Chrysler, Ford Accused of Misleading Consumers

(Detroit, Michigan) The Made in the USA Foundation has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission claiming Chrysler and Ford are using misleading advertising by asserting certain vehicles are made in the U.S. when they actually came from Mexico and Canada.

One example cited is the "Imported From Detroit" tagline used for the Chrysler 300 sedan which is assembled in Canada with a Mexican engine.

"Chrysler Group will continue to pursue all avenues to protect our 'Imported From Detroit,'" Michael Palese, manager of legal communications for the company, said in a statement.

Chrysler launched the Imported from Detroit campaign with a commercial during the 2011 Super Bowl telecast. The ad featured rapper Eminem and the new 2012 Chrysler 200, a mid-sized sedan assembled in suburban Detroit.

Ford also faces a complaint from the foundation because of a radio ad for the Ford Edge crossover. The foundation says Ford claims the Edge is an American car in the radio spots, but that it is made in Canada, according to the group's complaint.

"The Ford ad misleads and confuses the public and we have asked the Federal Trade Commission to stop the ads," the foundation said in a press release.

It's also alleged that the automakers have removed country of origin stickers from vehicles in violation of the American Automobile Labeling Act. Heh.