Car ads some of year's best; an auto artist dies at 84

(Volkswagen)

Best 2011 auto ads led by VW, Chrysler
If TV-ad quality is any indication of coming sales, Volkswagen and Chrysler have a lot to look forward to. Their ads have widely been deemed two of the most successful among all industries in 2011. VW's "The Force" ad for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat (shown) features a child dressed as Darth Vader and a witty sight gag to produce a commercial that has generated more than 45 million views on YouTube. Chrysler's "Imported From Detroit" ad, featuring rapper Eminem, has won numerous advertising awards, including an Emmy. Other lauded auto ads include Chevrolet's "See the USA in Your Chevrolet" "Glee" tie-in and the Nissan Leaf's "Gas Powered Everything" spot.
— New York Times News Service

(New York Times News Service)

Sculptor added auto metal to art world
John Chamberlain, who almost singlehandedly gave automotive metal a place in the history of sculpture, smashing and twisting together fenders, fins, bumpers and hoods, died on Dec. 21 in Manhattan. He was 84. He started working with auto parts in 1957, pulling two fenders from a 1929 Ford and bending them until they fit together. His pieces, depending on the vantage point, could evoke dancing or hobbled human forms, trees, flowers, boats and birds.
— New York Times News Service