The Car Exam News #38: Olivier Francois markets Chrysler, and the Lincoln MKT as a Limo?

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Olivier Francois markets Chrysler: Automotive News has an interesting story about the Chrysler brand CEO (to the left in the photo above), and how he has moved Chrysler's marketing in a new, daring direction--especially convincing Detroit rapper, Eminem, and his people to go along with the idea for the successful two-minute Chrysler 200 Super Bowl Ad. Francois looks pretty bright right about now--will this be sign of positive things to come for the Chrysler brand? It's too early to tell, but if his strategy gets buyers into Chrysler showrooms, then it just may be the correct strategy.

Source: Automotive News (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110221/OEM02/110229997/1302) 2/21/11



The Lincoln MKT as a limo? Automotive News reports that's what Lincoln is trying to convince potential limo customers. It will replace the departing Town Car with the MKT for limo duty, but it doesn't seem like those potential buyers are crazy about the idea, calling their responses "lukewarm."



According to the report, the Lincoln MKT has sold poorly since it went on sale in 2009, with just over 7,000 MKT's being sold in 2010. The styling of the MKT is polarizing, to say the least, and Ford/Lincoln's attempt to sell the idea to limo companies just may backfire.

Source: Automotive News (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110218/OEM04/110219843/1256/OEM02) 2/18/11

P. Scott

Consumer and Car Exam News # 33: Chrysler 200 ad a big hit--especially with dealers, and Chevrolet keeps adding special Camaros

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Chrysler dealers are taking advantage of the 200's good fortune: Automotive News reports that Chrysler had a popular ad with its Chrysler 200 Super Bowl commercial featuring the rapper, Eminem, and dealers are doing a lot to try to take advantage of its success. Chrysler deals are trying to draw customers by printing t-shirts, sending lots of emails to customers and more. Chrysler's ad agency, Wieden + Kennedy has also stated there have been over five million views of the ad on YouTube.com.

Source: Automotive News (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110214/RETAIL07/302149934/1250) 2/14/11



Chevrolet keeps putting more heat on the Ford Mustang with the Camaro: Automotive News is also reporting that Chevrolet will come out with a limited-edition Camaro every six months to keep interest in the car strong, and keep the current Camaro development evolving. It was just last week at the Chicago Auto that Chevy revealed plans to sell the new supercharged, 550 hp 2012 Camaro ZL1, and it will also be selling 500 replicas of the 2011 Indianapolis 500 Camaro Pace Car this spring (the V6 Synergy model will also probably make a comeback in the spring, as well), and possibly another 2012 Camaro based on The Transformers movie sequel may debut this summer.

Source: Automotive News (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110214/RETAIL03/302149946/1156) 2/14/11

P. Scott