Lee's Free Riff

Jeep WWII Synthetic Tires Ad

2011-12-24T13:32:00.001-08:00

Jeep WWII Synthetic Tires Ad, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Natural rubber was the preferred material for tire manufacturer prior to World War II. It was cheaper and readily available. While some of the naturally occurring rubber came from Africa, Central and South America - the bulk of it came from Southeast Asia (especially the Netherlands East Indies). This of course caused a problem as Japan controlled much of Southeast Asia in their expansion efforts.

Jeep vehicles and other military vehicles would be stopped in their tracks without a substitute for natural rubber in their tires. Planes, trucks and Jeep 4x4s all depended upon rubber to keep the War machine moving.

Synthetic rubber wasn't new technology, it was typically a mixture of oil, natural gas, coal, acetylene, and other items. But it was expensive.

B.F. Goodrich Company, with the help of scientist Waldo Semon, developed an cost-effective synthetic rubber call Ameripol in 1940.

The first synthetic tire was unveiled to the U.S. public by B.F. Goodrich on June 4, 1940, eighteen months before Pearl Harbor. More than half of the tire was synthetic, but was 1/3 more expensive.

The U.S. Government launched a major campaign (some of which was top secret) to help improve synthetic rubber production lower costs. The nations technical powerhouses came together during the war to produce a general purpose synthetic rubber known as GR-S (Government Rubber-Styrene), on a massive scale.

With the fear of losing the war at their hands, America's scientists, university research laboratories, and the petrochemical industry industry collaborated to produce almost a million tons of high-quality synthetic rubber in 18 months. Many called it an industrial and scientific miracle. Annual production increased from an annual output of 231 tons of general purpose rubber in 1941 to over 70,000 tons a month in 1945!

Tennessee Eastman began manufacturing hydroquinone (a photographic developer) for the war effort when it was found it helped keep synthetic rubber from becoming gummy.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company were instrumental in furthering the development of synthetic rubber products during World War II. According to the book World War II 1935-1945, the War Production Board ordered the construction of 50 synthetic rubber factories.

According to the book, The Magic City - Unemployment in a working-class community, "The government spent millions of dollars to build factories to produce synthetic rubber, which was then sold cheaply to companies making essential war material. After the war ended, Harvey Firestone, who was eager to preserve "free enterprise," spoke out strongly and successfully against government operation of these plants (Lief 1951:354).

Jeep MA with Santa and Troops

2011-12-19T14:13:00.001-08:00

Ma_with_Santa, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Great Jeep historical Christmas Image from the archives. Santa Claus delivering a tree to the troops in a Willys MA "Jeep Sleigh". The honor guard and image were taken at Camp Lee, Virginia - part of the Quartermaster Replacement Center.

Image courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration Archives.

Gang Sign in WWII Philco Brag Ad

2011-12-19T13:47:00.001-08:00

Gang Sign in WWII Philco Brag Ad, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Advertising during World War II could often be very strong. Ad agencies had to tread a thin line between promoting patriotism and the war effort and bald-faced braggadioco look-what-we-did promotion.

This boastful in-your-face brag ad was produced by J. Walter Thompson for the Philco Corporation. W.H. Crawford, the illustrator, used a reverse V sign as a severe insult to the enemy.

According to - the gesture was one step away from flipping the bird. The European community was familiar with the sign as it meant, "F#@? You", or "Up Yours."

According to historian Juliet Barker in her Book, Agincourt: Henry V and the Battle That Made England (2006), King Henry V included references to the french cutting off longbowman's fingers. The two-fingered salute, or "longbowman salute" was a jab at the French to show the English were still going strong.

I especially like Philco's pledge to soldiers of industry in the second paragraph, "More-Better-Sooner." Nice slogan.

Today the symbol is used my many on the web as a friendly or nice gang sign. For those who want to be cool, but not want to flash the wrong sign.

For more on the V sign and it's many meanings - visit Wiki.

Image approved for research purposes only. Part of the Duke Library Digital Collection - J. Walter Thompson Advertising Collection.

Pentastar V6 - One of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2012

2011-12-14T10:19:00.001-08:00

Pentastar V6 - One of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2012, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Ward's Automotive just named the Jeep Pentastar V6 engine in its "10 Best Engines" for 2012. Second year in a row. Pretty impressive. Only one of four repeat winners.

This engine was a big part of Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited's success this past year: 40% more horsepower, 10% more torque, and 26% faster times from 0-60 mph.

Pretty impressive. I especially like the fact that the oil change interval was changed to 8,000 miles instead of the typical 6K. That and the clever top-mounted "canister free" oil filter - no more messy oil changes.

The engine was purpose built for off-roading. The upper and lower oil pans were engineered to supply oil even when driving at steep angles. Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited also received a higher-mounted alternator to allow for a full 30-inches of water fording capability.

Image was tweaked at pixlr.com/o-matic/

Learn more about Ward's 10 Best Engines here.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit

2011-12-13T08:35:00.001-08:00

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

You can count on the Jeep brand to deliver all-weather warriors. Ready for anything Mother Nature can throw your way.

The Washington Post seems to agree. Columnist Warren Brown called the Grand Cherokee "a long-distance runner if ever there was one." He went on to add, "We want ... the sense that we can handle anything likely to confront us on a long road trip. The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers that sense of well-being, even with its standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine (260 foot-pounds of torque, 290 horsepower)."

Brown summarized, "It's a good feeling, not having to worry about slipping or sliding into misery..."

Agree wholeheartedly.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2011-12-12T11:01:00.001-08:00

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal describes the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as "one angry whale."

I love this article on so many fronts. Neil states the SRT8, "corners like an 80-foot sperm whale." And goes on to add that "This is the vehicle version of Ray Kurzweil's singularity theory."

Had to look that one up.

His ode to Melville's classic Moby Dick is entertaining to say the least. Check out the full article and corresponding video here:

Exerpt from the article:
"With a 6.4-liter, 470-horsepower Hemi V8 in the powder magazine and a series of very smart clutches and differentials delivering torque to all four half-shafts, the SRT8 hurls its 5,200-pound bulk to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and barrels through the quarter-mile just fat of 13 seconds. By those metrics, the hyper-Cherokee is the murdering, harpoon-straightening, bang-for-buck champion in performance SUVs, as fast as or faster than the pricier Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, Porsche Cayenne S, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, BMW X5 xDrive 35i or Audi Q7."

He goes on to say, "Now it starts to get interesting, because—as the SRT8 proves—we're getting to the point where vehicle type doesn't really matter. If the computer programming is supple enough and the on-board processing is fast enough, engineers can now virtually nullify effects caused by vehicle height, weight, roll centers and center of mass. Throw enough code at it and you can get a Ferrari to drive great in the snow, an Audi A8 with Quattro to drift like a tail-happy Toyota Supra, and you can get an 80-foot sperm whale—I mean, a Jeep Grand Cherokee—to corner like a sport sedan. This is the vehicle version of Ray Kurzweil's singularity theory."

Wow - this is great stuff. About the Kurzweil thing, as I understand it ... The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 represents a paradigm shift in vehicle capability through an exponential growth in technology and computing power. But whose responsible for "throwing the code" at the SRT8? None other than a creative and technologically savvy Jeep engineer named Jeff Roselli. He created a game-changing machine that is taking the performance world by storm.

Perhaps Roselli's title should change from Lead Vehicle Engineer and Development Manager for SRT8 to "Captain Roselli."

Now go to your local Jeep dealer and pick up one for yourself. But please, please leave your harpoons at home.

Properly secure all cargo.

2011-12-03T15:13:00.000-08:00

A very versatile Jeep CJ-5. That's a full-size trophy Elk in the back. Thanks to Jeff Lampe of the Journal Star for posting.

Mass with Altar on Jeep 4x4

2011-11-29T13:58:00.001-08:00

Mass with Altar on Jeep 4x4, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Mass held on the battlefield by a Catholic priest for American soldiers from the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division. Oftentimes a flat Jeep hood served as a chaplain's altar.

Image courtesy of Photos Normandie - Patrick Peccatte & Michel Le Querrac - scanned images from the U.S. National Archives. Part of the Creative Commons.

General Eisenhower in a Jeep 4x4

2011-11-29T13:57:00.001-08:00

General Eisenhower in a Jeep 4x4, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Dwight Eisenhower smiling in his Willys MB Jeep 4x4.General Bradley is in the back seat chuckling about something.

Image courtesy of PhotosNormandie and National Archives and Administration Records (NARA).

Photo taken on July 4, 1944 in an apple orchard located in Haunville, France.

Jeep Hit by Tornado

2011-11-29T13:55:00.001-08:00

Jeep Hit by Tornado, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Wouldn't have wanted to be storm chasing in this Jeep 4x4. This unfortunate Jeep vehicle was caught up in a powerful tornado and smashed so it's hardly recognizable as a car.

Eighty people died from this tornado. You can find out more about this deadly twister here: www.crh.noaa.gov/ict/udall/udall.php

Interesting comparison to a new Jeep Wrangler (JK) that was picked up and tossed 100 feet by a tornado: www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59514

I cleaned up the background a bit - it was showing some sort of water damage.

This Creative Commons image is part of Department of Agriculture - Weather Bureau Collection. Found in the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. NARA Identifier: 283888

research.archives.gov/description/283888

Jeep - Atomic bomb testing

2011-11-29T13:54:00.001-08:00

Jeep - Atomic bomb testing, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Recently declassified documents of film crews and their images provided this gem. A Jeep 4x4 equipped with movie camera is part of the filmmakers' team that captured an atomic explosion at a test site in the Nevada desert in 1957.

You can see the shock wave lifting up the dust from the desert as it passes the film crew.

Have to imagine that a bunch of these guys were hit in later years by cancer. It's speculated that John Wayne died of cancer from fallout in the Nevada desert from these same nuclear tests.

Some conspiracy folks will say this is a staged event shot in Hollywood - looks pretty real to me.

Korean Hero by his M38 Jeep

2011-11-28T12:48:00.001-08:00

Korean Hero by his M38 Jeep, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Captain J.W. Finley supports himself between two M38 Jeep vehicles after suffering severe neck and facial shrapnel wounds from an exploding Chinese grenade.

Captain Finley of Hazelhurst, Ga., was assigned to Company F, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He resolutely refused to leave his duty until he finished directing first aid treatment and evacuation of wounded men of his company. A hero to be sure - Captain Finley retired a Colonel in the U.S. Army and served three tours in Korea, a tour in Vietnam, as well as duty in Japan, Turkey and Germany.

Image taken on February 22, 1951.

Image courtesy of the U.S. Army Korea Media Center at: imcom.korea.army.mil

This image is part of the Creative Commons and is cleared for public release. This image is generally considered in the public domain. Not for commercial use.

SC359740 - KOREAN CONFLICT

Jeep M38 used as Altar in Mass

2011-11-28T12:07:00.001-08:00

Jeep M38 used as Altar in Mass, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Jeep M38 being used by Chaplain Dennis Murphy as an altar for the elements during mass celebration in Japan during the Korean conflict. The flat Jeep bonnet served as the perfect platform for the sacred elements (today's HMMWV, aka Humvee, is too high and sloping to use the hood). The soldiers were from the 65th AAA Batallion and were worshiping at Bolo Point, Okinawa. Photo taken July 19, 1951.

Photo courtesy Nelse Einwaechter of the U.S. Army.

Generals in a Jeep

2011-11-28T11:03:00.001-08:00

General MacArthur in Jeep M38, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

General Douglas MacArthur was as big as any rock star in his olive drab five-star uniform. He felt he was destined by God to hold his military position.

General MacArthur led the United Nations Command in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951. Eight days after this image was taken, MacArthur was removed from this command by President Harry S. Truman. MacArthur had voiced to the press his critical opinion of President Truman's limited-war strategy.

MacArthur served in the military for 52 years.

From left to right in the M38: Lt. Gen. Matthew Ridgeway; Maj. Gen. Doyle Hickey; and Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Commander in Chief of U.N. Forces in Korea. The specially modified Jeep 4x4 has a bar allowing General MacArthur to stand as he inspected the troops at the command post in Yang Yang, Korea.

The post was roughly 15 miles north of the 38th parallel, April 3, 1951.

Courtesy of Grigg, U.S. Army. National Archives and Records Administration.

NARA FILE #: 111-SC-365348.

WAR & CONFLICT BOOK #: 1376

Creative Commons image: cleared for public release. This image is generally considered in the public domain. Not for commercial use.

Courtesy of U.S. Army Korea - Installation Management Command.

QR Codes on Parade Flags?

2011-11-28T07:36:00.001-08:00

IMG_5938, a photo by musicwala on Flickr.

Kind of looks like QR Codes on their Parade Flags. Might make for a clever marketing opportunity.

Single Mom gets surprise Jeep 4x4 stuffed with toys on Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Great feel-good story from Kansas City, Mo. Just days before Thanksgiving - a single mom got two big surprises.

Marla Shannon of Kansas City, Kansas thought she was just getting a turkey for Thanksgiving. She also got a free 2007 Jeep Cherokee - donated by Progressive Insurance and A-and-B Carstar.

Marla runs an in-home daycare and has a 10-year-old son in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

"It is absolutely amazing. Our car has been on its last leg and we've been on god's good graces getting everywhere and it couldn't have been a better gift for us," said Marla Shannon, who received the car.

The Jeep wasn't the only gift donated to the family. When Marla opened trunk - it was full of christmas presents for her son.

Jeep Transporting Wounded Soldier

2011-11-25T06:53:00.003-08:00

Jeep Transporting Wounded Soldier, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Bullet holes in the windshield of this Jeep are a testament to the faithful service of the Medics of the 84th Division as they evacuate wounded soldiers in their makeshift Jeep ambulance.

The Medics are carrying two soldiers wrapped up in blankets to keep them warm in the frigid cold. The litters are strapped to a makeshift frame attached to the flat-hooded Jeep 4x4.

This Jeep caravan was part of the 1st Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment. Image was taken on January 9th, 1945.

Thanks to Kathleen for posting this Creative Commons image from the Otis Historical Archives in the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

Medics in Jeep Ambulance

2011-11-25T06:53:00.001-08:00

Medics in Jeep Ambulance, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

I'm thankful for the many soldiers that put themselves in harms way for the sakes of others. For those who risk their lives for our freedom.

The versatile Jeep with its flat hood and 4WD traction served as a perfect makeshift ambulance for Medics bringing injured soldiers back from the front lines.

Medics of the 84th Division bring casualties back on their Jeep, near Samres, Belgium. They were part of the 1st Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment. Image was taken January 13, 1945.

Thanks to Kathleen for posting this Creative Commons image from the Otis Historical Archives in the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

Jeep CJ-3A Brush Fire PR image

2011-11-25T06:52:00.001-08:00

Jeep CJ-3A Brush Fire PR image, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

You can see the power cord for the chain saw coming over the shoulder of the guy in the white fire coat. This image was from a public relations photo op to highlight the benefits of the CJ-3A for forestry and brush fire purposes. The shot was taken in 1949 and was included in a press release from Willys-Overland Motors.

The caption read: With the forest fires now completely under control, the forester with walkie-talkie on right reports on mopping up operations while a Jeep-powered chain saw is used to cut a burning log. The Jeep will drag unburned logs across a fire lane as water crews extinguish the lat spark in the burned-out area.

Brush Fire Jeep CJ-3A in Action

2011-11-25T06:51:00.001-08:00

Brush Fire Jeep CJ-3A in Action, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Great shot - love the 4 Wheel Drive callout on the back of the CJ-3A. The Jeep CJ-3A, with it versatile power take off (pto), was promoted for service in a variety of arenas. This press release was highlighting the benefits of a Jeep 4x4 in forestry to help with fire suppression. The pto was used to power up a chain saw and help drag felled trees away from the burn zone. This image was taken in 1949 and distributed by the Willys-Overland Motors company of Toledo, Ohio.

The caption read: Danger of crown fires, dread of forest fire-fighters, is averted as burning snags are felled in the fire area. With speed the vital factor in keeping the fire small and damage slight, a chain saw, operated by the power of the Jeep engine, is used in cutting down the trees.

Custom Jeep CJ-5 Removable Hardtop

2011-11-23T15:35:00.001-08:00

Custom Jeep CJ-5 Removable Hardtop, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

You too can have your very own removable hardtop for only three easy payments of $19.95. But that's not all ... it has side vents too!

Thanks to Brian Teutsch for posting his image in the Creative Commons.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Arctic

2011-11-23T09:29:00.001-08:00

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Arctic, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Nice shot of the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Arctic. The new 3.6L V6 engine is really pushing sales through the roof. According to the Toledo Blade, the Toledo Assembly Complex is buzzing 20 hours a day, six days a week. Even at that pace, they can't keep up with orders! The iconic Wrangler has set sales records for the last five months, and new dealer orders are far surpassing all other months for the first 10 days of November.

Wrangler Unlimited has cleaned up nice with the body matching hardtop and fender flares. The more powerful and fuel efficient engine is the icing on the cake.

Jeep Truck Testing

2011-11-23T07:18:00.001-08:00

Jeep Truck Advertisement, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Thought for the day: Before you even consider building a Jeep Pickup make sure you're going to have enough serious customers to make it work.

The Jeep brand had a long history of building pickup trucks. Kind of causes problems when RAM is under the same Chrysler umbrella. Last year there was a glimmer of hope for a Wrangler based pickup truck. Since then, Mopar has released a clever JK-8 pickup conversion kit. The $5,499 JK-8 kit allows owners to do the work themselves with just a sawzall and angle-grinder.

Sales as of September were about 300. Was this a litmus test to see how serious the Jeep community was about a Jeep Pickup? Not sure, but as of September 19, the Jeep Pickup hopes are on hold for a while.

Last word from Jeep CEO Mike Manley on September 19th was that Jeep Truck idea is still a high priority, but that it won't see production until 2015-2016 (if at all). Of course, that may change with Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionni's push increase Jeep vehicle sales internationally. Mid November came news that the Toledo Assembly Complex would receive a 500 million dollar investment with production to begin in 2013.

Copy:
Make sure you're serious.
Before you even consider buying a Jeep Pickup make sure you're looking for a serious truck. Because this one's more than a bed attached to a cab. It's a truck designed and built to outperform the field at the things you need a truck for. That's why we call it The Performance Truck.

THE PERFORMANCE TRUCK WORKS.
It can hold more cargo and haul a heavier payload than comparable 4-wheel drive Ford, Chevy or Dodge pickup trucks. And still gets about the same gas mileage as all of 'em. 16 EPA EST MPG, 21 HWY EST.

THE PERFORMANCE TRUCK GOES.
With 2-wheel drive when you want it and Jeep's legendary 4-wheel drive when you need it. 4-wheel drive that's built in from the ground up, not added on like its competition's.

THE PERFORMANCE TRUCK ENDURES.
95.8 percent of all Jeep vehicles registered in the last 10 years are still in operation today. Another tough performance that Ford, Chevy and Dodge can't match.

THE PERFORMANCE TRUCK WINS.
Jeep Pickups took 1st place in the SCORE Off-Road World Championship, the Mint 400, Baja 1000, Parker 400 and Baja Internacional. Once again outperforming, well, you know who.

All this and a price designed to take on the competition. So why settle for less? Name the terrain. Jeep truck performs.

Jeep Legends Advertisement

2011-11-21T13:12:00.001-08:00

Jeep Legends Advertisement, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Classic Jeep advertisement celebrating the CJ-5 Laredo. It's no wonder the Jeep brand has stayed on track for over seven decades - the capability theme has never changed. Read the copy from 1980 with it's strong style and resale value story and it could be substituted for a JK of today.

Copy:
The legendary Jeep vehicles have been protecting forests, transporting troops, delivering mail, plowing snow, winning races and weathering storms for more than a quarter of a century. Longer than a lot of vehicles have even existed.

They've given American drivers more outward mobility, rugged performance and pure fun than any single car in history. And they've held onto their value like they've held onto their legendary design, transcending passing styles season after season, year after year.

But today's Jeep CJ is more than its famous four wheels driving into the sunset. It's the option of contoured buckets, room for four, carpeting, air conditioning, stereo ... hardtop. soft top, no top at all. And something you'll appreciate every time you drive: more miles per gallon than any 4-wheeler made in America. No other vehicle can meet your demands and desires in quite the same way.

Jeep CJ wasn't born a legend. It had to earn the respect of the world's toughest drivers, and keeps on earning it every day. On wilderness trails and unplowed streets. On the job and out on the town. That's why the legend lives on.

Mighty Jeep 4x4 Super Star in Djarum Super Commercial

2011-11-21T12:33:00.001-08:00

Another amazing commercial from Djarum Super that's centered around the mighty Jeep 4x4. This time the adventure-seeking men make a raft to cross a wide river, drive up the mountain steeps with some incredible S-curve switchbacks and hairpin turns, then they manually pulley-pull the Jeep across a canyon with a zip line, then the catch some serious air across the mountaintop tundra, ford streams, bounce up snow-covered steeps, and then arrive to their destination. The perfect spot to launch their hang glider into heaven. All that in a minute. Wow!

Funny Jeep Commercial - Skip the Winch

2011-11-21T12:26:00.001-08:00

I'm getting a kick out of the Djarum Super advertising on YouTube. The adventurous Jeep 4x4 is a central theme. This one shows two guys scaling a mountain without helmets. Lots of attitude here. It gets better at the 0:28 mark - the two guys winch up the Jeep with their bare hands so they can extend their adventure. Classic.

Jeep Mountain Dew Commercial

2011-11-21T11:42:00.001-08:00

Crazy Mountain Dew "tornado" advertisement for the Pakistan market that features a Wrangler YJ. This would have a tough time making it through the legal in the states, even though it's obviously an over-the-top idea.

It would be probably require a stream of disclaimers:

"Properly secure all cargo."
"Always site properly in designated seating positions with seat belts securely fastened at all times."
"Professional driver, closed course. Do not attempt extreme trails without proper instruction and equipment."
"Flying in a Jeep 4x4 can be dangerous. Please consult your insurance company and doctor before attempting tornado surfing."

Another fine ad by the Applebox Asia group and Hasan Fancy Studios. Here's a real story of a Tornado Chaser and his trusty Jeep 4x4.

Skyjumping Jeep M38A1

2011-11-21T11:21:00.001-08:00

Djarum, an Indonesian clove cigarette company, has had a long-standing coat-tail relationship with the Jeep brand. They latched on to the inherent spirit of adventure and freedom that comes from owning a Jeep 4x4 - and milk it for everything its worth. Applebox Asia helped produce the ad for Djarum.

ABARTH - In Racing We Trust!

2011-11-21T11:01:00.001-08:00

Fun Abarth commercial. I knew a kid like that in grade school. He could always go around one more time than me. Can't wait for the Abarth 500 to arrive stateside.

Fiat 500 + Abarth - All-Weather Capability

2011-11-21T10:53:00.001-08:00

Fiat 500 sales are strong in the Southeast and California. Lagging a bit in the region between Michigan and Colorado. Perhaps a bit of all-weather advertising showing the nimble 500 tackling snow would help. Love the tie in between Abarth and Nitro.

Jeep Brand Niche Advertising - Surfing

2011-11-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

There's magic in the idea of surfing. The sound of the surf and the pounding waves relentlessly call you to play in an immersed-in-nature experience. The quest for the perfect break drives many the world over. Forever searching. Looking for a remote spot where your only competition is the wave and not a crowd of first timers. It's about being on top. Mentally checked in. In tune with the wave — it's sound, movement and energy. When it's right, you feel like your dancing on the wave. Your in the flow. And you wonder how you can get that feeling anywhere other than a wave.

For many off-roaders, taking their Jeep 4x4 into the backwoods of America can feel like riding the perfect wave at Waimea Bay Beach. It's kind of like tuning in to terra firma. Like being connected from the head and heart right down through the leg and foot pedals and engine and tires — right down to the earth. Nature calls off-roaders much the same way as the surfers. Boulders, rocks, ledges and logs have a way of talking to you through the bottom of your Jeep 4x4. The off-road skid plates are like sounding boards to the soul. It's kind of like Morse Code from Mother Nature passed on through the trail. The gentle woosh of leaves against the quarter panel. The rocks kissing your t-case skid plate. You've got a special connection to the terrain that, when explained, others just don't understand. That is until they make it out to the trail with you. Put them in the driver's seat. Then their ears come alive, and then, and only then, they understand.

The intangible tie of riders of the rip curls and riders of the rugged rock is the common bond that forms between nature's adventurer seekers. It transcends boundaries, job titles, and equipment. It's about being immersed in nature's backyard.

The Jeep brand has had a long history of sponsoring like-minded people who share the spirit of adventure and freedom. One of the key sports that shares the Jeep spirit is surfing. Ben Skinner is showing the Shaka sign, a gesture of Hawaii that says "aloha", that everything is all right, good vibes and mutual respect. Check out a recent interview with Ben by jeep-people after an Association of Surfing Professionals World Longboard Tour Bear Pro event.

While not everyone has access to the waves or has a longboard made by Ben Skinner, you can go to your local Jeep dealer and have instant access to fun and freedom only associated with a Jeep 4x4.

Chevy Runs Deep - True Stories Scores a Winner

2011-11-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

Chevy got it right on this one. If a brand is worth its dirt it has stories to tell. Beautiful story of Chevy brand loyalty. My Dad's Car certainly hit my heart strings. Well done.

Jeep CJ-7 All-Weather Advertisement

2011-11-18T13:45:00.001-08:00

Jeep CJ-7 All-Weather Advertisement, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Great all-weather advertisement for the 1980 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade. Just as true today as it was then. I love the "it has weathered passing styles..." line. Trends tend to lead to forgotten brands. Fads fade over time. You can be confident that the Jeep brand's iconic, purpose-built style will adventure on. A timeless classic.

Copy:
A legend must weather many storms.

Let it snow. Let it drift. Let it sleet. Let the streets go unplowed and let the faint of spirit stay locked behind garage doors till spring thaw.

The storms of winter matter little to the legendary Jeep CJ. It has been plowing snow, getting kids to school, taking skiers to the slopes and weathering storms for more than a quarter of a century. Dress it for work with plow and winch or dress it for play with ski rack and Tracker radials - history's most famous 4-wheeler will get you through in heart warming comfort.

There's room for four. The options of a weather-tight hardtop, high-back soft buckets, carpeting and stereo sound. And something you'll appreciate every time you drive: the highest gas mileage of any 4-wheeler made in America.

The most important thing Jeep CJ can give any driver, though, is a feeling of confidence. Not just because it's been weathering storms longer than a lot of vehicles have even existed. But because it has weathered passing styles for just as long. That's the confidence of owning a legend.

Jeep Wagoneer No Competitor Ad

2011-11-18T13:16:00.001-08:00

Jeep Wagoneer No Competitor Ad, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

I was surprised to see the 32 HWY MPG advertised for a 4x4 Jeep vehicle. That is until I read the disclaimer.

"We Couldn't find a competitor"

If you've been looking for a luxury car that will give your family the convenience of four doors, room for five, the elegance of leather bucket seats and flush carpeting, and at the same time let you shift from 2-wheel to 40wheel drive on the fly, there is only one. The all-new trim size Jeep Wagoneer Sportwagon. We know, because it's our business to compare. There is simply no competitor.

And when it comes to 4-wheel driving, there's no competitor. After all, Jeep wrote the book on 4-wheel drive. Start with legendary Jeep traction. Then consider that the new Wagoneer Sportwagon has the highest ground clearance and the highest horsepower per pound of any 4-wheeler in its class, and gives you outstanding mileage. 24 EPA EST MPG / 32 EST HWY.

So, if you're interested in all-out luxury in 4-wheel drive, there's only one stop to make. At your Jeep dealer. Buy or lease a new Jeep Sportwagon - the luxurious Wagoneer or the triple award winning Cherokee "4x4 of the Year."

Use these figures for comparison. Your results may differ due to driving speed, weather conditions and trip length. Actual highway mileage will probably be less.

The all-new Jeep Wagoneer. America's luxury 4-wheel drive Sportwagon.

Classic Jeep Quality Advertisement

2011-11-18T13:05:00.001-08:00

Classic Jeep Quality Advertisement, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

The Jeep brand won the Total Quality Award for Best Ownership Experience in 1996. It's come full circle in 2011. According to Consumer Report's the Jeep brand has the highest quality of all domestic auto manufacturers.

They also are the most improved automaker for the past year. In my opinion, the best ownership experience translates directly to high resale value. The Jeep brand has the highest resale value for all domestic brands.

Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were recently honored by Kelley Blue Book as having the best resale value for any SUV over a 5 year period.

To top it off, the Wrangler just won the 2012 ALG Residual Value Award for the Compact Utility Vehicle.

It all goes back to people wanting to own an original. A true American icon that doesn't go out of style. Built with pride and made to last.

Jeep Cherokee Resale Value Ad

2011-11-18T12:59:00.001-08:00

Jeep Cherokee Resale Value Ad, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Vintage Jeep Cherokee (SJ) advertisement with seven key reasons to change the shape of your wagon.

The seventh reason: Resale Value is true today, just as it was with the purchase of this classic full-size Cherokee (SJ).

Kelley Blue Book just announced the 2012 awards and the Jeep Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited came out on top. It is projected to retain 68 percent of its value after 36 months and 55 percent after five years.

This is particularly important as most new vehicle owners are averaging just over 5 years of ownership before trading in or selling on the open market.

So if you're looking for a styling vehicle that will hold it's value over the long haul - look no further than your friendly neighborhood Jeep dealer.

Luv Your Jeep!

2011-11-10T17:20:00.001-08:00

Luv Your Jeep!, a photo by cynthiacloskey on Flickr.

I luv, luv, luv this idea. Cynthia Closkey made this clever Chalk Jeep to greet Jeep owners on their way to the World's Longest Jeep Parade event in downtown Butler, PA. Awesome!

Jeep altar at WWII mass service

2011-11-10T10:14:00.001-08:00

Jeep altar at WWII mass service, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

The Willys MB Jeep 4x4 was often used by chaplains in World War II as an altar. This image from the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum shows Seabees of the 111th Naval Construction Batallion giving thanks after the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France. Navy Chaplains have served around the world with Seabee battalions since their inception in 1942. Chaplains prayed and conducted regular services, using any available area including a ships deck, an apple orchard, a hand-cut hole in a Pacific-island jungle or a makeshift tent for a church. They will use a Jeep 4x4, packing case or ammunition box for an altar, or a helmet for a yarmulke, the top of a mess kit for a paten or a canteen cup for a chalice.

Date: June 1944
Creator/Photographer: 111th Naval Construction Battalion
Collection: 111th Naval Construction Battalion
Rights Info: No known restrictions on image.
Repository: U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Collections Department, Port Hueneme, CA, Naval History and Heritage Command, www.history.navy.mil/seabeemuseum

New Jeep Engine Saves Money

2011-11-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

The new 2012 Wrangler is making waves in the media thanks in part to the outstanding 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. Sure it has 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque - that 83 hp increase translates into a 26% improvement in 0-60mph acceleration. But what about fuel economy? That's improved 10% as well. What does it mean to the pocketbook? Compare the 2011 Wrangler with its 3.8L V6 and plug in the new 2012 3.6L V6 to fueleconomy.gov and you'll find there is a substantial savings over the long haul. Look at the 5-year savings - $1,319 . . . that's not chump change. About enough to buy a nice Warn winch for your ride.

Dogs and Bravery

2011-11-09T13:20:00.001-08:00

Great photo of a dog training beside the U.S. Army's finest. Dog's were used in fighting since ancient times and they continue to serve by the sides of brave soldiers today in the fight against terrorism. Of recent note: Navy SEALs even brought a highly trained dog with them on the raid of Osama Bin Laden's compound.

Special bonds are created between a dog and his handler. Time and time again you'll find dogs displaying acts of courage, heroism, and valor. Many of these dogs go on as unsung heroes. Only to be lauded in the hearts of their handlers. A few are commended in the light of others and receive the honor due them.

The U.S. Census Bureau has an audible story that highlights a distinguished service medal awarded to "Chips" in 1943 for bravery. According to the citation, Chips was awarded the medal for his "courageous action in single-handedly eliminating a dangerous machine gun nest and causing surrender of the crew." Four months later, the medal was rescinded when the War Department issued regulations prohibiting the award of such decorations to animals.

Sarbi, a black labrador retriever, worked in the Australian military as a sniffer dog and received the Purple Cross bravery award for service in Afghanistan.

Buster, a six-year old Springer Spaniel British war dog was lauded for breaking a resistance cell in Iraq and was awarded Britian's highest animal bravery medal.

A very moving War Dogs site and "K-9 Wall of Honor" can be found at uswardogs.org. The dogs of war are special breed indeed.

Photo information (Primary): A U.S. Army soldier with the 10th Special Forces Group and his military working dog jump off the ramp of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment during water training over the Gulf of Mexico as part of exercise Emerald Warrior 2011 on March 1, 2011. Emerald Warrior is an annual two-week joint/combined tactical exercise sponsored by U.S. Special Operations Command designed to leverage lessons learned from operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Foreign Policy had a great story that led off with this image.

Photo information (War Dog Cemetery): Santa Rita, Guam (Oct. 27, 2006) - Petty Officer 2nd Class Blake Soller, a Military Working Dog (MWD) handler pets the head of his MWD Rico, at the War Dog Cemetery located on Naval Base Guam. Soller is currently assigned to Naval Security Force Detachment Guam to the MWD kennel. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John F. Looney (RELEASED)

Photo information (Wounded Doberman in Jeep 4x4): War dog corporal Kurt receives comfort and first aid on a Jeep 4x4 after being wounded together with his Marine handler. U.S. National Archives.

White House Infographic Jeep Obama

2011-11-09T11:45:00.001-08:00

White House Infographic Jeep Obama, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Cool infographic from the White House. This is an isolated portion that uses the Jeep plant in Toledo as a Case Study to show how the automotive industry has rebounded since 2009.

The infographic shows the many different suppliers that contribute to the iconic Jeep Wrangler produced in Toledo, Ohio.

Through the first 10 months of 2011, Jeep is the fastest-growing domestic brand, with sales up 44 percent. At its current rate, Jeep will sell 413,000 units this year, the most since Chrysler's 2009 bankruptcy. But that's still well shy of 1999, when Jeep set its sales record of 554,466.

The original Willys MB "Jeep" 4x4 for World War II was produced in the now demolished Toledo South Assembly Plant. The Toledo Assembly Complex is a World Class facility that is raising Wrangler quality to new heights.

NOTE: The White House needs a proofreader - should be "Continental Structural Plastics" instead of "Conteintal Structural Plastics" for the Hardtop supplier.

You can find the full infographic in the post prior to this one.

White-House-Infographic-Jeep-Obama

2011-11-08T10:00:00.001-08:00

White-House-Infographic-Jeep-Obama, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

An official infographic from the White House that used a Toledo Supplier Park produced Jeep Wrangler as the central theme. Seems like President Obama is taking a ride on the meteoric rise of the Jeep brand in sales and quality. I don't blame him. The Jeep brand was, is, and will always be a true American success story. Kudos to Chrysler and the workers for making the current run the best ever.

This infographic was released when President Obama visited The Toledo Assembly Complex - where they produce Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Liberty and Dodge Nitro.

Jeep Brand Start/Stop Fuel Efficiency Technology

2011-10-20T08:06:00.001-07:00

Jeep Wrangler Sport BUX International, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Opt for the uber-cool Turbo Diesel on the Jeep Wrangler and you get some cutting-edge technology for 2012. The new CRD engine comes equipped with Start/Stop technology - the first application of this technology on a Jeep vehicle.

With Stop/Start, the diesel engine is shut off when the vehicle is stopped, the shift gear is in Neutral, and the clutch is released. The engine then restarts automatically when the clutch pedal is depressed. Drivers can deactivate the technology via a button on the dashboard, and an icon displays in the instrument panel to indicate the Stop/Start status.

An upgraded starter and alternator improve durability, and a DC/DC power converter maintains electronic feature functionality while the vehicle is stopped.

Stop/Start technology improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions by managing the amount of time the engine runs.

Fuel economy is improved by up to 13-percent, and CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 14-percent.

Love to see this technology come to the states.

Photo courtesy of Autoviva.

Brand Loyalty in Auto Sales

2011-10-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

This ad really hits the mark. Don't all kids want to be just like their dads? Chevy wants to tap into this strong generational pull with the latest Silverado HD commercial. Like the two taglines as well: "From fathers to sons - Chevy runs deep" and "For those who live life for a living, the 2012 Silverado."

This plays into a similar generational theme at the Jeep brand. From kids with their LEGO Jeep vehicles, Tonka trucks, Matchbox cars and Jeep Wrangler Power Wheels you hear a similar catch phrase: "I've always wanted one." A lot of the kids that were playing in the Jeep Wrangler Power Wheels for the past twenty years are finally growing up. The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, with its powerful 285 horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine are attracting buyers in droves.

Wrangler is a true American icon that delivers on and off-road capability, and for 2012, with the power and fuel efficiency that make it more than acceptable for everyday driving.

According to WTOL, the Toledo North assembly plant is pumping out about 38 vehicles per hour. September sales were the best in Wrangler's history, with 11,388 units sold. For comparison, the Willys MB of World War II was produced at a rate of one every two minutes - that's 30 units per hour. Pretty amazing team in Toledo - they're on track to sell about 125K for the year! Combine that with the push by Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne to promote the Jeep brand in foreign markets and you have a true global sales winner.

What is an Ad Impression?

2011-10-17T10:23:00.001-07:00

What is an Ad Impression?, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

An ad impression is a measure of the number of times an ad is seen by a user. It is also known as an "ad view."

Social media plays a role in ad impressions, and can reap big benefits at little upfront cost. Consider how the Jeep brand reaped hundreds of thousands of impressions when Evan van der Spuy, a mountain biker on team Jeep South Africa who was hit by an antelope (red hartebeest) was interviewed by numerous networks post t-bone.

The crazy footage was launched on YouTube and was an instant hit. This kind of event is rare - it's kind of like winning the lottery.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxFIX0oPTso

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxFIX0oPTso&list=PL42A30968D1...

2011-10-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Nice article on Hemmings blog about the Jeep Wide-Trac concept vehicle of the 1960's. Still has the slotted grille - but tilted down at a severe angle. Nice bit of sleuthing with the help of Jeff Lakaszcyck as well. This unique cab-forward prototype was built by Crown for the International Vehicle Investigation program.

1945 CJ-2A vs. 2012 Jeep Wrangler JK

2011-10-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

Motor Trend produced a nice side-by-side comparison of a 1945 CJ-2A and 2012 JK. Kudos to the Jeep brand brand for staying true to the design heritage over the years. A true American icon.

Jeep Don't Hold Back Campaign - Australia

2011-09-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

Nice Jeep imagery and soundtrack from the Potbelleez of Australia in this YouTube video. Part of Jeep Australia's "Don't Hold Back" campaign for 2011.

Some 70 Year Olds Don't Hold Back

2011-09-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Jeep brand team in Australia has chosen anew Ambassador lead its “Some 70 Year Olds Don’t Hold Back” commercial. Iwasn’t quite sure what to make of the tagline, but was quickly swayed uponwatching this YouTube video. It is really inspirational. The commercial highlights this incredible man - Tom Hafey. The former Richmond Tigers AFL football legend is fitter than most Navy Seal wanna-bes. CumminsRoss, the agency behind the "Don't Hold Back" campaign, says Tommy live his life to the Jeep ethos. Hit that one on the head.

Brilliant Bacteria Billboard for Movie Contagion

2011-09-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our family just finished watching the entire series of Monk on NetFlix. Former detective Monk had a compulsive habit of washing his hands whenever shaking hands, touching an animal, or a child. He might be on to something. Warner Brothers Pictures of Canada hired microbiologists and immunologists from around the world to create a one-of-a-kind living bacteria billboard. Two massive petri dishes were "painted" with pigmented bacteria, penicillin, mold. It didn't take long for the artistic interpretation to start showing it's true colors. On August 31st passers by were given free passes to see the movie "Contagion" in theatres along with other themed prizes. I wonder how much other nasty stuff grew on that billboard that was just in the air or on their breath. If this totally grossed you out, you might want to pick up some antibacterial "Monk Cleaning Wipes."

Skoda Park Assist Print Campaign

2011-09-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

My son is and I practiced parallel parking this weekend in preparation for his final driver's training test. Wish it were this easy.

CLEVER LAND ROVER PASSPORT AD

2011-09-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

AdvertisingAgency: RKCR/Y&R, UK
Executive Creative Director: Mark Roalfe
Typographers: Lee Aldridge, SiD
Copywriter: Phil Forster
Art Director: Tim Brookes
Photographer: Carl Warner
Production: Ali Power
Account Director: Glynn Euston

Coca Cola Friendship Machine - 2 for 1

2011-09-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Love the idea behind this Coca-Cola marketing. Check it out at YouTube. The Coca Cola Friendship machine case helped Ogilvy Argentina win Argentina Direct Agency of the Year for 2011. The idea: What if you can climb up a huge Coke machine and get 2 coke bottles for the price of one?

Boy Scout earns Eagle Rank and Hornaday Conservation Award

2011-09-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm awful proud of my son Samuel for recently earning his Eagle Scout award as well as the Hornaday Conservation award and badge. Sam was highlighted in the Clarkston News and Oxford Leader for his accomplishments. Over 250 man hours were invested by Sam and his volunteers to help rid the Shiawassee Basin Preserve of over 200 invasive Autumn Olive bushes. Many thanks to the Davisburg Rotary, Rotary sponsor Collin Walls, and Troop 192 Scoutmaster Gary Maley for all their efforts in getting Sam through this ambitious Eagle Scout Service Project.

Kudos to Phil Custodio for the nice article:
September 14, 2011 - Boy Scout Sam Ekstrom took on an invasive species for his Eagle Project, removing more than 200 Autumn Olive bushes from Shiawassee Nature Preserve.

"I like the outdoors – I hate seeing wild life areas taken over by invasive species," said Ekstrom, 16, scout with Davisburg Troop 192. "It looks good – they haven't grown back."

It will take an ongoing effort to keep out the plant, which was imported to the United States from Asia in the 1800s and grows up to 40 feet high and 50 feet wide.

Collin Walls, Springfield Township supervisor and Davisburg Rotarian, suggested the project. Completed last June, the project took a lot of organizing and coordination of scouts, adults volunteers, and business donations, he said.

"It took my communications skills to a whole new level, talking to youths and adults too," Ekstrom said.

They made their own herbicide applicators out of PVC pipe, and spent two days tagging then removing the plants.

Sam Ekstrom, who lives in Springfield Township with his parents Lee and Heather Ekstrom, also received the Hornaday Conservation Award for distinguished service in natural resource conservation.

"We're proud of him," Heather said. "His dad is an Eagle – that helped motivate him. Boy Scouts are truly fabulous. They give him a lot of skills he'll be able to use his whole life."

Sam plans to stay in scouting, working for his Eagle Palm award.

His 10 years in scouting include serving as instructor, senior patrol leader, patrol leader, chaplain aide, troop guide, den chief for Pack 133 of Andersonville Elementary School, flag coordinator, and summer camp counselor at Camp Tapico in Kalkaska.

He also earned the Baden Powell Award, the first for Troop 192, for exhibiting the highest ideals of Scouting during Summer Camp. He earned 33 Merit Badges and the WEBELOS Arrow of Light.

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Word Search

2011-09-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Can you find the twenty plus Call of Duty achievements references in my Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition copy on jeep.com? Hint - check out my last post. Here's a word search to help you find key words associated with this special edition model. Not for the faint of heart - there are 111 words and acronyms (including the achievements copy) in this wicked word search.

ABS, ACE, A CLOSER ANALYSIS, ANY WORLD, AUTHENTIC, AXLES, BACK IN THE SADDLE, BADGE, BLACK, BODY ARMOR, CALL OF DUTY, CAPABILITY, CLAN, CODE, CRAWLER, CRAWL RATIO, CUSTOM INTERIOR, ELEVATE YOUR SENSES, ELITE LOGO, ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS, EPIC, ERM, ESC, ESC OFF, FANS, FIRST TERMER, FOG LAMPS, FOR THE RECORD, FREEDOM, FUN, GAME, GENUINE, GRIZZLED VETERAN, GROUND CONTROL, HEAVY DUTY AXLES, HERO, HOOD, HORSEPOWER, IN A JAM, IRON FIST, ITS ALL ABOUT PRESTIGE, JEEP, JEEP BRAND, JEEP WAVE, LEVEL, LIGHTFOOT, LIVE, LOCKERS, METALLIC, MOD, MOPAR, MUD TERRAIN TIRES, NEW PENTASTAR ENGINE, OFF ROAD, ORIGINAL, OWN, POWER DOME HOOD, PREVENT COLLATERAL DAMAGE, PROFESSIONAL, PURPLE HEART, RAINING PAIN, READY FOR DEPLOYMENT, REAR BUMPER, REMOVABLE DOORS, ROAD TO VICTORY, ROCK RAILS, ROCK TRAC, ROUND HEADLAMPS, RUBICON, SEARCH, SEMI GLOSS BLACK WHEELS, SEVEN SLOT GRILLE, SHOCKS, SILVER, SKIP PLATES, SLUSH MATS, SNOW, SOFT TOP, STYLE, SUN, SWAY BAR DISCONNECT, SPECIAL ELITE LOGO, SPECIAL OPS, SQUAD, STEALTH, SUNRIDER SOFT TOP, SURVIVOR, SUSPENSION, SYMBOL, TEAM, TERRAIN, TIRES, TIRE COVER (2x), THE DRAGON WITHIN, THE SETTING OF THE SUN, TORQUE, TOUGH, TOWING, TRACTION, TRAIL RATED, TROPHY, TRUE, TRU LOK ELECTRONIC LOCKERS, UNLIMITED, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, VETERAN, WAVE, WINCH READY, WRANGLER, WRANGLER RUBICON

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition

2011-09-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Recently wrote copy for the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition on jeep.com (note: "toughest vehicle in the world" headline was supplied). Keeping with the Call of Duty game-theme, I incorporated over 20 achievement/trophy phrases into the headlines and body copy. This helped raise key word and search awareness as well as give an authentic tone to this hard-core special edition Wrangler.

Jeep Brand History iPad App

2011-08-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Jeep brand just launched a new free iPad app on iTunes. This app was an extension of the Jeep Touch Screen Display that our SapientNitro team put together to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep brand.

I had to shorten some of the copy to fit, but it's almost the same copy throughout. Great execution with nice touches by Art Director Extraordinaire, David Fasullo.

The app lets consumers explore photos and copy of
Jeep vehicles from the past seven decades, including the Willys MB - the original 4x4 freedom machine.

You can download the app at the iTunes store. If you like what you see, give a good rating and leave a nice comment at the iTunes store.

Jeep Wrangler Renegade Concept

2011-07-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

Jeep Wrangler Renegade Concept, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

This sketch is more of a "what could be" than a concept vehicle. The Renegade debuted at the 2011 Easter Jeep Week in Moab, Utah.

The Renegade features foglamps, fancy wheels, wicked black and red interior, chrome fuel filler cap and obligatory Renegade hood decal. I like the hood power bulge and bull bar as well.

Nice tribute the the venerable Renegade name.

Jeep Wrangler Pork Chop

2011-07-15T08:27:00.001-07:00

Jeep Wrangler Pork Chop, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

LEAN AND MEAN
The Jeep Wrangler Pork Chop vehicle was introduced at the 2011 Jeep Easter Week in Moab, Utah. This sketch by Kyle Evans was used to help guide the design process. Interesting name - I like the vertical stripe - kind of reminds me of the 1971 Hurst Jeepster.

Mopar engineers cut the fat and lost nearly 850 pounds by dropping the doors, liftgate and bumpers. The Pork Chop name comes from this major trimming of JK.

The hood weighs a measly 8 pounds thanks to the carbon fiber and aluminum mashup. Who needs carpet - certainly not Pork Chop!

Interior designers gave the nod to the sporty Sparco Chrono Road bucket seats.

Off-Road Features Include:
* Custom roll cage
* Aluminum cold air intake
* Long-tube headers leading to a dual-exhaust with integrated H-pipe
* Bilstein two-inch shock setup
* TeraFlex air bumps
* 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw radials
* 17X8 E-T Vintage V wheels
* Dynatrac ProRock 44 front and rear axles with 4.88 gears
* ARB air lockers
* Aluminum differential covers

Now where's the applesauce?

1942 Jeep CJ-2A Hot Wheels Art

2011-06-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Love this piece of art from Hot Wheels.

This Custom 1942 Jeep CJ-2A featured a roll bar, a parachute, a blown V8 engine, and rear paddle tires. According to Hot Wheels this Jeep® 4x4 "eats up the competition like a ham sandwich."

M38 Jeep Altar

2011-06-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Wichita Eagle had a nice tribute to Father Emil Kapuan who served as a chaplain in the Korean War. This image is of Father Emil Kapaun as he celebrates Mass using the hood of his M38 Jeep 4x4 for an altar. Image was taken on Oct 7, 1950. According to kansas.com Kapaun was captured by Chinese troops less than a month later. He died in a prison camp May 23, 1951 at the age of 35.

Image: Col. R.A. Skeehan

Schande auf Audi

2011-06-06T07:33:00.001-07:00

2012 Audi A6 Avant "internal communication" on YouTube?
2011 Chrysler 200 ad from Super Bowl XLV.

No subtlety here. It's a total rip off. Guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Same riff, same imagery, same angles. Audi says the video is not an ad? Good luck in court.

UPDATE: Audi has gracefully admitted its error and settled with Detroit rapper, Eminem over the sound-alike track used in this Audi A6 Avant video. The offending track was created from an unauthorized sample of Eminem's Oscar award winning "Lose Yourself" song used in the Chrysler 200 commercial. One of the terms of the out-of-court agreement was that Audi would support specific Detroit-area charities.

Willys Quad Capitol Steps

2011-05-27T07:38:00.001-07:00

Willys Quad Capitol Steps, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Contrary to popular belief, the name “jeep” does not derive from “general purpose.” The name likely combined two elements. The first was the extraordinary “Eugene the Jeep” character from the Popeye comic strip. Able to do extraordinary things, and do anything. The second came from military slang for any unproven piece of military hardware, human or mechanical. In early 1941, Willys-Overland staged a press event in Washington D.C., having the Quad drive up the Capitol steps. Irving “Red” Hausmann, a test driver on the Willys development team had heard soldiers referring to the Quad as a “jeep.” Katherine Hillyer, a reporter from the Washington Daily News picked up Red’s usage of the term “jeep” and printed the headline “Jeep creeps up Capital steps” — forever fixing the name in public awareness.

1940 Jeep Willys Quad

2011-05-27T07:37:00.001-07:00

1940 Willys Quad passenger side, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

In June 1940, with World War II on the horizon, the U.S. Army solicited bids from 135 automakers for a 1/4 ton “light reconnaissance vehicle” tailored to Army specifications. Only three companies responded – Bantam, Willys, and Ford – but, within a year’s time they collectively produced the template for the vehicle known worldwide as the “jeep.”

Willys-Overland delivered the prototype “Quad” (named for the 4WD system it featured), to the U.S. Army on Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day), November 11, 1940. The design was completed in a remarkable 75 days.

Only two prototypes were made.

Mercedes 190 SL

2011-05-25T14:48:00.001-07:00

Mercedes 190 SL, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Found these abandoned Mercedes convertibles wasting away behind an unoccupied home in Oakland County, Michigan.

Towed Jeep Normandy 1944

2011-05-25T14:39:00.003-07:00

Towed Jeep Normandy 1944, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Jeep being towed ashore in Normandy Invasion, June 1944

A U.S. Army Jeep 4x4 (nicknamed "Dam Yankee") is towed ashore on a Normandy beach, 12 June 1944.

Note the amphibious operation breathing tube leading to the engine compartment, and the U.S. flag mounted on the windshield.

Two of the men with this vehicle appear to be African-Americans.

Wartime censors have deleted markings on the Jeep vehicle's front bumper, and an object in the right distance.

Taken by Combat Photo Unit Eight (CPU-8). Photo #: 80-G-252807

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Jeep assists Medal of Honor Winner

2011-05-25T14:39:00.001-07:00

Jeep assists Medal of Honor Winner, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

A Jeep 4x4 was instrumental in the heroic efforts of Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm, U.S. Marine Corps was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts in single-handedly evacuating 45 casualties in an abandoned Jeep ambulance.

Agerholm tirelessly re-entered the fray in his Willys MB under heavy fire for a three hour marathon mission.

This halftone reproduction of a photograph was copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 149.

Official copy reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Fourth Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944.

When the enemy launched a fierce, determined counterattack against our positions and overran a neighboring artillery battalion, Private First Class Agerholm immediately volunteered to assist in the efforts to check the hostile attack and evacuate our wounded.

Locating and appropriating an abandoned ambulance Jeep 4x4, he repeatedly made extremely perilous trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire and single-handledly loaded and evacuted approximately 45 casualities, working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety during a gruelling period of more than 3 hours.

Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid two men whom he believed to be wounded Marines but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission.

Private First Class Agerholm's brilliant initiative, great personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

He gallantly gave his life for his country."

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Jeep 4x4 helping evacuate wounded

2011-05-25T14:38:00.001-07:00

Jeep 4x4 helping evacuate wounded, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Wounded taken aboard LST on D-Day.

Loading the wounded on a beached LST for transport to medical facilities in England. The wounded arrived from fighting inland on Jeep 4x4s.

Alexander P. Russo #75
Ink wash, June 1944
88-198-BW

Image courtesty of the National Archives and Records Administration.

BAD NEWS Jeep Dune Buggy Viet Nam

2011-05-25T14:35:00.001-07:00

BAD NEWS Jeep Dune Buggy Viet Nam, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Naval Communication Station, Cam Ranh Bay, Republic of Vietnam

Commander William J. Longhi, Commanding Officer of Naval Communication Station Cam Ranh Bay, alongside the dune buggy "Bad News". Assembled by the Station's receiver site personnel, the buggy was used to patrol the area around the receiver site.
Photographed circa 1970-1971.

Photo #: NH 106469-KN (Color). Collection of Captain William J. Longhi, USN (Retired), 2009. Uploaded to Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Generals in a Jeep M38

2011-05-25T14:32:00.001-07:00

Generals in a Jeep M38, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur,
Commander in Chief, Far East Command

Makes a Jeep Tour of Inchon port facilities on 16 September 1950, soon after the city was captured by U.S. forces.

Seated immediately behind him are Major General Oliver P. Smith, USMC, Commanding General, First Marine Division, (left center) and Vice Admiral Arthur D. Struble, USN, Commander, Joint Task Force Seven, (at right).

Photo #: 80-G-421945. Uploaded to Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Jeep Iwo Jima Landing

2011-05-25T14:31:00.003-07:00

Jeep Iwo Jima Landing, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Jeep 4x4 in Iwo Jima Operation, 1945

"Pinned Down -- Fourth Division Marines are pinned down by enemy fire as they hit the beach at Iwo Jima on D-Day, February 19. Making their fourth amphibious assault in 13 months, the veteran fighters are ready to secure the right flank of the initial beachhead.'"

Quoted from the original picture caption released for publication on 25 February 1945 by Commander in Chief, Pacific.

The landing ship in the background (with its bow and stern numbers censored) is LSM-206.

Note broached LCM in the center, and swamped jeep and LCVP (also with identification markings censored) at right.

The original photograph came from the illustrations package for Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison's "History of United States Naval Operations in World War II", volume XIV: "Victory in the Pacific".

The photo was provided to Morison by E.J. Long. It was uploaded to Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.

Photo #: NH 65312.

Official U.S. Marine Corps Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Jacklyn Lucas Medal of Honor in Jeep

2011-05-25T14:31:00.001-07:00

Jacklyn Lucas Medal of Honor in Jeep, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Private first Class Jacklyn H. Lewis of the U.S. Marine Corps - was awarded the Medal of Honor for pulling two grenades under his body to protect his fellow soldiers.

Read more of his exploits at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacklyn_H._Lucas

Jacklyn waves from the back seat of a Willys MB Jeep 4x4 as he leaves LaGuardia Airport for Nimitz Day celebrations in New York City, New York on 9 October 1945.

Photo #: NH 103870.

Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Jeep Nimitz Day Parade

2011-05-25T14:29:00.001-07:00

Jeep Nimitz Day Parade, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Nimitz Day Parade, New York City, 9 October 1945

Preceded by marchers and cars bearing Admiral Nimitz and his party, Marine Corps Medal of Honor winners (in Jeep 4x4s) ride up Broadway and Cedar Street.

Private First Class Jacklyn H. Lucas, awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism on Iwo Jima, was one of those who participated in this parade.

Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN. Photo #: NH 103871. Uploaded to Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Jeep 4x4 carrying casualties - Normandy 1944

2011-05-25T14:28:00.001-07:00

Jeep 4x4 carrying casualties - Normandy 1944, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Jeep 4x4 at Normandy Invasion, 1944

A Jeep 4x4 brings casualties to a LST for evacuation from the Normandy beachhead, 13 June 1944.

Note the bulldozer just beyond the Jeep 4x4, and the line of German prisoners of war marching by in the background.

This appears to be "Utah" Beach.

Photo #: 80-G-252779. Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

General Smith Jeep Saipan

2011-05-25T14:27:00.001-07:00

General Smith Jeep Saipan, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, United States Marine Corps.

Holding a M1 Carbine, Lt. Gen. Smith makes a tour of men an installations at a Saipan airport before leading the assault on Gaum.

Smith is pointing out an item of interest to the other officers in the Willys MB Jeep 4x4.

The photo was released for publication on 29 August 1944.

Note the spade and axe mounted on the Jeep vehicles side, below the driver's seat.

Photo #: NH 104259. Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Jeep Converted to Ambulance - Navy Art

2011-05-25T14:26:00.001-07:00

Jeep Converted to Ambulance - Navy Art, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Recruiting poster of World War II.

One of the great innovations of the war, the pug-nosed, pugnacious Jeep 4x4, reveals a softer side of its nature as it becomes an ambulance on the Bougainville jungle front.

Though often painfully jolting to the wounded on its journey through the twisted trails of the jungle, the Willys MB Jeep vehicle at least gets the casualties away from the firing lines speedily.

Plasma transfusions are sometimes given en route, despite the rocky motion.

Kerr Eby #43
Pastel drawing, 1943
Gift of Abbott Laboratories
88-159-EA
Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom

Jeep Iwo Jima Beach

2011-05-25T14:25:00.001-07:00

Jeep Iwo Jima Beach, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Iwo Jima Operation, 1945

"Jeep in the Heart of Iwo -- One of the first Jeep 4x4s to roll ashore as the Fifth Marine Division landed on Iwo Jima, met the same fate as most of the other vehicles, when it sank into the soft black volcanic ash on the beach.

Until steel mats were laid a large number of Willys MB Jeep vehicles and trucks were stalled in the quagmire as they rolled from landing boats.

Bogged vehicles were favorite targets of Japanese mortarmen who fired down from flanking mountains overlooking the beach."

Quoted from the original photo caption, released by Commander-in-Chief, Pacific, on 25 February 1945.

Photographed by T/Sgt. H. Neil Gillespie.
LCVP being unloaded in the center background is from USS Newberry (APA-158). Note lines being used to keep it from broaching, and the small (bulldozer-type) mobile crane assisting the work.

The original print came from Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison's World War II history project working files. It was provided to Morison by E.J. Long.

Photo #: NH 104215. Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.

Official U.S. Marine Corps Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Salesman Held Captive in Jeep Jail

2011-04-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Where do you draw inspiration from when in a funk for creative copy? Craigslist!

Used car sales is a tough job. Fred Flintstone would be the first in line for this sales-manager-powered 1955 Willys Jeep CJ-5.

No motor. No transfer case. No seats. No problem.

Feed Aaron Erway three square meals a day and your covered. Or, skip the sales manager bit and use it for a flower planter - for the right family or course.

Love the Craigslist all-capped copy:

CHECK THIS OUT...NO MOTOR, NO TRANS...NO TRANSFER CASE NO SEATS... .NOW THE POSITIVE...IT IS REALLY CUTE....WOULD MAKE A TERRIFIC

FLOWER PLANTER FOR THE RIGHT FAMILY.... IT IS REALLY CUTE.. THAT IS NOT PATTON POSING BY THE WAY... PATTON WAS MUCH BETTER LOOKING ...THINK LONG AND HARD AND EVENTUALLY YOU WILL FIND SOMETHING CREATIVE TO DO WITH IT...THE FELLA PRETENDING TO BE A MOTOR... WE CALL HIM AARON... AARON ERWAY.... 'IT'S YOUR WAY WITH ERWAY' WHERE ELSE CAN YOU BUY A 1955 WILLYS FOR UNDER A GRAND ? ... COFFEE IS ALWAYS ON ...

Not a bad deal, a cup of coffee and CJ-5 all for $994. Check it out on Craigslist and here.

1973 Super Jeep Advertisement

2011-04-08T07:20:00.001-07:00

1973 Super Jeep Advertisement, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Now we're clear that Jeep CJ-5's are girls with multiple personalities (at least multiple voices): Not a bird. Not a plane. But a new thrill under the sun - 4-wheel drive fun-mobiling. At first glance, that same familiar profile, but underneath that super-stripe stands a baby brute with the guts to go where others fear to tread. Super Jeep is all guts from the brawny suspension to the heavy-duty axle - an open-end design that can turn in just 32.9 ft. And special color treatment on the front and rear seats, the roll bar's saying "go!" and the 258 six answers "r-r-i-i-ght!"" Oversize L78 x 15 Polyglas white wall tires are included along with those black rubber lip extensions on the fenders. Plus chrome front bumper and safety rail for your more easily flustered passengers. She's available in all kinds of color combinations and lots of extra goodies. So don't just sit there, hit the trail in a gen-u-ine Super Jeep Toughest 4-letter word on wheels.

2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept Flyer 2 of 2

2011-02-28T12:21:00.001-08:00

2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept Flyer 2 of 2
Originally uploaded by lee.ekstrom

The 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept Vehicle seems to be making its way back in the press again. Jeep CEO Mike Manley showed dealers a version of this multipurpose vehicle (aka "pickup truck") at a dealer meeting in Orlando, Florida last year. Its expected that production of a Jeep exotic will begin in the third quarter of 2011, and be badged as a 2012.

My art director partner, Dennis Outlaw and I created this Auto Show Flyer/Brochure when we worked at BBDO Detroit on the Jeep Creative team.

2005 Jeep Gladiator Brochure

2011-02-28T12:20:00.001-08:00

2005 Jeep Gladiator Brochure 1 of 2
Originally uploaded by lee.ekstrom

The 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept Vehicle seems to be making its way back in the press again. In January, Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said the Jeep brand would be releasing a "multipurpose" vehicle that will have a pickup-like bed in the back. That kind of jives with this flyer.

My art director partner, Dennis Outlaw and I created this 2005 Auto Show Brochure when we worked at BBDO Detroit on the Jeep Creative team.

SO UNIQUE, IT DEMANDED A CATEGORY ALL ITS OWN.
When we produced this flyer in 2005, we were tasked to keep the Gladiator out of the truck category - ultimately calling it a "Flexible Utility Truck."Thankfully this last line may hold true:

This authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage is but a glimpse of the direction the brand could go in the near future.

No comment on the word "near." The Gladiator Concept Vehicle relied heavily on the Wrangler front grille. An integrated front recovery winch was a nice touch. We'll have to see how closely it lines up with the real thing once it launches later this year.
The new multipurpose exotic Jeep (sort-of pick-truck) 4x4 will most likely be sold internationally as well.Copy from the flyer:

A category all its own - the Jeep® Gladiator concept vehicle is the first "Flexible Utility Truck," a mid-size alternate with a max-size appetite for more. Go ahead, get a second helping. With Gladiator's expandable bed you can stretch from 5'8" to 6'8" to 8'11" in a matter of minutes. You never know when an extra foot of truck-bed space will come in handy. A dent-resistant Durabed Bedliner and multiple tie-down help tether gear should you be trailering an F5 twister.

A trick driver-side rear-seat access hatch allows for easy retrieval of stowed gear. Under the side-mounted spare is a bottle jack stored in a military-style watertight box.

Peel back the canvas top partially, or remove it completely, for a huge sky/moon/star roof. Hauling a 4'x8' drywall in a mid-size? Sure! Gladiator's rear-seat stows away beneath the truck bed, and a slide-down rear glass and lowered tailgate instantly reward the user with over 8'11" of bragging rights.

Key Features of the Jeep Gladiator Concept Vehicle:
Powerful 2.8L I-4 Turbo Diesel engine (295 lb-ft of torque / 163 hp)
Heavy-duty 6-speed manual transmission
Trail Rated® Capability
Proven Command-Trac® 4x4 system
Exposed hood latches / door handles
Armour Green Metallic paint
Integrated front recovery winch
Goodyear 265/75R18 (33-inch tall) tires
18x8-inch cast-aluminum polished wheels
Super-tough front / rear solid axles
Suspension: 4-link front coil and 5-link rear with dual coils (includes separate ride and load coils)
Bed length - 5'8"
Midgate forward - 6'8"
Expanded with tailgate down (min) - 8'11"
Open fenders / extra-wide rear fenders
Passenger-side rear door (opens a full 180 degrees)

The strategically placed side-mounted spare tire is all about utility, ultimate use of rear bed space, and uber coolness.

Copy: Lee Ekstrom
Art Direction: Dennis Outlaw
Agency: BBDO-Detroit

Jeep Wagoneer Stars in Utah Ad Campaign

2011-02-22T14:52:00.001-08:00

Properly secure all cargo.
Originally uploaded by lee.ekstrom

Jeep SJ featured in a Utah Advertisement. This ad was created by art director Brandon Knowlden for the state of Utah.

The "Life Elevated" campaign was to highlight the four-seasons of adventure Utah had to offer. The 1979 Jeep Wagoneer was bought on Craigslist.com and was the centerpiece of the $3.2 million advertising campaign.

Reminds me a lot of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited overloaded backpacker theme we did a while back at BBDO-Detroit.

Another similar VW ad cleverly used a competitors vehicle loaded down to show the possible benefits of their voluminous, box-shaped VW Station Wagon.

Love the line, "So every time they make a conventional station wagon, they also make a swell little ad for the Volkswagen Station Wagon.

Utah Road Trip YouTube Video by utahtourism.

Article about the campaign by automotivetraveler.com.

Brandon Knowlden Blog.

Vintage Jeep Pedal Car

2011-02-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

Found this 1950s Hamilton Air Force Jeep Pedal Car on one of my favorite new sites: jalopyjournal. Learn more about the Jeep Pedal Cars here. I am convinced early associations through Jeep pedal cars and battery-powered Jeep Wrangler Power Wheels have lasting effects on the "I've always wanted one" phenomenon associated with the Jeep brand.

$2,000 Beer Can Jeep

2011-02-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

You can purchase this masterpiece of Aluminum machinery for a cool $2,000 cash.
Or, buy the designs for $10 and try it yourself at home.
You'll need some other supplies as well: superglue, single edged razor blades, sharp scissors, sand paper, galvanized wire, electric cable, tiny nuts and bolts, washers, aluminum tubing, small piece of wood, and a few pins from a sewing kit.
That and a few hundred (or thousand) hours depending on skill set. Give yourself four weeks of part time work if you're an expert.
According to perfectionist artist Sandy Sanderson, choosing a can can be a tough decision.
You may want to visit the local Beer importer to get the best colors and graphics for your Beer Can Jeep.Sandy Sanderson is a perfectionist. He recycles. He lives in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Favorite New Chair

2011-02-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

I want one for my office. Fashioned by Patrick Amiot Urban Furniture.

Living the Jeep Life

2011-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Harold Stephens in his new Willys Jeep 4x4 in front of the capitol in Washington, D.C. - prior to sending it overseas on his world-wide adventure.

The Jeep brand has always been marketed as a vehicle that enables the driver to "Go Anywhere, Do Anything. Harold Stephens took that spirit and lived it to the fullest. Stephens was in the Marines and stationed in China during World War II when his life-long adventure with Jeep vehicles began. He and a buddy "borrowed" a Jeep and explored along the Great Wall of China.

Stephens and his bright-red Willys Jeep 4x4 traveled the globe through Southeast Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia. His collective tales were sold to Argosy Magazine and later printed in his many books.

Check out Stephens website to learn more about his many adventures in his Willys Jeep 4x4.

Born For War - Ready for Peace

2011-02-11T13:57:00.001-08:00

Born For War - Ready for Peace
Originally uploaded by lee.ekstrom

1945 Jeep Ad in the Saturday Evening Post

This ad was published as Willys-Overland was trying to establish a Civilian purpose for the mighty Willys MB post World War II. This transition period was important in re-introducing a new purpose for the heroic "Jeep".

The advertisement reads:

.. To millions of people all over the world “JEEP” means WILLYS ..

Famous for its outstanding performance in war, the “Jeep” has been fitted for peace, to work and serve on farms and in industry, around the world.

The “Jeep” for peace, amazing in its versatility, is fitted to do a hundred-and-one jobs for the postwar Farmer and as many more for Industry … around the clock, around the year, around the world.

It pulls, pushes or drags every type of farm implement. Doubles as a highway vehicle for a speedy trip to town, and then rounds out a full day as a mobile power plant – takes “jeep” power to the job. An ever-ready servant twenty-four hours a day, the “Jeep” for peace raises the curtain on a new conception of automotive service … ushers in a new era of mechanization for farm and industry. Get a “Jeep”!

Classic Billboard Ads

2011-02-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

"What would you expect from a city with a statue of a fist?"

An engineer friend from GM recently sent me an email with some classic General Motors billboard ads created by Campbell-Ewald for the Woodward Dream Cruise from 2001-08. These bold billboard statements reminded me of a lot of the retooled "Imported from Detroit" message in the recent Born of Fire Chrysler video that aired at Super Bowl XLV. One of the featured Detroit landmarks in the homage to Detroit was the massive statue of a fist commissioned by Time Inc. in honor of Joe Louis Barrow, aka "The Brown Bomber."

Some more of my favorites:

Chrysler Eminem Super Bowl Commercial - Imported From Detroit

2011-02-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

Love this commercial. The tone, voice talent, Detroit-theme. It works. Imported From Detroit tagline is brilliant.

VW Black Beetle YouTube Take Over

2011-02-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

Liked the VW XLV super bowl ad. But the YouTube take-over at youtube.com/blackbeetle will create even more buzz. The damn thing gone wild (bam-a-lam). VW's racing-striped Black Beetle knocks dirt and bombastically bam-ba-lam's the foundation of Youtube as it races to knock the user interface silly to Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's cover of Ram Jam's infectious "Black Betty." Nice one-two punch.

M-715 4x4 In action

2011-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

Lovin' this Wagoneer

2011-01-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Was checking out my local Detroit Craigslist for sale items and came across this beautiful 1977 Jeep Wagoneer. The owner claims its only previous owner was the Chrysler Museum. 80K miles. Never titled until 2010. Going price: $15,000.

Have it Your Way - Burger King

2010-03-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

What better way to convey "your special - just like your burger" than to have a customized wrapper on your no mayo, hold-the-onions Whopper. Kudos to Ogilvy Brazil creating brilliant buzz from this fresh Burger King campaign. Check the video out at creativity-online.com. I wonder how many follow-up Whoppers were sold so the customer could get a better photo?

Facebook Finally Trumps Google

2010-03-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

So what's driving Facebook's incredible traffic? Traffic monitor Hitwise, has announced that Facebook has usurped Google for the first time in the company's traffic counter for single individual days.

According to Hitwise research director Heather Dougherty in her blog, Facebook was the most visited website in the U.S. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day as well as the weekend of March 6th and 7th. But those were just individual days. Now Facebook has officially surpassed Google in overall traffic for the week ending March 13. At least according to Hitwise.

Granted, the two offer wildly different services, but traffic is traffic. And new unique users are like gold. Facebook managed to add 100 million users between September and February, to a swelling 400 million active users. Traffic is up 185% compared with this time last year, whereas Google's traffic has risen by only 9%. Seems there are a lot of wanna-be farmers out there.

Casual gaming, or facebooking, is a driving factor in the remarkable success. Leading the tractor parade to greener pastures in the "farm with your friends" game Farmville. Gaming is the vehicle to engage, connect and disconnect from the troubles of the world.

I'm of the opinion that internet holdouts are finally seeing the light. Too many conversations at the water cooler or with family during the holidays has spiked the numbers. When family is together, they talk about life. Those not on Facebook realize they're missing out on the connectedness of family, friends and fun. Holidays are the perfect down time to hook up relatives and add them to the growing network of users. Farmville is a hook that drives traffic and entice users to give more information about themselves - deep linking them into the system in a fun way.

My dad, a reluctant professional that probably didn't trust the Web that much, joined after I posted updates and photos on Facebook after one of my son's had an accident and was in the trauma unit receiving care. We are social creatures that care about loved ones and friends. Facebook was the easiest way to get updates out to the people I cared about most.

Combine that with the popularity of mobile devices, improved newsfeeds, casual gaming, the impressive ability to connect with high-school classmates, and you can plainly see why Facebook is luring in many hard-core holdouts.

More Fun 404 Code Copy

2010-03-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Saw this doing research on a 1975 electrical system recall for the AM General Jeep DJ-5E.

First Electric Jeep DJ-5E

2010-03-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

So ugly it's cute. That's the way Glen Burgess describes his restored Jeep® Electruck, or DJ-5E. Glen has a great Jeep DJ-5E restoration project, of perhaps the last surviving model of the 352 manufactured, one of five sold to Canada Post. The 1976 factory original electric postal truck was found by Glen in a farmers field in Ontario Canada. The restored Electruck weighs nearly twice the weight of a gas-powered Jeep DJ-5 because of the heavy lead-acid batteries. Interestingly there was a recall on the 1975 model.

AMC worked with Gould on a 20-horsepower compund wind DC Motor and two 27 volt batteries for a total of 54 volts. The vehicles were capable of attaining 4o mph for up to 29 miles. The United States Postal Service (USPS) ran a Route Profile Analysis to determine suitability of electric postal delivery vehicles and it was favorable. Interestingly Taylor-Dunn company already has an Electruck ® that can reach speeds of up to 25 mph and provide over 40 miles in range. Taylor-Dunn trademarked the Electruck name in 1994. We'll have to see if the next generation of Jeep Electric Vehicles are able to find their way back into the service of the USPS.

Paul Gilbert - Jackhammer

2010-03-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Michael Madill, owner of Madsound, LLC and former Sound Designer at Organic sent out props to this video on YouTube. Wicked tight. Possibly the best 7/8 time ever?

World Record Fuel Economy

2010-03-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Have we reached the plateau of fuel efficiency? Turned the last screw in our push toward the envelope of known technology? At first I couldn't believe the claim: over 12,000 miles per gallon. Now I can't believe it hasn't been improved upon.

The Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency was awarded in 2005 to a Swiss team with a PAC-Car II hydrogen-powered car. Lino Guzzella and his team at ETH Zurich recorded an astounding 5,385 km per liter of gasoline (12,666 mpg!) during the Shell Eco-marathon in Ladoux (France). The vehicle weighed a feathery 60 pounds and had an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.075.

Hydrogen power is impressive, but it still doesn't compete with the sun-fed system of solar vehicles. The solar car can travel an indefinite distance without using any fuel at all (provided sun is readily available). I was shooting the event for The Macomb Daily newspaper on July 19, 1990 as the University of Michigan Sunrunner crossed the finish line and won the first GM Sunrayce. It was a memorable event seeing the maize and blue solar cell-covered car stealthily cross the finish line with a a cheering team in tow at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Michigan. The Sunrunner electric car weighed a heafty 500 pounds and had an aerodynamic drag coefficienct of .108.

Solar powered vehicles have matured and improved at an astonishing rate since that momentous event in 1990. The race to higher fuel efficiency with hydrogen powered vehicles is sure to follow a similar path, albeit not as dramatic. The fact that Hydrogen became a recognized official fuel in 2004 like gasoline and petrol helped with the path to world records.

So why hasn't another team broken the record since? Have we reached the epitome of drag coefficiency. Has the tire technology reached its limit? Or is it just that the students at ETH Zurich are taking a break for a while as everyone else catches up?

(PAC-Car 2 photos courtesy ETH Zurich)

Suburu Spreads its Wings

2010-02-26T12:21:00.001-08:00

Suburu Spreads its Wings
Originally uploaded by lee.ekstrom

The Suburu Hybrid Tourer Concept uses twin gull-wing doors and steeply raked front windshield for a spectacular display at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Michigan. Look for future Subaru vehicles to take on the new front grille design.

The Hybrid Tourer was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2009. Nice wide-open door to the interior. I'm not sure how this would work in Michigan with snow, sleet, rain and other nasties.

The Hybrid Tourer will use a 2.0 litre turbocharged boxer engine along with two electric motors. Suburu is planning on using a Lineartronic Automatic Transmission (actually a CVT) and utilizes a rear motor that can be used at start up or during acceleration. A front motor would be used as a power generator and aid in acceleration.

Reminds me of a fresh vehicle that could easily be used in "Back to the Future X."

Toyota "Baby Prius" FT-EV II Concept

2010-02-26T11:33:00.001-08:00

Toyota FT-EV II Concept Vehicle
Originally uploaded by lee.ekstrom

Lot of weird stuff happening here. Funky in a freakish kind of way. Love the graphics on this EV concept. Not so sure about the drive-by-wire joystick control that replaces the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals.

Reminds me of the song we sang in Junior High about how things are interconnected, called Dry Bones:

"The ankle bone's connected to the leg bone,
The foot bone connected to the heel bone,
The heel bone connected ot the ankle bone,
Now hear the word of the Lord... "

Most vehicles on the road today are using drive-by-wire technology. Even vehicles you think of as mechanical in nature like the Jeep Wrangler use the linkless pedal. But a decoupled steering wheel is a whole 'nuther ball of wax. Toyota's version of the campfire song:

"The steering wheel's not connected to a steering column
The steering column's not connected to the the track rod,
The track rod's not connected to the tie rods,
Now hear the word of the Toyoda..."

Are American's ready to trust Toyota's trick technology?