Sheikh Mourns End of Oil Heyday in Tale as Old as Time

toyota_prius_crying_sheik.jpg

It’s no secret that the US’s slow divorce from oil dependence is a transition frowned upon by some. But to joke about it? Publicly? Quel faux-pas.

That’s why we dig Toyota Prius’ ballsiness. This ad, put together by Saatchi & Saatchi in Poland, throws an ice breaker into the discourse. It doesn’t make the Prius any prettier, but it certainly makes the brand more appealing.

Something about the sheikh’s despondent expression brings to mind those sad westerns in which ways of life get torn asunder, and natives cruelly displaced, by the new guys in town. Oh sheikh, don’t mourn too long for the past. We’d pat your shoulder, but we probably wouldn’t recognize you through the tinted windows of the gold-encrusted Hummer.

Picture of Steve Hall

Steve Hall

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