Final answer:
The claim of the Dodge Brothers viewing driving as a holy endeavor is a romanticized marketing narrative rather than historical fact. The Dodge Brothers founded a company that became part of Chrysler, and the ad likely seeks to link the brand to the freedom and power of early car culture in America.
Step-by-step explanation:
The TV commercial's claim that the Dodge Brothers regarded driving as a holy endeavor should be seen as an example of romanticizing history for modern advertising purposes. The assertion is more of a marketing strategy rather than a historical fact. While the Dodge Brothers did start an automobile manufacturing company, it eventually became part of Chrysler Corporation, not General Motors. Over time, the automobile culture deeply influenced American society and the way the industry was advertised played a significant role in shaping consumer behavior.
In the 1970s, the American automotive industry faced significant challenges due to complacency within the industry, leading to the rise in popularity of Japanese vehicles from manufacturers like Honda and Toyota. Their cars were more fuel-efficient and reliable, thanks in part to advanced manufacturing techniques. This change in the industry demonstrates how cultural, political, and economic conditions allowed for shifts in consumer preferences and industry standings.
Thus, the commercial's narrative likely capitalizes on the mystique of the early automotive era and the Dodge Brothers' legacy, aligning it with the power and freedom the automobile culture brought to America. It serves to instill a sense of tradition and prestige around the brand, echoing earlier sentiments similar to the 19th-century belief in Manifest Destiny, and the use of marketing to connect with consumers' dreams and aspirations.