Adweek is reporting that BBDO/Detroit and its field offices will close on Jan. 26, 2010, putting 485 people out of work.
Given that news, it’s kind of weird to see the following message on Chrysler.com:
“Give yourself a promotion.” Ouch.
On July 30 Chrysler told the agency that while it wished to continue to work with the shop, it was not prepared to do so under current contract terms.
After emerging from bankruptcy in June, Chrysler has been run by Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat, which took a 20 percent stake in the American company post-bankruptcy. Marchionne, who has been reaching beyond roster shop BBDO in awarding Chrysler assignments, is known to have balked at the Omnicom shop’s compensation on the business.
In other news, Fiat/Chrysler Walk Away From Electrification And Hybrids, prefering to rely on Fiat engines to improve fuel economy ratings. A decision which is Marchionne’s to make, except for the fact Chrysler used its commitment to developing hybrid cars as a primary selling point when lobbying the federal government for bailout money.