Lee Iacocca and... SNOOP DOGG?

[mchastek]

Yes, it's true. Former Chyrsler CEO Lee Iacocca and platinum-selling rapper Snoop Dogg have combined forces for an upcoming commercial for Chrysler. In a twist on Iacocca's hit phrase from the 80s, "If you can find a better car, buy it," Snoop Dogg uses the phrase "If the ride is more fly, then you must buy."

Here is the article from the Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0508/05/A01-270715.htm

What do you think about this unlikely duo? Will Chrysler benefit from this new campaign with Iacocca?

[Carcanuck]

Oh yes...talk about viral/buzz marketing!

[UpBus.com]

Saw the ad.

Not a big fan of Snoop but the ad was as fresh as anything else the factories have been putting out. I find many of GM's TV ads to be particularly poor but at least I remember them for how poor they are...can't even recall one Ford ad as I type this.

I'm always amazed at the disconnect between the marketing and sales departments. Who gives a rats backside if your ad wins an award if it doesn't sell cars ;-)

[Centerfield]

It's a brilliant move. Amongst a significant portion of the younger generation, Snoop Dogg's "coolness" credentials are high. His well-publicized call to Dieter Zetsche turned the 300C into the urban It car. The ad capitalizes on that, and could result in some younger folks considering Chrysler as a purchase.

http://lacar.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=506

[mchastek]

Great set of opinions! I agree, as unusual as the commercial is, the association between the younger crowd's icon and the older crowd's icon is much like "the best of both worlds" in terms of comsumer appeal. Ever since the hip-hop crowd has embraced many of the Cadillac (Escalade, etc) and Chrysler (300C, etc) models, the average age of buyers has significantly dropped. The entertainment industry's affect on consumers is not something to take lightly!

[kgreen]

I think the only people that hate it is the ad agencies. I heard alot of people talking about it this weekend and everyone likes the Iacocca ad's

[Carcanuck]

All I know is that I cannot help but smile every time I see it! ""If the ride is more fly, then you must buy."...LOVE IT!

[mchastek]

I think the only people that hate it is the ad agencies. I heard alot of people talking about it this weekend and everyone likes the Iacocca ad's

Out of curiousity - what agencies do you know of that dislike the ad?

[Paul12801]

On a personal level, I like Snoop Dogg and Lee, on a professional level, I think its a smart move! Win Win situation if you ask me!

[DMD]

I am not so sure Chrysler will have quite the image and popular ad you might think? Yes, most everyone under 50 knows who Snoop Dog is, but many younger buyers Snoop hasn't been relevant in music for a long time. I don't think he has had a song that has really resonated with young kids 16-24 in at least 5-7 years. In todays pop culture "if you aren't fly than the buying public will say bye bye" - to play off of Snoops line in his ads with Iacocca. I would have gone with a new face to the world of Rap, and one that is a little cleaner in image than a guy who openly promotes pot use and a guy who pushes Girls Gone Wild videos. I'm not a prude but if I was in the ad decision dept. of DaimlerChrysler I would have done a face that has more broad based appeal than Snoop.

[bobbybob]

They made a good choice.

Snoop Dogg really has been a staple in the game, he has the flow and he is charismatic. Ultimately, he is not only an icon in the rap game but the most successful crossover celebrity in my opinion.

He has another show coming out on E called father hood (i think on the 16) I'm actually really hyped to see what its about.

[Fixmywindshield.com]

Good ole' snoop got me in trouble when i told this fella , get my glizzass sizzle my bizzle. Apparently he said it means boy?? who knows... but got to love snoop he is on heck of a marketer.

[SidT]

I am not so sure Chrysler will have quite the image and popular ad you might think? Yes, most everyone under 50 knows who Snoop Dog is, but many younger buyers Snoop hasn't been relevant in music for a long time. I don't think he has had a song that has really resonated with young kids 16-24 in at least 5-7 years. In todays pop culture "if you aren't fly than the buying public will say bye bye" - to play off of Snoops line in his ads with Iacocca. I would have gone with a new face to the world of Rap, and one that is a little cleaner in image than a guy who openly promotes pot use and a guy who pushes Girls Gone Wild videos. I'm not a prude but if I was in the ad decision dept. of DaimlerChrysler I would have done a face that has more broad based appeal than Snoop.

I disagree, I think it was a smart move. Given the model they are promoting, it works. The next time you're in Los Angeles and pull up next to a Chrysler 300, take a look at who's driving the car. Majority of the drivers that I've seen are younger folks that are into hip hop, rap etc. I've talked to some people and they say that the 300 is the poor man's Rolls Royce. They say it feels and I quote "gansta". Even that popular online game www.themafiaboss.com, uses the Chrysler 300 as the gangster car.

As for snoop's recent TV show, I think it sucks. I doubt it will continue next year but then you'll never know.