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Chrysler f-bomb social media flop, cuts ties with New Media Strategies

If you follow Chrysler on Twitter, you have been one of the lucky 8,000+ followers of @ChryslerAutos to see the following tweet: “I find it ironic that Detroit is known as the #motorcity and yet no one here knows how to f#king drive.” Yup, you read it right. However, the actual tweet included the explicative and has been since deleted.
 Chrysler apology
 
 

If you follow Chrysler on Twitter, you have been one of the lucky 8,000+ followers of @ChryslerAutos to see the following tweet: “I find it ironic that Detroit is known as the #motorcity and yet no one here knows how to f#king drive.” Yup, you read it right. However, the actual tweet included the explicative and has been since deleted.

Chrysler quickly tweeted an apology for having their brand compromised and that they were taking steps to resolve the issue. The issue has definitely been resolved and the employee that handles Chrysler’s social media, from New Media Strategies, has been fired. Because so many individuals own a personal and professional Twitter, it’s no wonder that this employee mistook her account for the one she was managing, @ChryslerAutos.

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Chrysler has since cut its ties with New Media Strategies and is looking for a new agency to manage its social media strategies. The company said in a statement:

"Chrysler Group LLC will not renew its contract with New Media Strategies (NMS) for the remainder of 2011. NMS has agreed to support us with an orderly transition until a new agency has been named. We thank them for the work they have provided to us and wish them the best as they move forward."

Ed Garsten, Manager of Electronic Communications for Chrysler writes on the company’s blog:

“So why were we so sensitive? That commercial featuring the Chrysler 200, Eminem and the City of Detroit wasn’t just an act of salesmanship. This company is committed to promoting Detroit and its hard-working people. The reaction to that commercial, the catchphrase ‘imported from Detroit,’ and the overall positive messages it sent has been volcanic.

“Indeed, as an automaker that went through the roughest of times just two years ago, we appreciate the challenges Detroit faces in reclaiming its place as a vibrant, world-class city. Inside Detroit, citizens are becoming even more proud of their town, and outside the region, perception of Detroit is rapidly improving.”

NMS CEO Pete Snyder said in a company blog that the incident "certainly doesn't accurately reflect the overall high-quality work we have produced for Chrysler. We respect their decision and will work with them to ensure an effective transition of this business going forward."

Now, let’s see how New Media Strategies will manage its brand management skills.


 

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