Cornerstone Automotive Resources of Elk River

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Rumormill

Word has it Chrysler is looking to establish a base of operations in downtown Detroit in a move that would strengthen its “Imported from Detroit” image. The company is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a short hike from downtown proper, but reports say the automaker has signed a lease for 20,000 square feet in the Motor City. (There’s no indication that Chrysler is contemplating moving its headquarters and the space on offer wouldn’t be enough to do so anyhow). Despite this, according to a bit of rumormongering in Crain’s Detroit Business, Chrysler will set up camp in downtown’s Dime Building, but not before unleashing an impressive renovation on the structure.

That’s not all there is to the story, however. You see, the Dime Building is owned by none other than Dan Gilbert, the founder of Quicken Loans and majority owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Gilbert was one of a handful of individuals who came together to purchase the $225 million loan against Chrysler World Headquarters back in 2010. Rumors immediately began circulating that Gilbert used his position with the headquarters loan to coerce Chrysler, and more importantly, CEO Sergio Marchionne, into leasing the Dime Building instead of alternative locations within the city. Gilbert, who has been on a real estate binge as of late, is said to be the third largest land owner in Detroit behind General Motors and the city itself.

Quicken Loans has since stated the Dime deal was the result of little more than a strong pitch and Chrysler has also denied any behind-the-scenes influence on the decision.

Chrysler working to gain foothold in downtown Detroit with Quicken tycoon Gilbert? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cornerstone Auto Resources

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Celebrities

It’s been seen by millions of viewers on television and the internet, it’s been run through the political wringer on both sides of the aisle and it’s been parodied by the comedians at Saturday Night Live. And, according to YouTube, Chrysler’s “It’s Halftime in America” ad staring Clint Eastwood has been named the top Super Bowl car commercial of 2012.

For those keeping track of such things, Chrysler’s commercial has over 10.5 million views on YouTube, though we do feel the need to remind everyone that the video was unavailable for a few hours the morning after the Big Game, which we’d imagine is one of the highest traffic times for such advertisements.

The only other commercial from an automotive company that made YouTube’s top five Super Bowl commercials was “2012″ from General Motors – itself controversial due to Ford’s attempted cease-and-desist request before it aired on the worldwide stage.

The number one ad, you ask? That would be M&M’s “Just My Shell” commercial. Guess there really is no accounting for taste… we prefer our M&Ms to be green, just like everyone else. Feel free to watch Chrysler’s winning ad one more time after the break.

Continue reading Chrysler’s Clint Eastwood ad named top Super Bowl car commercial [w/video]

Chrysler’s Clint Eastwood ad named top Super Bowl car commercial [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cornerstone Auto Resources