Ever since its launch, one vehicle has baffled me with its stumble. That would be the Dodge Dart.
To me, it's a great domestic product; however, its sales just can't keep up with the competition. It's particularly sad.
In recent advertising campaigns though, it's clear that Chrysler Group's Dodge division has decided to turn to humor. That's why Will Ferrell's Ron Burgandy character was seen pushing the Durango and now we're seeing Craig Robinson from The Office, and Jake Johnson from New Girl pitching the Dart.
I guess it's a way for Dodge to try and extend an olive branch to younger consumers while gaining some attention.
That said, let us know if you're diggin' the advertisements and if you think this will give the car a bit more lift.
In this Don't Touch My Dart commercial, some people say that you can’t enjoy your new car until you get the first scratch out of the way. Craig Robinson has a new Dart, and he is not one of those people. Are you?
In this Don't Touch My Dart commercial, Craig Robinson discovers Jake Johnson mounting a birdhouse above his precious Dodge Dart—thankfully no birds were in the area.
In this Don't Touch My Dart commercial, no one can touch Craig Robinson’s Dart. Not even his best friend-slash-neighbor. How would you prevent someone from touching your new car?
In this Don't Touch My Dart commercial, Craig Robinson and Jake Johnson attempt to answer the age-old question: Can you touch a car with your voice? Not Craig’s Dart.
Dodge's press release follows:
Comedians and Actors Craig Robinson and Jake Johnson Star in New Advertising Campaign for the Dodge Dart
Humorous 'Don't Touch My Dart' campaign tells story of a neighbor's pride and respect for his new Dodge Dart, and his friend's relentless desire to touch it
Nearly two dozen broadcast and digital spots of varying lengths will air, including several running on CollegeHumor.com through an exclusive partnership
Campaign kicks off this week with spots airing on major networks as well as online at www.DontTouchMyDart.com
August 5, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Comedians and actors Craig Robinson ("Hot Tub Time Machine 2," "Mr. Robinson" and "The Office") and Jake Johnson ("New Girl" and "Let's Be Cops") team together for the first time in a new Dodge Dart advertising campaign called "Don't Touch My Dart," that launches this week.
Using trademark Dodge brand humor and attitude, the campaign follows two neighbors - Robinson, who owns a new Dodge Dart, and Johnson, who wishes he did. Throughout the broadcast and digital videos, the playful duo act out a storyline of pride, respect and envy. Robinson is happy for his friend Jake to look at his car and talk to him about it, but the moment Jake tries to touch it, Robinson becomes very protective, quipping "Don't touch my Dart."
"For the youthful mindset that is our Dart target, we will share fun and engaging stories about a highly protective Dart owner and the untouchable status of his prized possession, his beautiful new Dart," said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. "Throughout each chapter in the story the audience will learn about Dart's key product advantages and innovative features. At the end of the day our objective is to educate, drive awareness and ultimately support sales. Craig (Robinson) and Jake (Johnson) deliver that while maintaining the essence of the Dodge brand spirit, character and full-of-life attitude."
Nearly two dozen variations of 5-second TV billboards and 15- and 30-second commercials were created for broadcast and digital use. The first 30-second spots, "Garage Door – Mmmm," "First Scratch – Too Precious" and "Voice Touching," begin airing this week on CBS' "Mike and Molly" and "Under the Dome" (Aug. 4), ABC's "NY Med" (Aug. 7), NBC's "America's Got Talent" (Aug. 10) and at www.DontTouchMyDart.com.
The debut television spots include:
"Garage Door – Mmmm": In the campaign's introductory spot, no one can touch Craig Robinson's new Dodge Dart. Not even his best friend/neighbor, Jake.
"First Scratch –Too Precious": Some people say that you can't enjoy your new car until you get the first scratch out of the way. In this spot we learn Craig Robinson is not one of those people.
"Voice Touching": This spot attempts to answer the age-old question: "Can you touch a car with your voice?" as Robinson accepts an incoming call from Jake on the Dart's 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center.
Additional spots will roll out in the coming weeks and air on various network and cable entertainment, sports and news programs. Dodge also is partnering with CollegeHumor.com for exclusive airing of several "Don't Touch My Dart" ads that are suitable for a more mature audience.
Later in the month, DontTouchMyDart.com will transform into an interactive YouTube experience where people will find out first-hand what happens when they try to touch Craig Robinson's brand new Dodge Dart.
Some of the spots feature original music composed by Robinson.
The campaign was created in partnership with Portland, Ore.-based independent advertising agency, Wieden+Kennedy.