Chrysler will launch the ad campaign for the 2013 Dodge Dart at tonight’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Automotive News reports. Dubbed “How to Change Cars Forever,” the commercial paints a fast-paced montage of how to develop a car sans committees, finance guys and other killjoys. There’s even a cameo of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. It might seem odd for Brady to appear in a baseball game, but the campaign should run well into pigskin season. Expect heavier marketing this September, Automotive News says. Dodge’s new tagline, “New Rules,” shows up at the end of the 90-second spot. The Dart went on sale last month, but inventory is still ramping up. As of today, Cars.com shows less than 1,000 Darts in national inventory. Click below to watch the ad.
In other news:
Speaking of Chrysler, the automaker built 23% more cars during the first six months of 2012 than it did a year ago, Detroit Free Press reports, and it’s on track to meet a $3 billion operating profit this year.
As gas prices fall, so has the average gas mileage of new cars. It dropped for the third straight month in June, to 23.6 mpg, according to a monthly index by the University of Michigan.
Reuters reports that a new app called SideCar allows drivers with an empty seat to pick up passengers and earn voluntary cash. Screenings and ratings for both parties aim to ensure safety, SideCar officials say.
Used-car prices fell sharply in June, according to an index by auto auction firm Manheim, but they remain higher than at any point before November 2010.