Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” campaign that began airing during the Super Bowl earlier this year and continued with several more spots later on, has grasped the interest of viewers and consumers alike.
Unfortunately for Chrysler, it has also caught the attention of the Made in the USA Foundation, which filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against Chrysler’s claims for false advertising. And it’s not only Chrysler as the non-profit consumer group is also targeting Ford for the same reason.
While the original “Imported for Detroit” ad showed the Chrysler 200 that is made alongside the Dodge Avenger in Michigan’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, the automaker aired several commercials with the new 300 that is built in Canada.
The Foundation’s general counsel, Joel D. Joseph, said: “The ads are clever, but they are false. The Chrysler 300 is made in Canada. It is assembled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and often includes a Mexican-made engine. Last time I checked Detroit is not in Canada. Chrysler is flat wrong to imply the 300 is made in the United States and we have asked the FTC to order corrective advertising.”
Ford is in the organization’s sights because of its Fusion radio advertisement. “The ad states that the Fusion is an American car”, said Joseph. “The Fusion is made in Mexico and is not an American car. The Ford ad misleads and confuses the public and we have asked the FTC to stop the ads.”
Joseph also accused both Chrysler and Ford of removing country of origin stickers from their cars at auto shows, further misleading the millions of consumers who visit the exhibitions.
Maybe Ford’s intention to move Fusion production from Mexico to the US will get it off the Foundation’s sights…
