Report: Dodge planning Super Bowl commercial, major ad blitz
 

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After years of nearly zero new products, Dodge dealers finally have something to crow about. The 2011 Dodge Journey, Charger, Durango, Avenger and Caravan are all hitting showrooms within a month or two of one another, giving dealers new products just as the auto industry is showing signs of recovery. But how does Dodge get the message across?

Automotive News reports that the marque is prepping a major ad push during the first quarter of 2011, including a return to the Super Bowl. Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles reportedly notified dealers that the automaker plans to flood tier one with promotions, with heavy local ads dependent upon sales volume. Gilles is telling dealers about the company's marketing plans in part because he hopes dealers will order more vehicles. The CEO points out that early Durango and Charger orders are very strong, but other new products are lagging behind.

A flood of ads is just part of Dodge's plan to increase showroom traffic. The automaker is also working with Automotive Lease Guide to help maximize residual values. Higher residuals means more affordable lease prices and an improved brand reputation, but Dodge will need to resist the urge to dump its new products into fleets for the plan to work. Dodge is currently leasing only five percent of its vehicles; well below the industry average.


Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

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