An ad campaign created by an Indian agency for Ford has come under fire for its creative approach. Three ads, which tout the brand’s Indian-made Ford Figo, feature cartoon characatures of women (and men) bound and gagged in the vehicle’s trunk.
Ford has issued an apology which, in part, reads, “We deeply regret the publishing of posters that were distasteful and contrary to the standards of professionalism and decency within WPP Group. These were never intended for paid publication and should never have been created, let alone uploaded to the internet. This was the result of individuals acting without proper oversight and appropriate actions have been taken within the agency.”
One ad features Paris Hilton along with Khloe, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian. A second ad features former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi with three busty women. And a third features Formula One racer Michael Schumacher with three other racers, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso tied up in the back.
The ads, never intended for publication, were leaked to the internet.
Of the ads, the Ford statement continued, “The posters are contrary to the standards of professionalism and decency within Ford and our agency partners. Together with our partners, we are reviewing approval and oversight processes to help ensure nothing like this ever happens again.”
But, but, but…wouldn’t it be cool to open your trunk and find three hot guys or girls waiting to be rescued? Just think of the fun you could have with that. OK, OK, while we’re sure the creative team was going for some sort of dark humor, these sort of attempts rarely frly with a mainstream brand…let alone any brand.
