Holden Must Pull Local SUV Ad Following Controversy
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Holden rolled out its latest ad as part of its “This is how we SUV” campaign, but it hasn’t sat well with some viewers.
Per a report from Australian magazine Wheels, Ad Standards Australia told Holden it must take its latest SUV ad off of local airwaves. The ad is fairly harmless, which portrays a group of individuals carrying out an art heist to the tune of “One Way or Another” by Blondie. However, at one point in the ad, viewers watch a Holden Equinox reverse and perform a J-turn maneuver.
That, apparently, was too much for at least one viewer who complained to the Ad Standards Australia organization.
“In my opinion, it [the J-turn] would qualify for a loss of license under the current hoon laws and the vehicle impounded,” the complaint reads. “Quite an inappropriate ad in today’s climate of road safety.”
Holden responded to the criticism and defended the advertisement.
“The advertisement was at all times filmed under controlled conditions by trained and experienced professionals. There was no unaccounted-for traffic, or any other potential obstacle present at any point during filming.” It added the stunt was deliberately performed to envoke thoughts of “cliché” Hollywood stunt scenes.
Further defending the production, Holden said, “Advertisers may make legitimate use of fantasy, humor and self-evident exaggeration in creative ways in advertising for motor vehicles,” per the Code of Practice.
The same agency has been responsible for banning a handful of other ads, and this isn’t the first time Holden itself has gotten into trouble over past advertising efforts. Check out the ad in question in the video above.
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Source: Wheels
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Australia the nanny state. The ad is a work of fiction, they need to get a funny bone.
Australia is just one notch away from Britain level hyper-control.
My God they sound like Canada and Europe.
Edit it out and put it back on.
GM use the script here for Chevy and show this same commercial here with the Blazer doing a J turn.
It also shows theft of art, also illegal. Pretty sure loading a trailer while moving is illegal as well. I am offended….. that people are offended by this kind of thing.
One whinger caused this? What about the many thousands that enjoyed the ad.
IKR!
It’s a great ad! The only thing that looks dangerous is that they are driving on the wrong side of the road. LOL
OMG Did they not get the Rockford Files in Australia? That ad was great.
Anyone remember the Cadillac ELR commercial and that “controversy”? No one is perfect
https://youtu.be/xNzXze5Yza8
Holden. Forget the performance thing. You don’t have any Performance Vehicles since you stopped making THE Commodore.
I hate that commercial so good riddance. Probably the complaint came from someone who just wanted that rubbish gone. Best thing that could’ve happened to Holden. Every time I saw or heard that ad I wanted to go outside and trash my car….. I really don’t know why this company wants everyone to hate them and not buy their products. Downward spiral, when will it end. If ever.
I love the commercial! Shows the versatility of the Holden and is fun to watch. Pretty much everything a commercial should be. I’m glad it’s still available to watch.