Chrysler Names BBDO Its Exclusive Ad Agency

Chrysler Group, part of U.S.-German auto giant DaimlerChrysler, said it had named as its exclusive advertising agency BBDO Worldwide, a unit of the world’s second-largest ad company, Omnicom Group. BBDO will set up a separate agency, PentaMark Worldwide, to manage the multibillion-dollar account and will give board representation to DaimlerChrysler. DaimlerChrysler recently said it was conducting a review of its annual $1.5-billion advertising budget in order to cut expenses. BBDO Worldwide had been in charge of the Dodge brand, while FCB Worldwide dealt with the Chrysler and Jeep brands. The decision is a major blow for FCB, which now faces layoffs and a fall in revenue. About 500 of its employees are involved in the Chrysler account.