Kia ad pulled by Ad Standards for dangerous J-turn

An ad for Kia’s SUV range has been pulled by the Ad Standards community panel for depicting three vehicles simultaneously making a ‘J-turn’, or 180 degree spin from a reversing position.

The ad, which was frequently shown during the Australian Open broadcast on Nine to launch the auto brand’s new logo, also attracted complaints for showing the Sorento, Seltos and Carnival vehicles driving at excessive speed and in the middle of the road. Complainants were concerned the ad would influence “young offenders and other mindless people” to recreate the behaviour in their own vehicles on the road.

To defend the J-turn, Kia highlighted clause three of the FCAI Motor Vehicle Advertising Code, which stipulates that advertisers may make use of scenes of simulated motor sport or vehicle testing provided the scenes are easily identifiable as part of an organised activity and follow safety requirements.