Autoblog

Chrysler to veer away from 'Imported From Detroit' message?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

Claim some ground, control that ground and then expand. Chrysler, wandering the Earth like Kane from Kung-Fu when it came to brand message after the bailouts, pulled off the first two feats in only 120 seconds when its "Imported from Detroit" commercial aired during the 2011 Super Bowl. Two years later and now that the brand has a center in the minds of consumers, the Chrysler Group's head of marketing, Olivier Francois, says it's time to move away from the "Detroit" component of that slogan and express the "Imported" aspect.

It is, more precisely, about positioning Chrysler as genuine competition for imports and not Ford or General Motors, but rather Toyota on quality or Audi on technology. A report in Forbes said that Francois not only "wants to attract import owners to Chrysler vehicles by focusing on quality, technology, fuel economy and style," but to "take back the lead in these four things." That is the new understanding he wants people to infer from the idea of Detroit - that the nation's car capital isn't just a patriotic rallying point but a lively competitor for established giants.

Chrysler has been running ads that no longer refer to Detroit, and recent efforts have linked a specific character to each brand - like Jenny with Jeep and Steven with the Chrysler 300 - to create brand separation. Francois hasn't detailed what he plans to do to bolster Chrysler's upscale pretensions, but his efforts would be helped by CEO Sergio Marchionne loosing the pursestrings and the arrival of strong new product.

Chrysler to veer away from 'Imported From Detroit' message? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition is a Sebring swan song

Zach Bowman — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet, Design/Style

The world is set to get an all-new Chrysler 200 next year, thereby finally putting the bones of the long-serving Sebring to rest. To tide us all over until then, the automaker has released the 2013.5 200 S Special Edition. As a collaboration between Chrysler and the Imported from Detroit clothing line, the sedan features plenty of aesthetic tweaks to give it a bit more attitude. Those include tinted headlamp and taillamp housings, body-color door sills and 18-inch gloss black wheels. There's also a revised front fascia with a black mesh grille, while the tail end gets a decklid spoiler and a revised valance.

Indoors, the seats are clad in black, water-resistant fabric courtesy of Carhartt. Expect to see the 2013.5 200 S Special Edition in dealers soon with a price tag of $28,870. While there are plenty of questions to be asked here, one is more nagging than the others. Why bother buying the special edition when an all-new model is mere months away? It's an age-old question, but it still bears asking. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition is a Sebring swan song

2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition is a Sebring swan song originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler 200 Special Edition has 'Imported from Detroit' baked right in

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chrysler, Design/Style

The Chrysler 200 will be getting a complete redesign for the 2014 model year, and as a last hurrah for the current model, Chrysler plans to unveil this sporty-looking version of the sedan at the New York Auto Show. Chrysler and Carhartt, a clothing company headquartered in the Detroit area, are already collaborating on a new "Imported from Detroit" fashion line, and now the two companies are working together to create the 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition.

Starting off with the S package that already includes darker headlight- and taillight- housings, this new styling package actually does a pretty good job spicing up the 200's lines with more aggressive front and rear fascias, platinum exterior accents, body-color rocker panel extensions and gloss black 18-inch wheels. The new front fascia will have a lower chin spoiler and a mesh black grille that features Chrysler's logo prominently centered (standard 200 models feature the logo in the top edge of the grille). Matching the look of the front end, Chrysler has improved the rear styling of the 200 with a decklid spoiler and a fascia that includes a blacked-out diffuser and integrated dual exhaust outlets.

Inside is where Carhartt has contributed, with black, water-resistant fabric on the seats, while other upgrades include numerous gray or black trim pieces replacing most of the 200's shiny chrome bits. The 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition goes on sale shortly after its New York introduction, and it will have a starting price of $28,870 (excluding destination charge). You can read more about the 200 S Special Edition in the press release posted below.

Continue reading Chrysler 200 Special Edition has 'Imported from Detroit' baked right in

Chrysler 200 Special Edition has 'Imported from Detroit' baked right in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler's got a Grand Brand Genius on its hands

George Kennedy — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

Adweek recently held its Brand Genius awards dinner at the Edison Ballroom in New York. At the event, the "10 most memorable and innovative branding efforts" were celebrated, as well as the minds behind them. Taking top honors was Chrysler Chief Marketing Officer, Olivier François, regarded by Adweek as the "branding engine" for the American automaker.

François is the brain behind the "Imported from Detroit" marketing campaign, as well as the "Halftime in America," ad featuring Clint Eastwood. According to Adweek, François and his creations have been integral in Chrysler's resurgence in the market.

Others awarded at this gala included Tim Palen of Lionsgate for his work in promoting The Hunger Games, Lisa Mann of Mondelez International for the centennial celebration for Oreo cookies, and Leslie Berland, who spearheaded the social media initiative for American Express. Yet, it was the Chrysler marketing chief that took top honors, and we look forward to the American automaker's ads in the year to come.

Chrysler's got a Grand Brand Genius on its hands originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Being in Chrysler's Eminem Super Bowl ad changed gospel choir's lives [w/videos]

George Kennedy — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

In 2011, Chrysler unveiled its now-famous "Imported from Detroit" ad during the Super Bowl. The ad that sparked a Motown rallying cry of sorts featured Eminem, the Chrysler 200, and a key musical element; the Selected of God gospel choir. The choir performed Eminem's "Lose Yourself," and in doing so, unwittingly catapulted their careers.

The Detroit Free Press has highlighted how the group became involved with Chrysler, and the subsequent fame that came with the ad. Apparently ad agency Wieden + Kennedy was looking to cast genuine Detroiters rather than actors for the ad campaign, and sought out a bellman, waitresses, and a gospel choir. Larry Callahan, director of the Selected of God choir, answered a casting call to audition for the ad. Only days before the ad ran did they know their full role in the TV spot.

Apparently, while the choir was rehearsing at Detroit's legendary Fox Theater, Eminem walked in. The director though the rapper's presence would distract the group, but they continued to perform. In reaction to this, the ad's creators changed the concept to its final incarnation.

Following the ad, which gained national attention, the choir's fame rose, too. According to Callahan, the number of shows that Selected of God performs per year has gone from a half-dozen to almost 60. The group is debuting its third album, entitled The Evolution II, today, featuring promotion from Walmart and Chrysler, which continues to partner with, and support the choir.

Selected of God has performed at the New York Auto Show, as well as at Chrysler-sponsored events. The choir will be performing at the Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit, with the sponsorship of Chrysler. In addition, the Auburn Hills automaker will once again feature the Selected of God choir in a new ad, titled "Big Finish," which is set to air at the end of the year.

Continue reading Being in Chrysler's Eminem Super Bowl ad changed gospel choir's lives [w/videos]

Being in Chrysler's Eminem Super Bowl ad changed gospel choir's lives [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry Clint and Eminem, your ads were not the most significant for Chrysler [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Jeep, Off-Road

Though it has been the company's star-laden Super Bowl commercials starring Eminem and Clint Eastwood that have garnered the most buzz for Chrysler and its ad agency Wieden + Kennedy, the principals agree that it was a far earlier spot that has made the biggest impact thus far.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and John Jay, Global Executive Creative Director for Wieden + Kennedy, agreed recently that it was the commercial for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that has had the most significant impact for Chrysler in the post-bailout era.

The Grand Cherokee, you'll remember, was the first product introduced by the Chrysler Group coming out of bankruptcy, and was therefore poised to make a big impression - good or bad - on the American public. The Jeep commercial then needed to hammer home the notion of a quality, American-made product, while also laying the groundwork for the Imported from Detroit commercials (of Super Bowl fame) that were still to come. Marchionne called the Jeep commercial "a turning point" and said that it was still being tweaked, right down to the very end.

Watching the spot today (scroll down to have a look), it is easier to see it as a successful foundational piece of the messaging that we're getting from Chrysler today.

Continue reading Sorry Clint and Eminem, your ads were not the most significant for Chrysler [w/video]

Sorry Clint and Eminem, your ads were not the most significant for Chrysler [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Imported from Detroit" wins Grand Effie award for effective advertising

Scott Burgess — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

Chrysler Group's "Imported from Detroit" ad campaign grabbed top honors Wednesday night in New York City, winning the North American Grand Effie Award as the most effective ad in the nation.

"Imported from Detroit was the Grand Effie winner because they sold the product, the category and the city," said Deborah Sandler, President, Mars Chocolate North American and a Grand Effie jury member, in a news release.

Indeed. The two-minute Super Bowl commercial, titled "Born of Fire", created a huge buzz for the city and for the Chrysler 200. The agencies Wieden+Kennedy and Universal McCann created it and Chrysler capitalized on it.

"The success of this campaign has contributed significantly to the company's sales growth over 2010, and as a result of this success, Chrysler has paid off their government bailout six years early," Chrysler said in its entry.

Other automotive winners at the Effie Awards included Porsche grabbing second place in the automotive category for "How Porsche created new relevance for a revered icon," and Chevrolet taking third for "Chevy Volt, it's more than electric."

Kia also grabbed a third-place honor in the Single Impact Engagement category for its "Not your average slam dunk" commercial.

And for those feeling nostalgic, scroll down and check out the original commercial. It still gives us chills. You can also read more about the Effie Awards in the included press release.

Continue reading "Imported from Detroit" wins Grand Effie award for effective advertising

"Imported from Detroit" wins Grand Effie award for effective advertising originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler vs. Pure Detroit "Imported From Detroit" legal dustup settled

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

Chrysler and Pure Detroit have agreed to a settlement in the legal wrangling over Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" tagline. According to The Detroit News, the automaker and T-shirt purveyor have asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuits against one another. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Chrysler had sued the entrepreneurial company in March 2011, after Pure Detroit sought to cash in on the popularity of the phrase following last year's Super Bowl ad featuring Eminem. Chrysler has its own line of "Imported" merchandise, which it has used to fund charitable organizations. Pure Detroit counter-sued and went on selling its wares after a judge refused to grant Chrysler an injunction against the smaller company in June 2011, according to the report. Pure Detroit maintained that Chrysler's campaign "amounts to false advertising," said the News, because none of the vehicles (the 200, 300 and Town & Country) shown in the ads are built within Detroit proper.

The pair of legal combatants had agreed to mediation in March. Their resultant deal should preempt a trial that would have taken place in August.

Chrysler vs. Pure Detroit "Imported From Detroit" legal dustup settled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler and Pure Detroit agree to "Imported From Detroit" mediation

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

Chrysler has a lot of proof that its Detroit-centric brand ads are a big hit, including the potentially illegal use of the "Imported From Detroit" name. Chrysler and clothing company Pure Detroit have been locked in a legal battle over the use of "Imported From Detroit," but it appears the two sides may be willing to settle out of court.

The Detroit News reports that the parties involved have agreed to a March 27 mediation to settle the dispute. An out-of-court settlement might make sense for Chrysler, since the multi-national automaker is dropping the legal hammer on a local Detroit company that is living the "Imported From Detroit" mantra.

The Pure Detroit team has also hit hard with criticisms that the three vehicles featured in the ads were not built in Detroit, though the 200 is built in nearby Sterling Heights. Still, Chrysler has every right to defend its marketing turf, and the automaker is selling its own merchandise, with proceeds going to charity.

If the two sides cannot agree to settle out of court, a trial reportedly won't take place until August.

Chrysler and Pure Detroit agree to "Imported From Detroit" mediation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler working to gain foothold in downtown Detroit with Quicken tycoon Gilbert?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Rumormill

Word has it Chrysler is looking to establish a base of operations in downtown Detroit in a move that would strengthen its "Imported from Detroit" image. The company is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a short hike from downtown proper, but reports say the automaker has signed a lease for 20,000 square feet in the Motor City. (There's no indication that Chrysler is contemplating moving its headquarters and the space on offer wouldn't be enough to do so anyhow). Despite this, according to a bit of rumormongering in Crain's Detroit Business, Chrysler will set up camp in downtown's Dime Building, but not before unleashing an impressive renovation on the structure.

That's not all there is to the story, however. You see, the Dime Building is owned by none other than Dan Gilbert, the founder of Quicken Loans and majority owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. Gilbert was one of a handful of individuals who came together to purchase the $225 million loan against Chrysler World Headquarters back in 2010. Rumors immediately began circulating that Gilbert used his position with the headquarters loan to coerce Chrysler, and more importantly, CEO Sergio Marchionne, into leasing the Dime Building instead of alternative locations within the city. Gilbert, who has been on a real estate binge as of late, is said to be the third largest land owner in Detroit behind General Motors and the city itself.

Quicken Loans has since stated the Dime deal was the result of little more than a strong pitch and Chrysler has also denied any behind-the-scenes influence on the decision.

Chrysler working to gain foothold in downtown Detroit with Quicken tycoon Gilbert? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clint Eastwood stepping in for Eminem in Chrysler Super Bowl ad?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Celebrities

Last year, Chrysler made a big splash in the advertising world with its "Imported From Detroit" campaign, a marketing blitz that kicked off with a Super Bowl spot featuring rapper Eminem behind the wheel of a Chrysler 200 sedan. The campaign jumpstarted a national dialogue about Detroit, went on to win an Emmy, and the tagline has since become a cornerstone of Chrysler's marketing efforts. But according to The Wall Street Journal, the Auburn Hills automaker isn't looking to return to The Big Game with Marshall Mathers - it's going with veteran actor Clint Eastwood.

According to the WSJ, Eastwood will feature in an expansive two-minute long ad and the action will likely center on the actor "giving the country a pep talk." While seemingly every other automaker has already spilled the beans on their Super Bowl marketing efforts, the Pentastar is playing its hand close to the vest, with the WSJ unable to get Chrysler to comment on the story.

Click past the jump for a quick refresher on Chrysler's Super Bowl ad with Eminem from 2011.

Continue reading Clint Eastwood stepping in for Eminem in Chrysler Super Bowl ad?

Clint Eastwood stepping in for Eminem in Chrysler Super Bowl ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Chrysler "Imported From Detroit" ad trades in Eminem for poetry on Thanksgiving

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Luxury

Edgar Albert Guest was a transplanted Detroiter, his family having moved from Birmingham, England to The Motor City well before Detroit earned that nickname. From there, he embraced the city and life itself, penning more than 10,000 poems with titles like "On Quitting" and "It Takes a Heap O' Livin'." His works had simple, inspiring themes that earned him the title of The People's Poet and the only-ever Poet Laureateship of Michigan. And it is he that Chrysler has turned to for its next Imported from Detroit commercial, advertising the 2012 Chrysler 300.

Guest's poem "See it Through," a lash of encouragement for the folks battling World War I, is spoken over snatches of Detroit still-lifes: children swinging, NFL fans tailgating, a grocer in his doorway. Underneath all that, Muddy Waters does a little bit of his version of "Mannish Boy." It doesn't have the shock and grit of Eminem's take, but it's just as good.

In fact, it's so good at recasting images of Detroit that we thought the city itself should do the same for itself, then AdWeek found out someone else already did. Boat Magazine, a biannual English magazine about cities, did its second issue on Detroit. To advertise it, Boat produced a video using voiceover of the same Guest poem and its own quotidian scenes of the city. Chalk up another one for high coincidence. If you missed the commercial during yesterday's Thanksgiving Day Lion's game, you can check it out after the jump - and we've even included the Boat Magazine vid for good measure.

Continue reading Latest Chrysler "Imported From Detroit" ad trades in Eminem for poetry on Thanksgiving

Latest Chrysler "Imported From Detroit" ad trades in Eminem for poetry on Thanksgiving originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New 'Imported from Detroit' commercial touts Chrysler 300's new 8-speed auto

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

Chrysler's latest commercial for the new 300 looks to tout the automaker's new eight-speed automatic transmission for 2012, which offers up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway when paired with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. That's commendable mileage for a large, rear-wheel-drive sedan, and Chrysler deserves credit for making it happen.

The Detroit-based automaker is also still pushing its "Imported from Detroit" tagline, which we like, and, as ever, has homed in on the community aspect by driving the 300 through downtown Detroit and through the suburbs to what appears to be a very nice home somewhere near the city. It's all pretty effective, we think, but there is one glaring issue with the commercial for those paying close attention.

The car pictured in all the driving shots is actually a 2012 Chrysler 300C (as mentioned in the disclaimers), which still comes with a five-speed automatic connected to the much-lauded Hemi V8 engine. There's a quick flash to the new shifter that connects the driver to the eight-speeder, but that's clearly not in the same car we see elsewhere in the ad. We don't really understand why Chrysler made that decision, as all the goodies you'd want to show off can indeed be had with the V6 model, but maybe that's why we're writers and not marketers.

In any case, check out the latest video in Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" series after the break.

Continue reading New 'Imported from Detroit' commercial touts Chrysler 300's new 8-speed auto

New 'Imported from Detroit' commercial touts Chrysler 300's new 8-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler, Eminem team up for 'Imported from Detroit' charity effort

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities

Everyone remembers Chrysler's 'Imported from Detroit' Super Bowl ad that starred rap artist Eminem and featured the new 200 sedan. To build on the success of this ad, the automaker is now launching the Imported from Detroit Project, in conjunction with Eminem, that will highlight events and activities that promote the city of Detroit.

To kick off the IFD Project, Chrysler and Eight Mile Style, LLC - a publisher of Eminem-composed works - have teamed up to create a special, gospel version of the rapper's song "Lose Yourself." Performed by the Selected of God choir (originally featured in the Super Bowl ad), a downloadable version of the song is available through iTunes for $0.99, with proceeds going to benefit three Detroit-based charities: Abayomi Community Development Corporation, The Yunion and Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Foundation.

Along with the iTunes track, Chrysler has released a music video of the Selected of God choir performing the song. Both a trailer and the full-length video are available after the jump, as is the official press release, where you can read more about the specific charities that will benefit from the song's proceeds.

Continue reading Chrysler, Eminem team up for 'Imported from Detroit' charity effort

Chrysler, Eminem team up for 'Imported from Detroit' charity effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi settles Chrysler Eminem ad infringement argument [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST

Audi and Chrysler looked ready to tussle over the German automaker's European commercial for the 2012 Audi A6 Avant. The commercial spot in question had many accusing it of being a bit too close to the Chrysler "Imported from Detroit" campaign that kicked off with Eminem selling the world on Detroit and the automaker's new 200 sedan. What could've been a negative battle has, in fact, become quite a positive for the city of Detroit.

The two automakers won't reveal specific terms of their settlement, but both state that the end result was reached amicably. As a result of their agreement, Audi is going to spend some cash on projects that work directly towards the revitalization of the Motor City.

Need a refresher on both ads? Click past the jump to watch both.

Continue reading Audi settles Chrysler Eminem ad infringement argument [w/video]

Audi settles Chrysler Eminem ad infringement argument [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler legal bid to halt 'Imported From Detroit' merchandise sales falls short

Zach Bowman — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler

Automotive News is reporting that Chrysler has failed to stop a clothing manufacturer from selling "Imported from Detroit" apparel on the grounds of trademark infringement. U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow ruled in favor of Pure Detroit, saying that the automaker's request failed to show that the manufacturer would suffer any irreparable harm by the apparel company's actions. The judge also pointed out that Chrysler doesn't actually have a trademark on the "Imported from Detroit" slogan. After Chrysler aired its ad for the company's 200 during this year's Super Bowl, Pure Detroit began churning out T-shirts. The automaker sued Moda Group in March, and Pure Detroit counter sued in April.

The clothing maker's suit argued that Chrysler doesn't hold a trademark on the phrase in part because of the fact that the slogan is geographical and somewhat misleading, as Chrysler is actually based in Auburn Hills and the 200 is assembled in Sterling Heights. Apparently Judge Tarnow agrees with Pure Detroit's assessment.

Chrysler legal bid to halt 'Imported From Detroit' merchandise sales falls short originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dr. Dre rolls through Los Angeles in new ad for 2012 Chrysler 300S w/ Beats Audio

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

Dr. Dre shows off the 2012 Chrysler 300S with Beats Audio - Click above to watch video after the jump

First it was Eminem and the Chrysler 200. The "Imported from Detroit" campaign kicked off with one of Detroit's favorite sons. Next, the all-new 300 jumped into the spotlight with the help of Ndamukong Suh in Portland, Oregon, and John Varvatos in New York City. Now, it's time for Eminem's mentor, Dr. Dre, and the city of Los Angeles to grab the torch.

The spot is titled "Good Things", and it features Dre riding through LA at night. The format is the same as previous spots, but this time, the car shown is the 2012 Chrysler 300S, which has been fitted with a Dr. Dre-branded Beats Audio system. Click past the jump to watch the rapper-turned-entrepreneur and his pumped-up 300S.

Continue reading Dr. Dre rolls through Los Angeles in new ad for 2012 Chrysler 300S w/ Beats Audio

Dr. Dre rolls through Los Angeles in new ad for 2012 Chrysler 300S w/ Beats Audio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Varvatos brings Attitude to the 2011 Chrysler 300 and the streets of NYC

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

John Varvatos pilots a 2011 Chrysler 300 through NYC - Click above to watch video after the jump

Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" advertising campaign continues to march on. It all started with Eminem hyping up both his city and the new Chrysler 200. Now, the focus is squarely on the (much more worthy) 2011 Chrysler 300, and a new face joins the party. We've seen Detroit Lion Ndamukong Suh take the 300 on a trip back to his Portland, Oregon roots. In a new spot called "Attitude," Detroit-born fashion designer John Varvatos reflects on the inspiration for his clothing.

Growing up in Detroit gave Varvatos an appreciation for all sorts of musical stylings. Moving to New York, he began to intersect his fashion sense with his love for R&B, Rock and Roll and music in general.

John Varvatos and Ndamukong Suh, along with Chrysler, are just two-thirds of the team advertising the new 300. Joining this group later this summer will be Dr. Dre, who will take the 2012 Chrysler 300 S and hit the streets of Los Angeles. For now, click past the jump to check out John Varvatos and the Chrysler 300 in "Attitude."

Continue reading John Varvatos brings Attitude to the 2011 Chrysler 300 and the streets of NYC

John Varvatos brings Attitude to the 2011 Chrysler 300 and the streets of NYC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler seeks injunction to stop sale of 'Imported from Detroit' shirts

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler

Chrysler has asked a judge to enforce a preliminary injunction to prevent clothing store Pure Detroit from selling t-shirts bearing the slogan, "Imported from Detroit." Chrysler asked for the injunction on the grounds that the public may be misled into thinking that the shirts came from Chrysler.

This round of legal squabbling is the latest in a series of trademark battles Chrysler has dealt with since it unveiled the slogan during the Super Bowl. Chrysler filed a lawsuit against Pure Detroit's parent company Moda Group, LLC on March 15.

According to Chrysler, Pure Detroit agreed on Feb. 24 to stop selling the shirts via its website, but hasn't stopped sending them to stores. Chrysler applied for two separate trademarks on the slogan, one for use on cars on November 23, and one for use on clothing on January 18. Pure Detroit says it plans to fight Chrysler's injunction.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler seeks injunction to stop sale of 'Imported from Detroit' shirts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler puts the kybosh on Jeep dealer's 'Imported from Toledo' schtick

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Jeep, Off-Road

Chrysler has reportedly brought the hammer down on a group of Ohio Jeep dealers who cooked up their own version of the company's "Imported from Detroit" slogan for the brand's 70th anniversary. According to the Toledo Blade, Jeep dealers in the Buckeye State are being told the riff will weaken the impact of Chrysler's most popular ad slogan in decades.

Chrysler has also made known that it is also not okay with word of a Wrangler with the slogan emblazoned on its doors driving on to the ice at Toledo Walleyes minor league hockey games. The slogan reportedly originated from Monroe Dodge Superstore in Monroe, Michigan (a short drive from Toledo), when owner Ralph Mahalak Jr., had 600 of the shirts printed up as part of a celebration to introduce Chrysler's 16 new or redesigned 2011 models.

The shirts were selling for $19.41 a piece as a tribute to Jeep's birth year, and were emblazoned with the "imported from Toledo" slogan and "Jeep 70th Anniversary." To stave off a trademark battle, Mahalak has apparently agreed to give the shirts away to anyone who test drives a Jeep, and then kill the slogan.

[Source: Toledo Blade via Jalopnik]

Report: Chrysler puts the kybosh on Jeep dealer's 'Imported from Toledo' schtick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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