Automobile ads under scanner

Automobile manufacturers are coming in the radar of Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) – the self regulatory governing body of the advertising industry. Complaints regarding advertisements of Maruti Suzuki’s SX 4 and Mahindra & Mahindra scooter Flyte were upheld and modifications were instructed by ASCI.

The Consumer Complaints Cell (CCC) of ASCI ruled that SX4’s Television Commercial (TVC) violated safe driving practices by showing reckless driving of a car across traffic lanes. According to the CCC ruling, the TVC depicted potentially harmful practice for the driver, passengers and general public.

Similar violation of traffic rules was observed in the case of Mahindra Flyte Power Scooter Ad. The Ad depicts a picture of “three persons on the scooter without wearing helmets”, says ASCI.

When contacted, a Maruti Suzuki spokesperson said that “the issue was explained to the satisfaction of the ASCI and the matter stands closed now.” A M&M spokesperson said that the Flyte ad was a “one off” ad that was released to celebrate the success of the film ‘3 Idiots’, where the Flyte had an in film branding and that M&M will always adhere to safety laws.

The ads from Maruti Suzuki and M&M were part of complaints against six ads which were upheld in the month of February.