New Falcon XR8 Ute Commercial

[jpd80]

Now this is a funny advertisement, Enjoy:http://video.vividas.com/media//5323_Ford/web/

[LSFan00]

That is seriously high quality advertising.

[jpd80]

Thank you and Happy 4th July to all my American friends.

 

I'll go and throw some tea in the harbour here in Gladstone Australia just for you!

 

Cheers everyone,

 

John

Edited July 4, 2007 by jpd80

[SVT_MAN]

Disliked that intensly. The stereotypes would never fit the bill in America.

[Deanh]

Disliked that intensly. The stereotypes would never fit the bill in America.

lighten up oh victim of a repressed politically correct society......signed Dave Chappelle

[jpd80]

Disliked that intensly. The stereotypes would never fit the bill in America.

Relax, I'm sure they have perfectly bland Taurus and Fusion ads for America.

 

Have you ever thought the ad was in jest, we love to poke fun at ourselves, the selfish Aussie male?

A bloke who drives an XR8 suddenly finds the whole world looks like its made for him?

 

- Instead of a paper, a hot breakfast roll is delivered

- Guys running not to an ice cream truck but a beer truck (Mr. Frosty)

- Metrosexuals now targeted by police and an icy stare from the cop to the bous in the ute.

- Main street is full of tool supplies

- Beer the opera now showing

- people in the fountain at the end of the street are showered with beer

- The power it gives blokes is unbelivable.

 

I guess you have to live there to get the gags.

 

Happy 4th July anyway and thanks for replying.

[Meelaan]

Dear "Blokes,"

 

Please send Utes. It's a friggin' awesome product that we've been starved of since the loss of the El Camino.

 

Love,

Yanks

[RichardJensen]

Yeah. GM pulled the plug on the Monte Carlo without a trunk lid because they were selling sooooo well.

[jpd80]

Holden are readying their Ute for exports to the USA following the G8, that hasn't been announced yet.

New Aussie Falcon and Ute due at the same time in March 2008, both LHD preserved.

 

People are funny, one minute they won't touch a product but with the proper auora, it sells like wildfire.

Can Ford afford to cater to every little niche market?

If you're starting from scratch no but if they have the vehicles anyway, yes.

 

If the Aussies have product that can suit small areas and is available to engineer LHD cheaply, why not.

Bring it on GM!

Edited July 4, 2007 by jpd80

[matthewq4b]

Love that comercial. Least Ford AU still has a sence of humor in it's marketing dept.

 

 

Matthew

[Mark B. Morrow]

Great ad. Now if they would only put the steering wheel on the left side where it belongs and send some here.

[jpd80]

Great ad. Now if they would only put the steering wheel on the left side where it belongs and send some here.

 

 

Happy 4th of July, Mark.

Edited July 5, 2007 by jpd80

[BlackHorse]

I have to go with the blokes on this one. I already loved the falcon and that thing is even more bad ass. Ahhh down under, great Fords, tons of hot friendly women, friendly culture. You lads have a very enviable country, but no second amendment and that's a big downer for me. I'd love to see the Falcon here, and the Falcon ute. Also apparently down under they can make a commercial without having to worry if Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, the ACLU or some gay rights coallition will sue you because they got their wittle feewings hurt. God we Americans are such candy asses sometimes.

 

by the way, here's a you tube link of the commercial, no fussing with a website.

 

Edited July 5, 2007 by BlackHorse

[jpd80]

I can live without concealed firearms in public, the trade off is a far less violent community,

It's a bit more folksy and multi racial so we're more tolerant irrespective of what the media says.

But then again there's only 21 million of us so there's far less ratbags on either side.

I really love visiting your country every couple of years, most Americans are so friendly and polite to us.

We share a lot but we are different.

 

Happy Independence Day America.

 

Edited July 5, 2007 by jpd80

[SVT_MAN]

Relax, I'm sure they have perfectly bland Taurus and Fusion ads for America.

 

Have you ever thought the ad was in jest, we love to poke fun at ourselves, the selfish Aussie male?

A bloke who drives an XR8 suddenly finds the whole world looks like its made for him?

 

- Instead of a paper, a hot breakfast roll is delivered

- Guys running not to an ice cream truck but a beer truck (Mr. Frosty)

- Metrosexuals now targeted by police and an icy stare from the cop to the bous in the ute.

- Main street is full of tool supplies

- Beer the opera now showing

- people in the fountain at the end of the street are showered with beer

- The power it gives blokes is unbelivable.

 

I guess you have to live there to get the gags.

 

Happy 4th July anyway and thanks for replying.

 

Jest or not, the ad makes some controversial stereotypes about how males behave (or how they should behave). I saw the ad, and I understood the implications. I think you see that while a great majority of people love this ad, at least some people are alienated. I doubt I'm the only person alienated beacuse of this ad. I believe an ad like this is risky and probably limits the sales of the vehicle as much as it adds sales.

 

lighten up oh victim of a repressed politically correct society......signed Dave Chappelle

 

I'm one of the least politically correct people you'll meet. It's not like I would call metrosexuals in the advertisement "fashion forward males" or some other lame title that would give them undeserved creedence. That would be politically correct. I just disagree with stereotyping in general, and I think it's dangerous because it will inevitably alienated SOMEBODY and it highlights and encourages grouping of people, which I don't like. Yes, we're all grouped, but how would you enjoy being negatively singled out in an advertisement?

 

Also apparently down under they can make a commercial without having to worry if Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, the ACLU or some gay rights coallition will sue you because they got their wittle feewings hurt. God we Americans are such candy asses sometimes.

 

I can honestly say that I personally could care less about those people or groups and their goals, and I truthfully would not and do not support or like any of those people or groups you just mentioned. Nonetheless, I still don't believe that stereotyping a group, whether positive or negatively, is a good way to sell cars. Somebody will be upset, and you might lose somebody that was considering buying a car. I can't see how alienating members of your audience could be a good thing. Some might argue that people who are alienated weren't in the target audience anyway, but how do you know? Are we to assume that "metrosexuals" would absolutely not buy the car? Are we to assume that all men who will drive the car love to drink beer and act like idiots? I love the car, but I don't drink beer or act like an idiot. Granted, I do not live down under - but if we assume the same values I have here and I lived down there, I would have been interested in buying that vehicle until I saw this advertisement.

 

By the way, for those of you who disagree - certainly your choice and I'm not telling you what to think - but it would serve you well to listen to someone who isn't on the bandwagon for this ad.

Edited July 5, 2007 by SVT_MAN

[jpd80]

I doubt I'm the only person alienated beacuse of this ad.

So far you are.

 

Are we to assume that all men who will drive the car love to drink beer and act like idiots?

Huh?

 

 

Here's one we prepared earlier;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9ubtehD9Pk...ted&search=

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoEtkSJ3o0M

 

And a Fairlane Ad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5vl_9o13e4

 

I'm sure the Chaser comedians down here will sort that XR8 Ad out.

This is hysterical:

Edited July 5, 2007 by jpd80

[SVT_MAN]

So far you are.

Huh?

 

I'm the only person alienated so far on this board that has spoken up. There are others out there who would be offended.

 

As far as your "huh" .. the men in the ad were portrayed as certified beer-o-philes and they were acting like idiots, running down the street like hooligans.

 

I understand my comments are in the minority.

 

I think the biggest problem with the ad is the part with metrosexuals. I'm not going to lie, I laughed at it - I just think it's the wrong approach. While I'll agree that FEW XR8 owners would be metrosexual, does that mean metrosexuals aren't going to be interested in other Fords? Well, after they see this ad that'll be true. I doubt metrosexuals will like buying Fords after seeing this ..

 

Just seems idiotic to alienate a group from your brand like that.

 

 

Here's one we prepared earlier;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9ubtehD9Pk...ted&search=

 

To me, that one makes a lot more sense and doesn't have many (if any) controversial stereotypes. Basically all men can relate to the fact that women like nice vehicles. Much better.

Edited July 5, 2007 by SVT_MAN

[LSFan00]

A lot of great ads, like jokes, make fun of someone. Picture any classic superbowl ad for a car or beer. The term metrosexuals is a joke, for goodness sakes. Monte Python pulled off a whole genre poking fun at English history/culture. Having gone to Spamalot last night, I think most colonialist offshoots today still have some cultural humor appreciation deep down in them somewhere, where we tolerate jokes at our own expense. I also really like beer, so maybe I am a stereotype.

 

I'll resist, in the name of decorum, pointing out the alternative to laughing at yourself/stereotypes which exists today.

[SVT_MAN]

A lot of great ads, like jokes, make fun of someone. Picture any classic superbowl ad for a car or beer. The term metrosexuals is a joke, for goodness sakes. Monte Python pulled off a whole genre poking fun at English history/culture. Having gone to Spamalot last night, I think most colonialist offshoots today still have some cultural humor appreciation deep down in them somewhere, where we tolerate jokes at our own expense. I also really like beer, so maybe I am a stereotype.

 

I'll resist, in the name of decorum, pointing out the alternative to laughing at yourself/stereotypes which exists today.

 

I agree with most of what you said. My biggest problem with the advertisement is that making fun of metrosexuals in the commercial means that people who consider themselves to be part of that group probably just crossed Ford off their list entirely. Yes, I doubt many metros would buy an XR8, fine. But, are there other Fords that appeal to them? Probably. But they might not want them after that ad poked fun at them. Don't make the mistake of assuming that they won't associate Ford with bad things after that ad.

 

And, before anyone has a hissy fit about whether or not metrosexuals exist ... there was a group of guys at my high school who took pride in the fact that they were supposedly "fashion forward." I thought they were odd, but that's not the issue. Maybe they're different Down Under, but around here that ad wouldn't fly.

Edited July 5, 2007 by SVT_MAN

[Meelaan]

Love the ad. Reminds me of the "I am man" Burger King ads in the U.S. a few months back.

 

How I long for the days when the men of the United States of America would be aptly represented by such portrayal. Screw sensivity--we're a bunch of friggin animals with one gene between us and the ape.

 

BTW: Call it what it is: It's not "metrosexual," it's "men acting like women." The clear pussification of America. Next step: ball shrinkage. No wonder they have such a market for Viagra/Cialis here...

Edited July 5, 2007 by Meelaan

[Deanh]

I agree with most of what you said. My biggest problem with the advertisement is that making fun of metrosexuals in the commercial means that people who consider themselves to be part of that group probably just crossed Ford off their list entirely. Yes, I doubt many metros would buy an XR8, fine. But, are there other Fords that appeal to them? Probably. But they might not want them after that ad poked fun at them. Don't make the mistake of assuming that they won't associate Ford with bad things after that ad.

 

And, before anyone has a hissy fit about whether or not metrosexuals exist ... there was a group of guys at my high school who took pride in the fact that they were supposedly "fashion forward." I thought they were odd, but that's not the issue. Maybe they're different Down Under, but around here that ad wouldn't fly.

the ONLY people that get upset or take offense about stereotypes are those that are inwardly insecure about themselves...hell if one can't laugh at ones selves there is something wrong....and if one gets truley upset then TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND REALISE YOU BROUGHT IT ON YOURSELF! once again...accountability for ones OWN actions....and yes WE are different from down under, its called being comfortable with ones selves...not living in a closet for fear of affending someone and getting sued.....oh, black white green or mauve, OJ DID IT!@

Edited July 5, 2007 by Deanh

[SVT_MAN]

It seems like this is a rather hot-button issue for you given your capitalized letters ... And, I don't totally diagree. In fact, you might be right; but, that isn't the point. We all offend someone from time to time, whether intentionally or not. I don't think offending someone is bad in all cases.

 

This is not one of them.

 

Offending someone is one thing. Selling cars to someone you offended is another.

 

This ad strikes up the same problems that Ford of Europe had with their homosexual-targeted Volvo and Jaguar advertisements. While you might make one group happy by displaying a Volvo emergency brake in their face and making a sexual comment about it, you're going to disgust and alienate just as many people who do not appreciate that.

 

(Here is the ad, for those of you who are wondering what I am talking about)

 

 

It's pretty obvious what they're after here .. rainbow coloring on the bottom, emergency brake .. you get the picture.

 

If you don't believe me that people were disgusted and alienated, take a look at http://www.boycottford.com/ ...

 

 

 

Targeted marketing should target the market, but it should not alienate others from buying the product or brand. Volvo could have targeted the market they desired without alienating others. So could have Ford AU. But they chose not to. Ford is an automobile manufacturer - why get caught up in cultural wars?

 

I'm just one guy, but I feel the Volvo ad, as well as this XR8 ad has alienated potential FORD brand customers ... and it seems that boycottford.com is pretty much proof. Ford lost American dollars due to EUROPEAN run advertisements. What makes you think that this AU advertisement won't do the same thing? It's on Youtube. It may not have a profound effect, and I think Ford AU is doing quite well. It will have an effect though.

Edited July 5, 2007 by SVT_MAN

[Deanh]

It seems like this is a rather hot-button issue for you given your capitalized letters ... And, I don't totally diagree. In fact, you might be right; but, that isn't the point. We all offend someone from time to time, whether intentionally or not. I don't think offending someone is bad in all cases.

 

This is not one of them.

 

Offending someone is one thing. Selling cars to someone you offended is another.

like I said...if one can't look in the mirror and chuckle then one has a problem....I beleive Metrosexuals originated as a comedy scetch anyway...hell I've been called one myself..??????????????..I must be scarred for life...need therapy/ medication...its always the answer!.........wouldn't stop me from buying ANYTHING....toughen up laddie!!! I live here...love this place...but people pussy foot around too damn much being politically correct and then winge at the consequences.....

[Deanh]

SVT...I think one thing you may be missing...this is an Australian add....something like this will/ never could come to this country...exactly for the reasons we have discussed! Aussies Kiwis and Poms are FAR more open minded and comfortable about these subjects.....and far less likely to take offense...we poke fun at about anything......its called taking the Mickey.....dryer sense of humour........

[SVT_MAN]

SVT...I think one thing you may be missing...this is an Australian add....something like this will/ never could come to this country...exactly for the reasons we have discussed! Aussies Kiwis and Poms are FAR more open minded and comfortable about these subjects.....and far less likely to take offense...we poke fun at about anything......its called taking the Mickey.....dryer sense of humour........

 

I understand that it is an Australian ad. I understand that since I live in the U.S. I am not in the proper context. All the "open-mindedness," as you call it.

 

But, that doesn't mean that Americans aren't bothered by it. I'm just using Ford of Europe as an example. They didn't think that their risque European ads would have an effect on Ford of the Americas. It has. 720,000 people have signed the boycott Ford petition - and honestly, many of them were previous Ford owners. Ford has painted themselves into a corner because if they stop supporting homosexual agendas, they'll lose the lucrative GLBT (or whatever the acronym is). If they don't supporting them, none of the people who signed the boycott will buy Ford products. I'm not sure which Ford would rather have as customers, and honestly, I don't care. All I'm saying is that you shouldn't make the mistake of assuming that what Ford does in one country is isolated to that country. Those ads were European and customers in America decided not to support Ford because of them. What Ford does is in any other country will be significant to what they do here.

 

We live in a Global world where everything is monitored. If a company decides to pollute in China, we're going to hear about it. Much the same, with the advent of YouTube, people are going to see this ad and draw conclusions.

 

The issue isn't about being afraid of offending someone or being overly sensitive .. it's about selling cars. But whoever said you had to step on toes to sell cars? A look at the various other commercials out there are proof that you don't need to do that. Ignoring the sensitivities in parts of the culture is like going to China and assuming that writing in red ink is "no big deal." (Try that at the customs counter some time and report back to us with your story.)

 

Now, I don't know. Maybe metrosexuals in the AU will laugh at this commercial. I do not have a thorough understanding of the AU culture because, simply put, I have never lived there. Nonethless, like I said, ads aren't always isolated to the immediate market.

Edited July 5, 2007 by SVT_MAN