Car Ads Attract More Complaints

The Rover 200 campaign is the latest in a long line of car TV ads to have attracted complaints from viewers.

In the ITC’s August Complaints Bulletin it is reported that 15 viewers complained about the scene in which a young businessman took to his car after hearing that his “big idea” had been rejected. The complainants all felt that it was irresponsible to show someone driving when angry or to portray driving as a way of combating anger or dealing with stress. The ITC however did not uphold the complaint, saying that the driving shown was in no way aggressive and the driver appeared steady and in control of himself and the car at all times.

…23 complaints were also received about the Schweppes ad in which a worker steals a diamond by smuggling it in his Schweppes bottle. Complainants believed that this portrayal could encourage theft by condoning or glamorising it in the minds of children and others. The ITC did not uphold these complaints as it felt that most people, including children, would recognise it as fantasy.

ITC: 0171 255 3000