Dodge Apologizes for Fictional Dog Electrocution
We weren’t going to blog about a YouTube video that broke on the internet this morning that showed a Dodge Nitro shooting electric jolts at a dog, killing it and eventually leaving a burning and charred body. We’ve seen too many of these videos that later turned out not to be official to run with it, even with the recent events involving NFL quarterback Michael Vick.
We’re still not going to point to the video, but Chrysler has acknowledged the viral ad was created through one of its marketing centers in the Netherlands. Chrysler is trying to get the video pulled from YouTube and has apologized for its content. There have been similar ads by other automakers in Europe, including fictionalized killings of cats and birds. Chrysler’s full statement is below.
“Chrysler Group was dismayed to discover today that an advertisement created by an ad agency supporting our Netherlands Market Performance Center goes far beyond the bounds of what the company considers appropriate. The advertisement for the new Dodge Nitro, recently introduced into the market, which includes fictional yet inappropriate treatment of an animal, is in extremely bad taste.
Although European commercials — especially “viral” ads like this one — are often edgier, this one went over the edge. Chrysler Group is investigating the origins of this commercial.
We have requested the viral ad be pulled from YouTube.com.”
Jason Vines, Vice President Communications for the Chrysler Group
