Welcome to today's edition of the Daily 5.
When it comes to automakers not named Tesla, one of the surest things you can predict is that when sales fall, heads roll in marketing and advertising departments. Then, the inevitable ad agency review takes place — as often reported by our Crain family affiliate Ad Age.
Such is the case with Stellantis, already beset by labor problems, unhappy U.S. dealers, management upheaval and deteriorating supply chain relations. With U.S. deliveries slipping 15 percent during the first half of the year, it's no surprise that Stellantis is doing a creative review of ad agencies at five brands in the U.S.: Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, according to Ad Age. Jeep isn't included in the review.
Ram is the only serious U.S. advertiser among the five brands under review with $124 million in spending during the first half, Ad Age reported. The other four brands barely scratched the surface for first-half advertising: Dodge ($32 million), Chrysler ($6 million), Alfa Romeo ($3 million) and Fiat ($2 million).
The real question might be: Is it the quality or quantity of the ads that is hurting brand sales? Presumably, the review will figure this out.
Funny thing, Tesla doesn't do agency reviews. That's because it doesn't advertise.
In other Stellantis news, Chrysler is bringing back the Voyager to its U.S. retail lineup. The entry-level minivan returns to dealer lots this year with enhanced comfort and tech features after spending the last few years as a fleet-only vehicle.
Meanwhile, take a look at this new design studio for Rolls-Royce in New York City. The pictures in this story speak for themselves.
Back here in Detroit, General Motors and Piston Automotive, the supplier owned by former Detroit Piston Vinnie Johnson, are planning to build hydrogen fuel cells in the city, according to our affiliate Crain's Detroit Business.
And go here to see what's new with the 2026 Honda Passport.
Looking ahead to Thursday, we'll be looking at the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. We will also have an update from Asia Editor Hans Greimel on one of the more compelling legal dramas in the Carlos Ghosn-Nissan saga.
That's it for today. Have a great rest of your day.
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— Philip Nussel, online editor
