GR Yaris' Commercial Banned in Australia
The commercial showcasing the three different variations of the Yaris lineup shows the GR driven in a spirited manner, and deemed to promote 'unsafe driving.'
Getting in Trouble
The GR Yaris is one of Toyota's coolest products in recent memory, without question. This writer alone, has been discussing the unfortunate fact that these little monsters won't be sold in the US ad nauseam. But on the south side of the equator, Toyota's rowdy hatchback has gotten the manufacturer in trouble with the TV folks.
The Premise
The FCAI recognized a complaint that states the commercial promotes speeding and dangerous driving. The commercial in question is a 30-second spot that showcases the Yaris range with a witty plot. Three siblings, one driving a Yaris, one with a Yaris Cross, and the last one a GR Yaris. The brother in the GR Yaris has to be reminded by his sisters to rush to their parents' anniversary celebration.
>>Join the conversation about the GR Yaris ruffling Aussie feathers right here in the Club Lexus forum.
The More Spirited Yaris
The commercial does display the GR Yaris being driven slightly more 'spiritedly' than the others. You can judge for yourself. But if you ask us, there isn't really any clear breaking of speed limits being portrayed. In any case, Toyota released a statement defending the advertisement. They wrote, "does not contravene the FCAI Code or the applicable laws and regulations that govern community roads and driving standards.”
>>Join the conversation about the GR Yaris ruffling Aussie feathers right here in the Club Lexus forum.
The Commercial Will Need to Be Revised
After further review, the FCAI concluded that while there is no breaking of the speed limit on display, the brief loss of traction can be viewed as unsafe driving. Australian authorities and regulations have been extremely strict when it comes to 'hooning' on public roads. For those of us living in the US, it's an interesting cultural contrast. Regardless, the publicity only adds to the car's intrigue. Toyota's Australian catch-phrase is rather interesting, too: Oh what a feeling!
To check out the offending commercial just click right here.
>>Join the conversation about the GR Yaris ruffling Aussie feathers right here in the Club Lexus forum.
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