MPs accuse Citroen of Nazi stereotyping in ad

by Paul McNally, Brand Republic 20-Mar-08, 15:00

LONDON - A cross-party group of MPs has accused Citroen of Nazi stereotyping and called on the French car manufacturer to scrap its latest ad campaign for the new C5 model.

Ten MPs have signed a Commons motion calling for the "Unmistakably German" ad to be withdrawn, arguing that it is "counterproductive".

The motion was tabled by the Scottish Nationalist Party MP Angus Robertson, who has accused Citroen of drawing parallels with a 1930s Nazi propaganda film.

The ad, created by Euro RSCG, positions the new model as "more German than the Germans" and is supported by posters and digital advertising.

It features a series of airborne shots set to music by Wagner, an eagle statue which the MPs argue looks similar to the Nazi emblem, a road sign in Gothic script and a shot of the 1936 Berlin Olympic stadium.

Citroen has defended the ad, arguing that it has been cleared for broadcast and describing it as "humorous and fun".

The Commons motion reads: "This house notes with regret the stereotypes used by Citroen to market the new C5 as Unmistakably German, including imagery, symbolism and style reminiscent of the 1930s.

"[We believe] this is counterproductive to the reputation of Citroen and urge it to withdraw the advertisement."

It has been supported by a group of senior politicians include two former Europe ministers, Labour MPs Keith Vaz and Denis McShane.

Other MPs to have signed the motion include the chairman and vice-chairman of the All Party Germany Group -- Labour MP Quentin Davies and Conservative John Bercow.

MPs representing the DUP, SDLP and Plaid Cymru have also pledged their support.

Comments

Carl Martin - 20/03/2008

Ahhhh bloody hell politics aye?! Its clear that the ad is intended to be fun and certainly not supporting a Nazi ideal, think this is just a few MPs got a bit bored and wanted to get their name in the papers. Get a life and enjoy some entertaining and well produced advertising!