Car advert that’s in the wurst taste

[Aptrgangr]

Car advert that’s in the wurst taste



A scene from the controversial advert

Basil Fawlty might have had us in stitches when he goose-stepped around the dining room – but our patience with jokes about Germans has run out.
A wurst, Wagner and wench-packed Citroen advert – which Metro revealed to the world a few weeks ago – has sparked protests in the Commons, where 24 MPs have signed a ­motion to get it taken off air.
The tongue-in-cheek clip shows the blond hero winning a sword fight to the tune of Ride Of The Valkyries by the ­patriotic German composer.

He then drives to a typical Bavarian inn for sausages served by a flirty fräulein, whom he spurns in favour of his new Citroen. The tagline reads: 'Unmistakably German – made in France.'
One YouTube viewer said he was sick of the assumption Germans 'wear stupid hats, are all blonde, listen to Wagner, eat sausages and have nannies called Helga Grindelbottom who look angry all the time'.
In the commercial, the protagonist drives on the autobahn, before ending up at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The MPs 'regret the stereotypes, ­including symbolism and style reminiscent of the 1930s', the motion said.

A Citroen spokesman admitted the ­advert was contentious but said: 'I'm sure people will see the humour in it.'
He added it was designed to suggest the C5's quality matched the company's German rivals BMW, Audi and VW and was not meant as an insult.

Car advert that’s in the wurst taste | Metro.co.uk

+ YouTube Video

EDM 1224 - 18.03.2008

UNMISTAKABLY GERMAN ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FOR CITROEN C5

Robertson, Angus

Quote:
That this House notes with regret the stereotypes used by Citroen to market the new C5 as `Unmistakably German', including imagery, symbolism and style reminiscent of the 1930s; believes this is counterproductive to the reputation of Citroen; and urges it to withdraw the advertisement.

Conservative Party

Bercow, John
Bottomley, Peter
Field, Mark
Hands, Greg

Democratic Unionist Party

Robinson, Peter

Labour Party

Austin, John
Connarty, Michael
Cryer, Ann
Davies, Quentin
Dismore, Andrew
Francis, Hywel
Hopkins, Kelvin
MacShane, Denis
Mann, John
McDonnell, John
Vaz, Keith

Liberal Democrats

Hancock, Mike

Plaid Cymru

Llwyd, Elfyn

Scottish National Party

Hosie, Stewart
MacNeil, Angus
Robertson, Angus
Weir, Mike
Wishart, Pete

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Durkan, Mark

[Errigal]

I'm obviously not German but I found the stereotypically German images quite positive.

The Brits should be more interested in the disappearance of their own auto industry:

- Land Rover and Jaguar are now owned by the Indian TATA Motors.

- MG is owned by the Chinese Nanjing Automobile Group.

[Galaico]

Welcome to the world of stereotypes, we Spaniards are always identified with Bullfighting, Flamenco and gypsies thanks to the TV.

[Delbáeth]

Originally Posted by Galaico

Welcome to the world of stereotypes, we Spaniards are always identified with Bullfighting, Flamenco and gypsies thanks to the TV.

You mean you're not a Bullfighter! ?

[Galaico]

Originally Posted by Cenél nGabraín

You mean you're not a Bullfighter! ?

I used to be, but now I'm a Flamenco guitar player

[LoKi]

Originally Posted by Errigal

I'm obviously not German but I found the stereotypically German images quite positive.

I tend to agree. But, unfortunately the first thing in peoples minds when hearing the word Germany, is 'Nazi' or 'Hitler'.

Seriously, i feel kind of bad when i see some Germans putting up with Nazi jokes when they are hanging around people from different nations.

I think stereotyping a German as a 'Nazi' is as ridiculous as stereotyping a Italian as a 'Mafioso'.

I think I agree that Hollywood is to blame for this phenomenon.

Originally Posted by Errigal

The Brits should be more interested in the disappearance of their own auto industry:

- Land Rover and Jaguar are now owned by the Indian TATA Motors.

- MG is owned by the Chinese Nanjing Automobile Group.

Sad...

[Marulus]

Originally Posted by Galaico

I used to be, but now I'm a Flamenco guitar player

When are you becoming the Grand Inquisitor? (you know, the Spanish Inquisition and the rest...)

[Delbáeth]

Originally Posted by Marulus

When are you becoming the Grand Inquisitor? (you know, the Spanish Inquisition and the rest...)

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

[Errigal]

Originally Posted by LoKi

...

Sad...

It is. I remember watching a business news report on BBC World at the time of the opening of the new MG plant in China. The auto plant had been dismantled in England, shipped to China and set up there in a brand-new building. The BBC reporters were covering it as if it were an exiting accomplishment and a good news story. I just shook my head. At least when I watch news on the French international service TV5 or the German Deutsche Welle, I get the impression they actually want their home nations to prosper rather than be destroyed.

[Galaico]

Originally Posted by Marulus

When are you becoming the Grand Inquisitor? (you know, the Spanish Inquisition and the rest...)

Next life

[Errigal]

Originally Posted by Galaico

Next life

If you start preaching the heresy of reincarnation you may get a visit from the Grand Inquisitor yourself!

[svin]

And what is funny, the founder of Citroen was Jewish.

[Errigal]

Originally Posted by svin

And what is funny, the founder of Citroen was Jewish.

I thought that too.

Edit:
There is Citroen and Dassault as well, which is a little unusual because they don't usually go into heavy industry.
Marcel Dassault - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Strengthandhonour]

I actually found the commercial to be quite funny.
I don't see what's so bad about it? lack of humor from those silly politicians.

[Vincent]

I like it, and agree with S&H. What's the big problem?

[LoKi]

Originally Posted by Vincent