Although companies have been making ads that prey on their customer's fears since the first day of marketing, these ads have never been as audacious as the banned Smart ad. This ad encourages you to buy a Smart because it has no backseat.
Normally, having no backseat would be a detrimental feature to a car. The banned Smart ad shows that having a backseat is actually extremely detrimental to your health. Scenes from famous movies of people being murdered and kidnapped by villains from the backseat are featured, making it appear to be a scary thing to own a sedan with a backseat.
Deadly Automotive Ads
The Banned Smart Ad Will Have You Scared of Your Backseat
Trend Themes
1. Fear-mongering Ads - Opportunities for companies to create catchy ads that incite fear, in order to draw more attention to their products.
2. Non-traditional Car Features - Disruptive innovation opportunities for car companies to market desirable non-traditional elements of cars, such as cars with no back seats.
3. Alternative Transportation Options - Opportunities for companies to market ride-share programs and cycling encouraging users to ditch car ownership altogether.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - As ad companies compete for consumer attention, through the marketing of more alarming, provocative and evolving ads, just like the banned Smart ad, they will be tapping into the rising trend of fear-based advertising.
2. Automotive Industry - Companies in this market will strive to appeal car owners in non-traditional ways, such as offering cars without backseats to cater to specific buyer groups.
3. Transportation Industry - Companies operating in the transportation sector would be looking for new opportunities to provide more sustainable, alternative, and environmentally friendly transportation options.