Car maker calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi

A major car manufacturer has aired a hard-hitting advert in the United States calling for the release of Burmese pro-democracy figure Aung San Suu Kyi, opening a new front in the battle to improve the industry’s battered social image among the public. The Chrysler advert, aired Thursday on several national TV networks, is a bold move from an industry struggling to regain widespread public support after a difficult year of bankruptcies and bailouts. Suu Kyi is the democratically elected leader of Burma but has been held under house arrest by the Burmese military junta for almost 14 of the past 20 years. (…) “Over the last years automobile manufacturers have communicated a lot about their initiatives to make greener cars,” said Antoine Mach, co-founder and director of Covalence. “But they are weaker on the social front. Chrysler’s recent announcement reflects a need to improve image in terms of social performance and human rights.” More…

Covalence in the News | Country: Burma | Company: Chrysler | Source: The Independent