Audi’s Super Bowl Ad Creates Controversy

If you weren’t too busy restocking the guacamole bowl yesterday, you likely watched Audi’s “Green Police” ad, which showed a green movement gone awry with people getting arrested by the green police for simple, every-day acts of non-greenery like using incandescent light bulbs. The ad had a little fun with green fever, while advertising Audi’s more eco-friendly A3 TDI engine.

Well, according to USA Today, some couldn’t take a little funny and are a bit offended by the ad, believing that it does more to make fun of the eco-movement than to advance it.

Audi has defended the ad, and a series of similarly toned public service announcements released before the Super Bowl, stating that humorous ads can grab up to 87 percent of consumer’s attention.

Frankly, Audi’s explanation seems about right. The ad was for a product that is specifically eco-friendly and just used a little humor to make a splash and have fun with it–much the way many of yesterday’s commercials did. The ad was rated #6 in USA Today’s Ad Meter.

Word is that the individuals incensed by the ad are currently researching which hospital Betty White is in to send their regards.

Decide who’s right for yourself after watching the video down under. [via USA Today]