Turned off by Chrysler’s “Dr. Z Speaks” campaign to reverse their 17% slide in sales? You’re not alone. Despite a $225-mil effort to prod buyers to the showrooms, DaimlerChrysler head Dieter Zetsche won precious few converts. Lots of speculation; from my perspective, the darn things were just too goofy.

Speaking of branding, which company remains atop the global recognition survey? Time’s up – if you just ordered a Coke with those fries, you’re correct. In a perpetual slugfest with Pepsi for share, the brand remains an icon throughout the planet per the latest Interbrand and Business Week surveys.