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Chrysler confirmed Wednesday that the controversial "Ask Dr. Z" ad campaign will continue through the end of the year. Steve Miller of Brandweek reports that the current TV and radio spots, which haven't exactly received widespread acclaim, will continue at least through September 5, after which the camapign moves into a new phase. According to a Chrysler marketing communications representative, "Dr. Z could be used to promote some of our upcoming products, like the Aspen and the Nitro."

The $100 million campaign, which also covers the Chrysler Group's "Dream Car Sweepstakes" giveaway, has been criticized for its largely unsuccessful attempt to turn one of the auto industry's most respected executives into a standup comedian and comic book character.

Meanwhile, Chrysler Group sales remain on life-support.

[Source: Brandweek]

Chrysler launches "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes

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Or new Chrysler Sebring? Or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited? Chrysler has announced the kickoff of its "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes that will run between August 15 and September 4. Entering involves visiting a Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep dealership and picking up an entry code that you then plug into the "Ask Dr. Z" website. A total of nice vehicles will be given away, three of each model.

Though many pundits have already called Chrysler's "Ask Dr. Z" campaign a failure because of the automaker's disappointing sales figures for July, Chrysler is quick to point out that traffic to its websites are up and Web leads have increased by 27 percent. Its own research reveals that 83 percent of in-market consumers find DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche credible and believable. A contest involving the giveaway of three Dodge Challengers seems to us a surefire way to increase the site's web traffic tenfold and drive people into dealerships, even if only to pick up an entry code.

[Source: The Chrysler Group]

Along with the announcement of its summer sales incentives today, Chrysler also unveiled its "Ask Dr. Z" national ad campaign that features the company's Chairman, Dieter Zetsche, as the spokesperson. The ads mark the first time DaimlerChrysler will be communicating what it believes are the benefits of the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler that formed it. That means highlighting the level of both American and German engineering and design in each Chrysler product.

While we think it's fair to say the press knows Dr. Zetsche is a likeable guy, it's unclear how the Chairman's handlebar mustache and German accent will play in Peoria. We'll find out soon enough, as the campaign kicks off tomorrow with 60- and 30-second "tri-brand" commercials, newspaper and magazine ads, internet advertising, and a www.AskDrZ.com url that will be plastered on the hood and side of Dodge Charger NASCAR race cars in the coming weeks.

A full press release can be found after the jump...

[Source: Chrysler]