After delivering itself into the hands of a bankruptcy judge, Chrysler is idling plants and shutting them down, pushing its suppliers closer to the edge of bankruptcy.

How then do we explain the automaker still having an advertising budget of $134 million in advertising over the nine weeks? Advertising Age says that Obama's auto industry task forced has given it half that amount.

So what were Chrysler's arguments? According to the report, Robert Manzo, executive director of Capstone Advisory Group and a consultant to Chrysler told the bankruptcy court that the dying car maker needed to advertise to maintain its image. Or what's left of it. Manzo testified: "The belief on all sides was that it was essential for Chrysler not to lose its brand image in the marketplace. Advertising and marketing dollars are critical to make sure the right message is out there about Chrysler, what's happening to Chrysler during this interim period and why Chrysler will be a brand going forward that is one that a consumer should continue to look at as one of their purchase opportunities."

Go figure!! It does leave you wondering what planet the automakers are on.