Party's Over: Chrysler to stop theatrical debuts at auto shows
The folks at Chrysler have proven that they know how to make a BIG splash when debuting a new production vehicle or concept car. They've driven a Jeep through a plate glass window... twice; showered the automotive press with so much confetti that we were pooping paper for a week; employed clowns, bands and B-list celebrities up the wazoo; and at the most recent Detroit Auto Show in January, drove a herd of cattle up the street for the debut of the new 2009 Dodge Ram. All of these big debuts are meant to attract media attention, and that they do very well. But the word from Chrysler LLC CEO Robert Nardelli is that the party's over. Going forward, Chrysler will tone down its debuts to focus on the products and save a bit of coin by nixing the big-budget theatrics. Sources inside Chrysler note that Nardelli and his right-hand man Jim Press aren't into the pyrotechnics, confetti and glass-breaking debuts that have made Chrysler press conferences famous in the past. We can't help but thinking that the recent departure of Jason Vines from the Vice President of Communications position has something to do with this. Vines was a funny man and knew how to become the center of attention in a crowded room, which is exactly what these sort of press conferences accomplished. Hopefully Chrysler decides not to nix Happy Hour at the Firehouse after the Detroit Auto Show press days, as well. We can live without fireworks, but not free beer.
[Source: Chrysler Weblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dwightB 3:58PM (4/26/2008)
Here's a novel idea. Cut down on the BS and deliver an attractive and good quality vehicle. Ever think of THAT one over at the five star headquarters?!
Reply
iOrange 4:25PM (4/26/2008)
I think that is the idea..
Xcountryflyer 1:52PM (4/28/2008)
Obviously saving money and cutting budgets is a big priority there right now...
I second the idea of building better cars too though.
ugg.tryptophan 4:40PM (4/26/2008)
furthering the pussification of american car companies
Reply
ugg.tryptophan 4:48PM (4/26/2008)
that makes too much sense
Reply
matt 5:03PM (4/26/2008)
so they're taking away the only parts of the Chrysler car unveils that I ever cared about? pfft.
I can only hope that this is the beginning of a great plan to bring themselves back to the mopar glory days...
Reply
zamafir 9:50PM (4/26/2008)
that's the exact problem, people should be caring about the PRODUCT at the reveals not the b film antics.
Austin 5:46PM (4/26/2008)
This is probably because the cows started humping one another in Detriot. lol
Reply
caseyg83 10:54PM (4/26/2008)
That's a shame but maybe the next Durango can be driven on stage by the lii'hoon in the story above, bet he'd do it for like 20 bucks
Reply
Gargamello 3:25AM (4/27/2008)
Maybe for their next shocking promo they should build a gas station that sells gas for less than $3.
Reply
camron Flanders 11:58AM (4/27/2008)
looks like that truck has saddle bags!
Reply
jon 4:14PM (4/27/2008)
They killed Camp Jeep for 09. Bastards.
Reply
Chase 1:10PM (4/30/2008)
Good article, followed by old and tired, idiotic comments.
Reply