Maybe they should've used another model? Maybe this is one of those cases where, if someone points something out to you, it's a little hard to get it out of your head, but here goes: there's a print ad currently running for Volkswagen's Certified Pre-Owned cars—we saw it in the back inside cover of the July 28 issue of Rolling Stone—that shows an old guy in a VW work shirt carefully ironing a VW Owner's Manual, as an illustration that used VWs are "As close to new as it can possibly get." That's all well and fine, but then someone pointed out that the man (the ad is pictured here), who has a graying mustache, looks as though he could be an aging Adolf Hitler, a particularly unfortunate analogy given his role in the company's creation. You may disagree with that interpretation, but you have to ask yourself, with all of the models they could have chosen for this ad, why did they choose this one? —Posted by Catharine P. Taylor

August 2, 2005 | Permalink

Comments

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That model controversy comes from paying more attention to the ad than it deserves. I get the ad's idea. Good. Next.

Posted by: TClio | Aug 2, 2005 1:39:34 PM

Yeah, friggin overanalysis. It's suffocating creativity, killing this business.

Posted by: Brian Bernier | Aug 2, 2005 2:54:56 PM

I don't think the execs at DDB Worlwide earn those six figure salaries without knowing exactly what they are doing. VW loves to be the provocateur.
...Remember the suicide bomber ad?

Posted by: alansmitheee | Aug 2, 2005 3:01:37 PM

yes OVERANALYSIS. don't you have anything better to do?

Posted by: debs | Aug 2, 2005 3:21:31 PM

Extreme over analysis. Suicide bomber ad was spec...get your facts straight. The fact that this discussion is even happening is moronic. Catherine Taylor obviously thinks like scared account person.

Posted by: Keith | Aug 2, 2005 3:56:15 PM

What's the matter? The ad has a very positive image. It shows Volkswagen humiliating herr fuhrer by giving him the crappiest job in the factory.

Posted by: Anonymous | Aug 2, 2005 4:30:26 PM

Webster's been off the air for a long time, and George Popadopolis needs some cash. What's the big deal?

Posted by: David P. | Aug 2, 2005 9:58:21 PM

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