• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, May 26, 2010

Chrysler Group on Wednesday named SapientNitro as its digital agency of record. The appointment follows a review earlier this year that included incumbent Organic and Meredith-owned Genex. SapientNitro will now oversee interactive duties for all Chrysler Group brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck, and Jeep.

The scope of services will include interactive experiences, site design and development, and online advertising, in addition to digital work across the spectrum of the Chrysler Group businesses -- from online promotions across the nameplates and support for the multiple international Web sites, to corporate content and dealer support.

"We are thrilled to be working with such iconic brands at such an important time in their evolution," said Brad Simms, vice president at SapientNitro and client lead on the account.

The SapientNitro team has been in Detroit during recent weeks to source local talent to round out the team, according to the agency.

Sapient bought the Nitro Group for $50 million in June of 2009. The deal turned the Web design-oriented Sapient into a shop with added technology expertise.

Nitro also brought with it 300 employees; offices in New York, London and Shanghai; and clients, including Nike, ConAgra and Volvo.

Earlier this year, Sapient fully integrated Nitro to create a single brand. SapientNitro now operates as an integrated agency headed by Gaston Legorburu and Chris Clarke as co-executive directors and co-chief creative officers.

Additional SapientNitro clients include Citi, The Coca-Cola Company, Mars, Singapore Airlines, Target, and Vodafone through its operations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.