Who is Dr. Z?
We just saw a preview of the slew of new commercials hyping Chrysler’s new Employee Pricing Plus sale featuring a German-accented Chrysler executive named Dr. Z. The commercials do a great job of hammering home the Dr. Z name, but the everyday car buyer out there might not know the man behind the mustache.
Dieter Zetsche is the chairman of DaimlerChrysler, the parent company of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, as well as Meredes-Benz. Before he took over that job he headed the Chrysler Group and was the driving force behind the resurgence of those three American brands, where he infused Mercedes engineering into cars like the Chrysler 300. So think of him as the Lee Iacocca of this relatively new German/American company.
We’re not sure if America will find these commercials quite as funny as industry insiders who have grown accustomed to Zetsche’s heavy accent and quick wit. Especially NASCAR Nation, where two Dodge cars will get Dr. Z artwork. But at least now you know who the heck is trying to sell you a car. Click through for samples of the new ad campaign and Kasey Kahne’s new ride.
Yep. That’s the Hemi guy directing Dr. Z
This “pesky” reporter gets a joyride care of Dr. Z.
NASCAR fans will get the Dr.Z treatment too. Although we think the cartoon version would work better on the hood.
