Friday, December 18, 2009

The new politics of Chrysler

As an American past the half century mark, I have seen a lot of classic American cars in my life time and I have seen a lot of classic automobile advertising. But I have yet to fathom what is going on with Chrysler of late.



I say that I have yet to fathom it, but that is only half true. I fathom the part aimed at the politics of seeking the freedom of a socialist revolutionary all right. The part I find hard to fathom? Is precisely why the new Chrysler motor company is investing a major advertising campaign, based upon a political prisoner in a third tier country.

Many may have forgotten the recent history of Chrysler, but last year this time, Chrysler was on its death bed. Then in stepped Barack Obama who mandated that Chrysler take on the partnership of Italian auto maker Fiat? Or else there would be no taxpayer funded bailout for Chrysler.

Now, fast forward about nine months? And here we have what use to be the American Chrysler corporation, pitching its lineup under the banner of Fiat and Obama's tutelage and hustling socialist oriented political ads as it's supposed means of generating interest in the new product. I first remember seeing these ads about two weeks ago and now it seems like they are airing daily.

Does this pitch by Chrysler make me feel all warm and fuzzy and ready to run down to the local Chrysler dealership to buy a new Chrysler product? I don't think so.

Call me old fashioned? But I liked Chrysler better? When the answer to the question...."Does that thing got a Hemi in it?" was yes, rather than what I see being the standard question being asked now. Which is, "do those things have a commie in them?"

You decide for yourself. I already have. My last three vehicles have been either Dodge trucks or Jeeps, but not anymore based upon what I am seeing behind this company now. Like I said, I am an old head. I have been watching and admiring American made cars for almost fifty years. I remember when the Oldsmobile ads of the early 1980's touted the tag line in their commercials that said...."This isn't your father's Oldsmobile." As a result, Oldsmobile lost a lot of market share over a seeming advertising coup that turned into an advertising blunder.

I could care less if some dissident is being held on house arrest in Burma when I am looking to buy a new car. What I am looking for is price, quality, durability and company track record. And I am no longer seeing that with Chrysler. And I don't think that I am the only one based upon the most recent and continuing sales figures for Chrysler.

Workers of the world? Buy a Chrysler. Mean while here in America? I'll look elsewhere.

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