Volkswagen T-Roc R ad banned over ‘unsafe driving’

A 15-second TV advertisement showing a Volkswagen T-Roc R driving in a warehouse using Race Mode has been banned in Australia following a complaint to the Ad Standards watchdog.

It follows several other recent TV commercials being banned, including for the RAM 1500 TRX and Supercheap Auto.

According to the complainant, the TVC for the 221kW Volkswagen T-Roc R – which also aired on Volkswagen Australia’s YouTube, Instagram and Facebook social media feeds – “shows reckless and dangerous driving of the vehicle in what appears to be a car parking building”.

In response, Volkswagen Australia told Ad Standards it didn’t believe the advertisement showed reckless and dangerous driving.

“To clarify, the advertisement was not filmed in a car park; instead, it took place in an empty warehouse,” the company said.

“Volkswagen secured all necessary permissions and permits from the property owner, ensuring full adherence to the permit conditions and safety protocols during the filming process.

“We regret if any members of the public were offended by any content in the advertisement and take this opportunity to assure the Ad Standards Community Panel and the public that this was not our intention.

“The Advertisement seeks to convey an athletic, sporty and exciting feel to driving the T-Roc R. The sounds, camera angles and film techniques convey that feeling.

“Volkswagen respectfully submits that the advertisement is not in breach of the FCAI Code or the AANA Code.”

The Ad Standards Community Panel assessed all the evidence and found that “the advertisement did breach Clause 2 (a) of the FCAI Code [and] the panel upheld the complaint”.

Volkswagen Australia has since confirmed its advertisement was discontinued on February 8, 2024.

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