Special Report: Big Game Advertising Heritage

Bruce Springsteen Leads the Jeep® Brand’s 2021 Big Game Campaign “The Middle”

  • Jeep® brand, with Bruce Springsteen, to launch two-minute film "The Middle" during the Big Game telecast today, Sun., Feb. 7, 2021
  • “The Middle” was filmed in locations across the United States, including on the grounds of the U.S. Center Chapel in Lebanon, Kansas, which stands on the geographical center (the middle) of the United States of America’s lower 48 states
  • “The Middle” campaign marks the 10-year anniversary of the “Imported from Detroit” Big Game campaign, recognizing and celebrating American ingenuity as seen through the lens of the Detroit automaker
Auburn Hills, Mich. February 7, 2021 - Bruce Springsteen and the Jeep® brand have joined together to launch the two-minute film “The Middle.” The film can now be viewed across the Jeep brand's social media channels, and it will make a one-time television appearance during tonight's Big Game. The campaign debuts nearly 10 years to the day from the launch of the “Imported from Detroit” campaign.

Springsteen was intimately involved in creating “The Middle” and worked closely with longtime director Thom Zimny. He wrote and produced the original score with frequent collaborator Ron Aniello.
 
Said Jon Landau: “Olivier Francois and I have been discussing ideas for the last 10 years and when he showed us the outline for ‘The Middle,’ our immediate reaction was, ‘Let’s do it.’ Our goal was to do something surprising, relevant, immediate and artful. I believe that’s just what Bruce has done with ‘The Middle’.”
 
"From 'Imported from Detroit' and 'Halftime in America' to 'Farmer,' and most recently 'Groundhog Day,' we have looked at making meaningful and emotional connections with millions of viewers, with cultural relevancy at the core of our communication," said Olivier Francois, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Stellantis. “'The Middle' is a celebration of the Jeep brand’s 80-year anniversary and, more timely, it is a call to all Americans to come together and seek common ground as we look collectively to the road ahead.”

Added Francois, “Bruce Springsteen was instrumental in crafting this joint message. His experiences and perspective have often been called upon to bridge a divide. Now seems to be a time when a message like this is greatly needed.”
 
The Jeep brand campaign was created in partnership with Doner agency in Michigan.
 
Over the last decade, the Jeep, Dodge and Ram brands have evoked aspirational messaging in their Big Game campaign efforts. While “Imported from Detroit” spoke to the grit, ingenuity and determination of the American (Detroit) automotive workforce in 2011, the following year “Halftime in America” sought to galvanize Americans going through challenging times, with Clint Eastwood stating, “This country can't be knocked out in one punch. We get back up again.” Then, in 2013, the Ram brand launched “Farmer,” acknowledging and honoring American farmers through the iconic words of legendary radio personality Paul Harvey.
 
More information is available on the fact sheet regarding production of “The Middle.” The full script is also available.
 
Jeep Brand
For more than 80 years, Jeep has been the global leader in SUVs, delivering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology and exceptional versatility for those who seek adventure. With a commitment to innovation, the Jeep brand offers a diverse lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrid technology and all-electric drivetrains. The brand’s dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected in Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that provides exclusive benefits and 24/7 support. Built on a heritage of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion, Jeep continues to set the standard for rugged yet refined vehicles designed to conquer it all.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Jeep brand: www.jeep.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeep
YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

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