Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Introduces 'The D-Rod' To Promote Detroit at Tradeshows and Events
DETROIT, Feb. 1, 2007 -- There's a sleek new ride in the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau's stable, and some DMCVB team members can't wait to get in the driver's seat. The D-Rod is part of the DMCVB's new Brand Identity, "D. Cars, Culture, Gaming, Music, Sports," announced January 31st at the Detroit Opera House to more than 400 members of the tourism and hospitality industry.
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"We need to be highly-selective about who can drive a 525 horsepower Chrysler Hemi in a lightweight Ford hot rod," said Larry Alexander, DMCVB President & CEO, "but we have some car lovers on our team who I'm sure would be happy to help out if we need them."
When DMCVB Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Chris Baum proposed building a classic hot rod, powered by the latest Detroit muscle, as a promotional vehicle for appearances at tradeshows, sporting events and other public gatherings, Alexander readily agreed.
Baum partnered with DMCVB member Detroit Muscle, a division of Tier One supplier The CMI Schneible Group, because they had the experience and talent to build a safe, high-tech custom vehicle.
"Detroit Muscle appreciates the opportunity to partner with the DMCVB and apply our manufacturing expertise to The D-Rod custom car build. We will continue to support the DMCVB's marketing efforts and the Detroit metro area," said Bill Goetz, CEO of The CMI Schneible Group/Detroit Muscle.
When Alexander and Baum approached DaimlerChrysler about donating a new 6.5 liter/392 cubic inch Hemi, high-performance crate engine to the build, they didn't flinch. Jon Clark, Mopar Performance Parts Manager for DaimlerChrysler, and his team worked closely with Detroit Muscle to deliver and fine-tune one of the first of these brand new engines to the project.
Besides the high-tech power plant, the "The D-Rod," as it has come to be known, carries some other features you don't see every day: Sirius Satellite Radio with iPod connection and inside/outside speakers (for playing selections of popular Motor City music); a wild Indian blanket interior with snakeskin inserts (reflecting Detroit's Native American origins); and a 15-inch flat screen television and DVD player in the trunk to showcase Detroit's latest TV commercials, marketing videos and podcasts during public appearances and meeting industry tradeshows.
"Detroit has a great automotive heritage and is a leader in innovative automotive technology, which was just demonstrated at the North American International Auto Show," Alexander added. "What better way to embody that spirit than building an eye-catching vehicle that combines many of Detroit's best attributes."
"Detroit is the new home to National Transportation Week in 2007, and with the return of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, this custom car is one more visual way to showcase Detroit's automotive, past, present and future," Baum said.
The D-Rod makes its public debut in the Detroit Muscle display at the Detroit Autorama at Cobo Center March 9-11, 2007, and it will also appear at numerous sporting events and festivals throughout the Midwest, including the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix this summer.
For details about metro Detroit, check out www.visitdetroit.com or call 1-800-DETROIT.
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