Jeep wins award for “Call of Duty” ad

Jeep received a Silver OBIE award from the Outdoor Advertising Association for America for the Jeep Wrangler “Call of Duty” Out of Home Creative Design.

The campaign was created to introduce the 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition and included full media buys, experiential events and out-of-home advertising. Jeep’s OBIE was awarded for the creative use of billboards using blacklit electroluminescent billboards featuring day and night imagery.

“We are honored to receive this award as it validates our desire to attract consumer attention in a different and innovative way,” said Olivier Francois, Chrysler Group’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our creative standards are high and allow great ideas to come to life, always striving to showcase our products with a unique approach.”

The Jeep billboard campaign was designed by creative agency Global Hue. Using patented low voltage electroluminescent Light Tape lamps, consumers saw the campaign tagline, “Toughest Vehicle in the World” version of the advertisement by day that showcased the true vehicle capability and a “Toughest Vehicles in the World”. Any World.” version at night, illustrating the vehicle’s capability in the virtual Call of Duty world. The billboards were located in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, and were the three largest completely backlit electroluminescent billboards done simultaneously.

“This was a breakthrough creative idea that not only communicated the Jeep brand and its Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition SUV, but also allowed us to connect to the gaming world and expose the 2012 Jeep Wrangler to a completely new set of consumers,” said Jeep CEO Mike Manley. “The billboards showcased the rugged capability, dynamic energy and high performance that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition SUV offers.”

Three Dodges make USAA Best Values LIst

USAA has unveiled its second annual Best Value vehicles list, naming the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories for consumers looking to get the most bang for their buck. Three Dodge vehicles, the Charger, Journey and Grand Caravan, made the list. No other brand had as many winners, though Toyota and Lexus combined for three. Ford and GM had just one winner each.

USAA says winners offer carbuyers the best financial value based on a rating system called USAA Preferred that uses quantitative data to evaluate cost, safety, reliability, and other key factors. Nearly 80 cars and light trucks are currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles, and the Best Value list represents the vehicles at the top of each category.

“Thirty percent of members who added a new model year vehicle to their USAA auto insurance policy in 2011 chose a USAA Preferred or Best Value vehicle,” says Steve Thompson, an assistant vice president with USAA. “The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category.”

Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, notes that the average vehicle on the road today is 10 years old.

“As the economy improves, new car sales are expected to increase as consumers begin replacing their clunkers with new models,” says Fix. “Summer is a great time to get an excellent deal on a 2012 model, especially as used car costs remain nearly on par with new vehicles.”

Jeep Patriot one of “10 most versatile cars under $20,000″

NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, has named the 2012 Jeep Patriot 4WD Sport as one of its the top ten most versatile vehicles under $20,000. that take value and feature sets into account. NADAGuides’ top ten are recommended for those in the market for a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers more than the basics; providing features and values while staying within a reasonable budget.

While fuel costs are a major factor in today’s market, subcompacts are not the only option. NADAguides found vehicles in varying categories offering fuel efficiency, advanced technology features and versatility.

In selecting the 2012 Jeep Patriot 4WD Sport, the editors of NADAGuides said it, “…is one of the best values in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment, and is a versatile option for those looking for 4 x 4 capability and excellent fuel economy, with a starting price of $17,745. For 2012, the Patriot Sport offers a wide variety of clever features including a Uconnect media center with iPod interface, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, power sunroof, a premium audio system, illuminated cup holders, fold-flat rear seats and more. The Patriot Sport features more than 30 safety and security features including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start assist and side-curtain airbags that cover all rows. Packed with a long list of standard features, from keyless entry to Bluetooth connectivity, the Patriot Sport is an excellent choice for those needing 4×4 capability without compromising comfort and convenience.”

Chrysler wins eight Texas awards

Chrysler vehicles won more accolades than any other manufacturer at the Texas Auto Roundup (hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association, TAWA). After driving 58 entries at the Texas Motor Speedway, 49 journalists voted on their favorites. Chrysler secured eight of the possible 18 awards; for the first time, TAWA used individual classes, ranging from sub-compact to supercars (over 450 hp). The winning vehicles are:

Sub Compact Car – Fiat 500c
Compact Car – 2013 Dodge Dart
Family Car – 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
Full-Size Luxury Car – 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
Minivan – 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
Performance SUV – 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Best New Feature – 2013 Dodge Dart’s Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display
Best Value – 2013 Dodge Dart