Super Bowl XLVI Auto Commercials Ranked

As a game Superbowl XLVI turned out to be pretty good thanks to the last four minutes even if it was close yet quite average for most of the previous three quarters and change. Of course the actual game does not define a Super Bowl as some actually claim to watch the game for the commercials only.  As a whole this year's batch of commercials appeared to have less lolz than last year's edition. Nevertheless the automotive industry not only ran the most ads but also managed to have some of the best ads on Super Sunday. Here is my top five:

1. Chevy: Happy Grad

A high school graduate goes wild when he sees that his parent bought him a new Camaro convertible as a graduation present until we see that they actually didn't. This ad is simple yet very funny.



2. Acura: NSX

Great commercial overall, the only problem is that the NSX is very far from production but the commercial still works brilliantly.



3. Chevy: Chevy Silverado

The predicted 2012 Apocalypse comes true, somewhat, and Silverados are still driving around while F-150s are not. A pretty good commercial overall and one that got Ford all riled up and apparently helped Ford sell more F-150s than it did Silverados.



4. Fiat: 500 Abarth Seduction

Fiat has been under fire by the critics for lower than promised sales and an ad campaign that has left much to be desired. A simpler commercial might just be what Fiat needs and this one delivers.



5. Volkwagen:  The Dog Strikes Back

Volkswagen essentially had the best ad last year and unfortunately the sequel is not as good this time around but the two part commercial still takes fifth.

Chrysler Has A 5 Year Plan, But Will It Work?

Based on yesterday's sales figures the Chrysler group is doing the worst among major manufacturers. To fix the current situation Chrysler has devised a five year plan that will put them on the right track. Chrysler presented the plan to the media during a seven hour press conference, here is a summary of the new products coming from Chrysler.

Dodge Brand

• The Caliber will get a slight restyle with a better interior in 2010. It will be replaced with a Fiat based compact sedan in 2013.
• The Avenger mid size sedan will get a more significant refresh in 2010 including a new interior, engines, restyling, and improvements in ride, fuel economy and performance. It will then be replaced by a Fiat based car in 2013.
• Journey and Caravan will receive same updates as the Avenger.
• New Charger arrives in 2010.
  
• A Fiat based small car will come in 2013.
• A new Viper will come in 2012.

Ram Brand

• Dakota pickup will be replaced by a unit-body pickup in 2011
• Ram trucks will be upgraded in 2012.
• Fiat based commercial vans will come in 2012.

Chrysler Brand

• Fiat 500 will be sold through select Chrysler dealerships next year.
• The Sebring sedan and Town&Country minivans will be upgraded much like the Dodge version in 2010.
• New 300c sedan in 2010.
• Chrysler receives Fiat based small car, mid size car and crossover between 2012 and 2013.

Jeep

• Patriot and Compass receive major upgrades in 2010 and are replaced by one Fiat based SUV in 2013.
• A smaller SUV will slot below the Patriot/Compass replacement, also in 2013.
• The Wrangler will receive significant upgrades (interior/exterior) in 201o and 2011 including a diesel engine with start/stop function.
• Previously debuted Grand Cherokee goes on sale next year.

Engines

• Fiat engine technology (diesel/multiair/direct injected turbos) will be used.
• Dodge hybrid knowledge will be used by Fiat.
• 3.6 liter 280 horsepower V6 will be used.
  
• Hemi engines survive, new 6.4 liter Hemi with around 450 horsepower will be used!

The use of Fiat technology will certainly help Chrysler, but it's long term success depends on how well the public react to the upcoming Fiat based products which will comprise the majority of its lineup.

Next Generation Dodge Charger Teaser Shot