Dodge Brand's "Wisdom" a Viral Sensation

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dodge brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new video starring centenarians that debuted yesterday (Thursday, 4/16) during the New York International Auto Show and has quickly become a viral hit amassing over 4,444,714 views in less than 24 hours - surpassing the 24-hour record views previously held by such Chrysler Group iconic Super Bowl commercials including "Born of Fire" (790,258) "Farmer" (542,817), "Whole Again" (321,798), "Halftime in America" (444,420), and "America's Import" (246,603). Dodge brand President and CEO Tim Kuniskis revealed the spot as part of the highly anticipated reveals of the brand's all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger. The original video went online at 11:30AM EST, with a "Director's Cut" posted at 3PM ET, on Thursday on the brand's social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and it quickly went viral.

To commemorate the brand's century mark, the ad honors centenarians and celebrates their 100 years, giving them voice to offer hard-earned words of wisdom to viewers: "I want to tell the world what I have learned." "Learn from your mistakes." "Live for now." "Because life is good, you make it good." "There are miracles all around you." As the spot progresses, their words begin to take on more attitude and defiance, as the sounds of an engine roars in the background. "Keep your eyes open and sometimes your mouth shut." "Be Strong." "Don't complain." "Don't always do what you're told to do." "Don't be afraid." "Suck it up!" "Hesitate and you lose!" "Be a bad boy!" "Raise hell!" Put your pedal to the medal. "Live fast!" "And never.ever.forget where you came from."

"You learn a lot in 100 years," says on-screen copy, as a 2015 Challenger screeches out of the frame. "Dodge. Born 1914."

"This video shows the power of the story-telling and human connection at its best," said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer of Chrysler Group LLC. "It has aired online only, without television or print support, and has already smashed records, reaching over 4 million viewers in less than one day. There is no other brand that could do 'Wisdom' because there's only one Dodge. It has a DNA that's just not like the others. And, like the centenarians featured in this video, it's got 100 years of attitude behind it."

The video is also in the running for Adweek's Top 5 Commercials of the week. Viewers can vote here: http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/adweeks-top-5-commercials-week-april-11-18-157091

Click here to view the videos:
Director's Cut: http://youtu.be/-ncjRfmYFu4
Original: http://youtu.be/uKoTpcs8ip8

About Dodge Brand
The Dodge brand is tearing into its centennial year with a keen eye focused on the future and a desire to create vehicles customers want to drive and are proud to park in their driveways. With 100 years of history, Dodge is building on the technological advancements of the '30s and '40s, design evolution of the '50s, the racing heritage of the '60s, the horsepower of the '70s, the efficiency of the '80s and unbelievable styling of the '90s as it paves the road to its future. New for 2014, Dodge is kind of a big deal with its new 2014 Dodge Durango with a new eight-speed transmission that delivers up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, a new 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment center and best-in-class power, towing and driving range, in addition to its class-exclusive technology. The new Durango joins a stable that includes the new 2014 Dodge Dart, with its breakthrough 2.4-liter 184-horsepower Tigershark engine, and the celebrated 2014 Dodge Avenger. Both earned 2014 Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also new for 2014, Dodge is bringing back the legendary throwback Shaker hood and offering special 100th anniversary editions of the Charger and Challenger with unique exteriors and interiors to celebrate the centennial. Completing the 2014 Dodge lineup are the Journey with its new Crossroad model and the 30th Anniversary Grand Caravan. The Dodge lineup features five vehicles with best-in-class power, seven vehicles that deliver 25 mpg or higher, three vehicles that deliver 31 mpg or higher and three vehicles that offer seating for seven.

Follow Dodge and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:
Chrysler media site: http://www.media.chrysler.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dodge or http://www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/dodge or http://www.youtube.com/user/dodge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dodge or https://www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Instagram: http://instagram.com/dodgeofficial or http://instagram.com/chryslergroup
Streetfire: http://www.streetfire.net/profile/chryslervideo.htm
Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Corporate website: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com

Additional information and news from Chrysler Group LLC is available at http://www.media.chrysler.com.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC