Kia Disavows Suggestive Cartoon Ads

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

June 28, 2011

Gallery: Mona's Kia Sportage Ads

Advertising in the US is pretty tame compared to the rest of world where most things are fair game. At a recent festival in Cannes, one of the advertisers at that award ceremonies, Brazilian agency Moma decided to amp up their creative juices and come out with a new ad to display around the festival. Mona works with Kia on their adverting in South America and wanted to show off the Sportage's Dual Zone Climate Control system. What they came up with is a very creative and suggestive ad. The ad shows a fairy tale/story book cartoon on the left and and a hotter version on the right.

Kia Motors America isn't impressed with Mona's effort. The company released a press release this week saying they had no relationship with the ad agency and didn't approve of the print ads. Kia also apologized to anyone who may have been offended by the ad.

Source: Auto Guide, Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America Statement Regarding Inappropriate Advertising Material From Brazil

IRVINE, Calif., June 24, 2011 - Kia Motors America (KMA) has become aware of an offensive piece of advertising material that was created by an ad agency in Brazil that KMA has no business relationship with and has never worked with. This ad was not created in the U.S. by Kia Motors America or any of its marketing partners and does not reflect the opinions or values of KMA or Kia Motors Corporation. The ad is undoubtedly inappropriate, and on behalf of Kia Motors we apologize to those who have been offended by it. We can guarantee this advertisement has never and will never be used in any form in the United States, and our global headquarters in Seoul, South Korea is addressing the issue with the independent Brazilian distributor.

We are such prudes. Except when it comes to violence. Decapitation = ok. Suggestive sexual themes = OMFG

As far as the ads themselves go, my problem is that I don't get what the point is. In no way do the sell the product. I mean there's two sides to the ad, but I suppose while one could be considered "hot" the other isn't exactly what you'd call "cold".

And air conditioning? As a selling point? Really? Dual zone air conditioning is hardly new.

Are these any raunchier than what's on prime-time TV these days? Hell, fifteen years ago? I guess the firm succeeded by drumming up publicity, though.

Yup, we are prudes. In Europe you can pretty much see topless women on tv at any given time on a telenovella or whatever, and at 10PM tv practically turns into porn. Even the cartoons.

My :twocents:: If you need to use sex to generate interest, you're just not that creative.

And no, I'm no prude.

My :twocents:: If you need to use sex to generate interest, you're just not that creative.

And no, I'm no prude.

I feel that's a moot point. They went this route because sex sells--although this is kinda PG. How many times do you see ads and you say to yourself, "Wow, a whole bunch of people said 'yes' to this?" This simply may be one of those cases where some screwballs said, "Wow, that's an awesome ad!"

And it IS climate control. Not exactly the easiest thing to advertise cleverly and creatively. Heck, it's not the first time boobies were used to sell it:

Much ado about nothing.

The only way that Kia ad is offensive is to the intellect. It really isn't all that great as an ad.

Now that Toyota ad, on the other hand, makes quite the impression... or two.

I am confused about the Toy ota ad. Is it for air conditioning or automatic headlights?