Lexus forced, again, to remove deceptively green ad in UK
Click on the ad above to enlarge
Lexus doesn't have a good history with the ads for its hybrid SUVs in Europe. Not too long ago, Toyota got into trouble for running the slogan "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT" in reference to its Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV. The marque is back in the Advertising Standards Authority's doghouse for another ad for the same vehicle. Here's the wording that got banned: "THE LEXUS RX 400h. PERFECT FOR TODAY'S CLIMATE, (AND TOMORROW'S)" Under that text, it says, "Driving the world's first luxury hybrid SUV makes environmental, and economic, sense."
Four complaints brought the ad to the ASA's attention, and the body deemed that Lexus was misleading customers into thinking that the vehicle has low emissions in comparison to all other vehicles. Toyota claims, though, that it was only comparing the SUV with other vehicles in its class. No dice. Because the RX 400h sports 192g/km of carbon emissions, it ain't helping the climate any. The ad was banned and subsequently revised, as you can see in the picture above.
[Source: The Guardian]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BoomBoom 12:27PM (9/26/2008)
What a crazy idea! Advertising with accountability for truth and accuracy. The US Auto marketing efforts would be dead if these worked in the US.
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car reviews 2:38PM (9/26/2008)
For the second time, Lexus has come under the misleading advertisements that promote luxury hybrid SUB, the Lexus RX400H, as far more enviornmentally friendly than it. http://blog.buyingadvice.com/car_reviews
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paulwesterberg 6:28PM (9/26/2008)
Its amazing how truth in advertising is required in Europe while the "greatest nation in the world" allows all kinds of lies and deception.
We like to talk about democracy, and voting and civic ideals in America, and indeed we have the best government money can buy.
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John Rowell 9:45PM (9/26/2008)
I don't see what was wrong with the pulled ads. From reading the comments above, I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I've actually gotten so used to deceptive advertising that I don't see it for what it is.
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KennyA 8:42PM (9/28/2008)
If truth in advertising were a prerequisite in the US, all political ads would be banned.
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