Ad Nauseam
Is This Anti-Speeding PSA Too Real for America?
Wow. This public safety spot from New Zealand really brings home how decisions we casually make while driving can have grave consequences.
January 7, 2014
Nissan to Millennials: If You Really Want to Get Around, Don’t Drive
This Nissan ad, in heavy rotation during the NFL playoffs, smacks of 21st century carmaker desperation.
January 7, 2014
The Hypocrisy of Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” Campaign
I'll admit it: I love the Chrysler ad campaign "Imported from Detroit," which debuted in February's Super Bowl spot starring Eminem.
November 8, 2011
GM to College Students: Stop Pedaling, Start Driving
Car ads that try to appeal to the desire for social status are nothing new, but here’s one that just gets it wrong: GM is trying to convince college students that driving a Buick is hipper than riding a fixie.
October 12, 2011
Ped-Bike Mockery Flops for 7-Term House Incumbent
The National Republican Congressional Committee ran this ad against Democratic challenger Kathy Dahlkemper in the race for Pennsylvania's third congressional district. It hits a few Gingrichian notes on how to address the country's energy problems before the announcer tells us incredulously:
November 5, 2008
McCain: Drilling Is the Cure for What Ails U.S.
The Gas Tax Holiday may have petered out, but John McCain still has a lot of petroleum-based populism left in the tank. His latest campaign ad, "Pump," primes the audience with a little wishful thinking.
July 22, 2008
Nets Look to Lure Fans With Free Gas
Given the New Jersey Nets' lackluster season (34-48 record, no playoff berth), the franchise is taking a page from another under-performer to unload tickets for next year. That's right: buy 2008-2009 season tickets and the Nets will return 10 percent of the cost in the form of "free" gas, which fans will presumably burn up on the way to all those home games. 'Cause with the Nets, it's not about winning or losing, or even how you play. It's about the free gas.
June 13, 2008
Chrysler: Let’s Ruin America!
Looks like Chrysler has figured out a novel way to move their 2008 model gas guzzlers off the lot. Sign up for their new "Let's Refuel America!" credit card and they'll lock in the price of gas at $2.99/gallon for three years.
May 20, 2008