• February 1, 2011

Chrysler Group LLC is touting its certified pre-owned vehicles with a crash test dummy named Carl (no relation to me). The dummy is part of an online quiz that tests consumers on their knowledge of auto-related pop culture. The game is called "What's My AQ" (automotive quotient).

Carl (like me) plays air-guitar and has tattooed arms and a playful but slightly irreverent attitude. (I actually don't have tattooed arms yet, but it's my resolution for 2011). The game is at www.whatsmyaq.com, where Carl asks a series of six multiple-choice questions. An example: "How many Dodge Chargers were used during the making of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' TV series?" and "What vehicle launched the invention of the premium SUV segment in 1993?" I don't know the former, but the latter would be the Grand Cherokee, which as most fans of plate glass know was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show that year by then-Chrysler exec. Bob Lutz, who drove the vehicle into Detroit's Cobo Hall through a big window. Although it probably wasn't really plate glass.

"We are providing consumers with an entertaining online experience while educating them about what a smart choice a certified, pre-owned vehicle can be for many people," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. "This interactive experience melds automotive pop culture with value messages interspersed throughout this engaging quiz." The faster a player correctly answers the questions, the better the score. Players can post their scores on a national leader board and see how they rank against the competition.