Dr. Z Hospitalized

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

Daimler’s Dieter Zetsche arrived at NAIAS with his left arm in a sling. What happened? Too much arm wrestling with unions or suppliers? Nah, that would be the right arm. Turns out, Dr. Z was injured by a woman. On the ski slopes in Austria, a female snowboarder had crashed into Zetsche. Left shoulder fractured. Dr. Z wore a helmet, which avoided more serious damage.

Germany’s BILD Zeitung reports that doctors at the Austrian hospital prescribed at least 6 weeks of strict convalescence. Says BILD: “Daimler’s boss ignored them. He popped some pain killers, flew to Detroit with shoulder and arm bandaged. Courageously, he presented the new Mercedes products.”

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Philadlj Philadlj on Jan 13, 2010

    Abusing painkillers, then boarding a private jet to an auto show in Detroit teeming with subpar products unveiled by former partner Chrysler...by GUM that's courageous! Had his mustache been in a cast, moreso!

  • Superbadd75 Superbadd75 on Jan 13, 2010

    At least he's not fielding questions from soccer moms.

  • Andy D Andy D on Jan 13, 2010

    Wanna know what is funny? I know of 3 Dr Zs. Only 2 are douchebags

  • Rocketrodeo Rocketrodeo on Jan 13, 2010

    Frickin' snowboarders. How does a snowboarder introduce himself? "Sorry, dude." /skis straight boards

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