Does anyone know who DrZ. is?

Question

Very good, I'm surprised how many people know who he is.

Answer 1

check out the web:

Chrysler steps up Dr. Z blitz

Automaker will give away cars, launch ads to promote new models.

Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News

ROYAL OAK -- The Chrysler Group will give away nine vehicles and launch a round of new commercials as part of its "Ask Dr. Z" campaign to generate buzz about coming models and jump-start sales.

Three each of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited SUV, the redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebring midsize sedan and the 2008 Dodge Challenger muscle car will be awarded in the automaker's Dream Car Sweepstakes, which ends Sept. 4.

The national contest is phase two of Chrysler's $100 million "Ask Dr. Z" marketing blitz. New commercials starring the now-ubiquitous Dr. Z -- aka Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Chrysler parent DaimlerChrysler AG and former Chrysler CEO -- are expected to begin airing next month.

The new ads could be used to promote a host of new models rolling into the market by year's end that Chrysler is banking on to boost sales, which fell nearly 40 percent last month as consumers turn away from gas-hungry light trucks -- the staple of Chrysler's lineup -- to more fuel-efficient cars.

"Dr. Z is really about building the brand but we may use Dr. Z in new commercials for new products," George Murphy, Chrysler's senior vice president of global brand marketing, said of the campaign, which debuted July 1 and is scheduled to run through the end of 2006. "Don't be surprised if it goes a little longer."

Murphy spoke Tuesday at the unveiling of the 2007 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway. The limited edition vehicle is the 12th in a series Chrysler has introduced in connection with the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Chrysler, facing a loss of up to $600 million in the third quarter and aiming to slash inventory, is counting on the sweepstakes and Dr. Z to lure buyers and increase traffic on the Ask Dr. Z. Web site, which has generated 4.2 million visitors.

To enter the sweepstakes, consumers must go to a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership and get a code to punch in at the www.AskDrZ.com. The sweepstakes adds another element to the Ask Dr. Z campaign, which has been labeled a failure by some ad critics because it did not ignite July sales.

"It shows that Ask Dr. Z has more legs than anybody thought," said Steve Miller, who covers marketing in the automotive industry for Brandweek.com. "It's a smart move on Chrysler's part because they're keeping the Ask Dr. Z campaign engaging and continuing to drive traffic to the Web site."

The automaker is using the sweepstakes to end its employee pricing incentive on a high note. The offer, which combines employee pricing with free 36-month financing or rebates of up to $3,500 and a money-back guarantee, also ends Sept. 4.

Already, Chrysler is seeing its daily retail selling rate increase, which could put its overall retail sales above last August, Murphy said. Retail sales exclude sales to fleets, such as car rental companies. Much of the jump is expected to come from growing demand for Chrysler cars, as high gas prices have tempered SUV demand.

"There is a lot of pressure in the (SUV) segment," Murphy said. "It's just the way it is."

Light truck sales -- which include minivans, SUVs and pickups -- account for about 75 percent of Chrysler Group sales. Murphy said the new Dodge Durango, which is expected to have a record sales month in August, and the all-new Chrysler Aspen should help generate interest in the automaker's SUV lineup.

In addition, Chrysler is looking to the new Jeep Compass compact SUV, already on sale, and the Jeep Patriot, which hits the market in December, to bolster sales.

Last month, Chrysler Group sales tumbled 37.4 percent and its U.S. market share fell to 10.1 percent.

Analysts say the vehicle giveaway, because it features Chrysler's newest models, could draw customers into showrooms, possibly helping the company close August on a strong note.

"That makes the (sweepstakes) cool," said Jim Sanfilippo of the automotive marketing firm AMCI Inc. in Bloomfield Hills.

The sweepstakes could also whet consumers' appetites for the seven vehicles Chrysler will roll out before January, which include the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Chrysler Sebring sedan. By year's end, the automaker will have launched 10 new models in 2006.

"With the right marketing support, it could bring attention to the Sebring and Wrangler Unlimited," said Stephanie Brinley, an analyst with AutoPacific Inc. "It should help draw attention particularly for the Sebring, which has been flustering along in sales and hasn't gotten much attention."

Dealers agree.

"Anything that can bring another person into the dealership will be a plus," said John Schenden, president of the Pro Chrysler Jeep dealership in Denver.

"How successful will it be? I don't know. But we'll certainly be more successful with it than without it."

You can reach Josee Valcourt at [phone] or [e-mail].

Answer 2

The president of Daimler-Chrysler-Benz

Answer 3

CEO of Daimler-Chrysler.

Or, his computer-generated counterpart found at askDrZ.com

Answer 4

his the actual ceo of chrysler daimler. you see him in the car commercials. he actually learned to speak english just for these commercials. he dutch or german. i think

Answer 5

A really annoying sales pitchman

Answer 6

never heard of him.... not. he is the guy doing commercials for Chrysler corp.