Chrysler Virtual Auto Factory Tour Web Site

The SapientNitro Creative team helped launch the new 2015 Chrysler 200 Factory Tour web site. A Factory Manufacturing page created by our team supported the program as well.

Chrysler CMO Olivier Francois, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and Chrysler brand CEO Al Gardner wanted to show consumers the overhauled state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that highlight the Chrysler 200's quality, excellence and sophistication. This program ties in to the "Born Makers" TV ads which also highlights the Sterling Heights manufacturing plant.

This immersive tour uses the Google program to tap into existing content on the internet including 360-degree interactive films and photography. Various aspects of the assembly process were highlighted to focus on many of the innovative processes that help separate the new Chrysler 200 apart from the competition.

Not everyone can visit the Chrysler plant, so Oliver Francois did the next best thing, "Since we can't bring people to the plant, we've openly brought the plant to the people." In the immersive site, the consumer is part of the discovery process as they see the in the pride, expertise and excellence built into every new 2015 Chrysler 200.

The story was picked up and lauded by Forbes, Automobile, Motor Trend, Road & Track among others.

Jeep Rescue Optical Illusion

Jeep Rescue Optical Illusion, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

I created a mash-up in PhotoShop of the Jeep Rescue Concept Vehicle and some tires & wheels that have a life of their own. Hope you enjoy this fun Jeep optical illusion.

Jeep Wrangler Pork Chop Optical Illusion

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

I thought the Jeep Wrangler Pork Chop concept vehicle by Mopar could use some new psychadelic tread. Hope you enjoy my down-and-dirty optical illusion PhotoShop mash-up!

Jeep Brand History iPad App

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.

2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept Flyer 2 of 2

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.

Gang Signs in Advertising

Where do you draw the line with gang signs and advertising? You can find some kind of symbol in almost any advertising using a hand. Take the successful Jeep Patriot campaign - a woman playfully pinches a wolf and drops it into her friends canoe. One could say that the pinch sign (see # 8 below) is used by some obscure gang somewhere that doesn't really matter. Should that gang sign limit creativity and stifle the Jeep campaign with its pinch the wolf theme? Of course not.