year for business, because how could a car commercial be that dumb? Then you'll watch it and understand.
We continue to laugh at the absurdity that several groups of really smart people gave that commercial an "A.O.K.!" If they just would have gone with the idea that lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice, they might have been all right. And the point they were trying to make was obvious after the first hit -- but really, folks, does no one at BBDO Netherlands own a dog or get Atlanta Falcons football games on satellite?
Chrysler pulled the ad (long before it made the Fortune list), saying it "didn't have full knowledge of the ad's existence." We'll set aside the issue of how you only have partial knowledge of an ad. The other claim could have been that it was meant to be a Europe-only ad -- but at this point, if the ad people still need more lessons in The Internet Goes Everywhere 101, then making 'shocking' commercials is probably the least of Chrysler's concerns. Still, we're kinda surprised that this is one of the dumbest things in business all year...
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Quote the Raven 10:38AM (12/19/2007)
Never saw the ad, and the clip is no longer available. Anyone know where to see it at?
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iSpec 10:41AM (12/19/2007)
People oughta be more offended that Chrysler sought to fry consumers by offering the Nitro, the first vehicle every tested by Consumer Reports that had not one 'Pro' and a laundy list of 'cons'. Whether you consider Consumers legitimate or not it is quite amazing that a modern SUV didn't receive even one positive comment from an auto publication.
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whofan 4:16PM (12/19/2007)
I guess if you actually can believe Consumer reports that could be true.
Consumer reports at best is only a product guide to let you know whats out there. I bought their top rated washing machine a few years back. I bought it twice really, with repairs it needed. I now have a low rated replacement (low rated by CR) but reconmended by my dealer. Hands down its a better washing machine.
iSpec 4:39PM (12/19/2007)
The Nitro is worse than your twice repaired washing machine and your twice repaired washing machine doesn't coast $25,000!
Frank 4:40PM (12/19/2007)
Consumer Reports not = auto publication
Maybe a toaster publication (then again maybe not).
RicardoHead 10:44AM (12/19/2007)
Found a working link. I thought it would be worse than it is, though ....
http://www.vidilife.com/video_play_1052957_Banned_Dodge_Nitro_Ad.htm
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Quote the Raven 12:44PM (12/19/2007)
Thanks, yeah that wasn't all that bad. I like the Ford Sport Ka commercial with the cat in the sunroof much more! Although I think that wasn't put out by Ford.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dzi_8Rscfs
tankd0g 10:45AM (12/19/2007)
Amazingly they seem to have been able to get youtube to clean it off their servers. I would have made a follow up where the dog comes back and does a number 2 on the hood of that ugly POS.
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danms6 10:57AM (12/19/2007)
Wasn't this ad made even funnier since it came out the same week as news of the Michael Vick crap?
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Guenther 11:02AM (12/19/2007)
just an unimaginative copy of the sweet Ka ads.
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wrussi 11:11AM (12/19/2007)
great job dodge making a commercial as "innovative" as the nitro itself haha!
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1337 11:44AM (12/19/2007)
Hey, it's not like they have any good qualities to present.
The Dodge Nitro...
-is slow
-is small inside
-is big outside
-is ugly
-is rough riding
-is bad off road
-kills dogs
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Chaz 11:52AM (12/19/2007)
Everyone's saying Ka, and the inspiration's there, but it's reminds me more of this Honda HR-V ad from a few years ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOsa4V64P9Q
Only difference is that Dodge's (BBDO's) execution is in poor taste, as I've found many of their dodge spots to be. Where Arnold's VW campaign made me seriously consider an unreliable car (albeit with numerous plus points), this Dodge campaign does nothing for this dismal line of cars. IMHO, the Nitro and the Caliber are vying for position of worst new car available.
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BowserUSC 6:32PM (12/19/2007)
Ha ha, that ad is hilarious compared to the nitro one.
2004m3driver 12:01PM (12/19/2007)
Car is an atrocity. But no dog got hurt in this commercial jeez give em break you animal lovers.
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Cornholio 12:15PM (12/19/2007)
Michael Vick would be proud.
That's really in poor taste. I question any ad agency that would suggest, let alone produce, an ad like this.
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J M C 3 12:16PM (12/19/2007)
Reinforces Dodge's tough image as a kind of blue collar,rock and roll ,mullet haired brand.
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Xcountryflyer 2:32PM (12/19/2007)
The ad is bad, the Nitro is bad, Chrysler product is bad. A general theme. They should hire Vick as a spokesperson.
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BowserUSC 6:31PM (12/19/2007)
Honeslty, I thought all the nitro adds were awful. They were just stupid like this one.
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makfu 12:34AM (12/20/2007)
As a dog person, I really have to say that is just freakin awful.
What the hell is wrong with Chrysler?
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