What's Wrong With This Picture: The Price of Optimism Edition

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: November 10th, 2009

what s wrong with this picture the price of optimism edition

While reading through some of our analysis of Chrysler’s five-year plan, you may have found yourself wondering “what did the Pentastar boyz do to convince you of their company’s viability plan besides flash PowerPoint slides at you for seven hours?” To fully comply with TTAC’s stringent disclosure standards, we present Chrysler’s material compensation for the seven hours that auto journalists most wish they had back.

The only two items of real value are a wireless mouse in the shape of a Fiat 500 and a Chrysler-branded USB storage drive. The USB drive uses real aluminum, giving it a heft that is clearly intended to signify the Chrysler brand’s new, up-market positioning. But when was the last time you saw real aluminum trim inside a Chrysler? Continuing the push to portray Chrysler as a luxury brand are the new Chrysler 300 and Town and Country brochures, which are printed on a heavy stock and covered in a faux-leather paper product. Again, why not just spend this money on the cars themselves? Though it’s difficult to tell from the picture, the blue-covered documents are a three-inch-high stack of presentation slides, a handy reminder of my seven hours in PowerPoint Hell. Oh yes, and the New New Chrysler had one more journo-softening outlay, courtesy of the Fiat caterers: a delicious Northern Italian luncheon that one veteran described as “the best junket lunch ever.” Orzo, cannelloni alla funghi, imported salamis, Piedmont-style asparagus and more. Did these perks and treats affect our coverage? Decide for yourself:

Chrysler Financial Plans: Leveraged Assumptions

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Chrysler Brand: Refresh and Market Like Hell

Dodge Brand: Refresh and Market Like Hell

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Dodge Marketing Explained: Sort Of

Dodge Versus Ram Case Study: Nitro

Chrysler: The Powertrain Plans

Fiat 500: The Littlest Bailout Baby

What’s Wrong With This Picture: Planning Sales Edition

Sergio’s Plea for Optimism

#Chrysler #FiveYearPlan #Media #Optimism #Perks #SergioMarchionne #Swag

Edward Niedermeyer

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2 of 12 comments

Accs on Nov 10, 2009

I could use the keydrive.. over 8g please. At least it would outlast a Chrysler vehicle...

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Stingray on Nov 11, 2009

Since at this time the 500 mouse has already been requested (and having not updated since 7:30 local time) Dibs on the flash drive.

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