Remember that commercial for the last-gen Mercury Mariner in which a couple competes to see who gets the Merc for the day by getting up earlier and earlier each morning? It was clever, entertaining, and because it was a US spot -- safe. Via Classical Drives, we're introduced to a British TV spot for the Toyota RAV4 that's thematically similar but adds a wee bit more danger for the two protagonists. If this aired in the States, the legal disclaimers would obscure half the screen. Follow the jump to watch and judge for yourself.
UPDATE: Based on the comments, it seems this spot airs in multiple markets.
[Source: Classical Drives]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John R @ Oct 14th 2007 9:41AM
if it was Mr. and Mrs. Smith it would be over adopting a kid instead of a car.
Alex Nunez @ Oct 14th 2007 9:46AM
That, my friend, is pretty funny.
Alister @ Oct 14th 2007 10:47AM
Actually, this commercial is from New Zealand, not Britain.
:D
Mike Jenkins @ Oct 14th 2007 11:38AM
So they won't let you drive a V8, but you can attempt to kill your wife over a car, great.
David @ Oct 14th 2007 11:42AM
hm that's weird. i live in canada and i've definitely seen this commercial on tv somewhere before...
Glenn @ Oct 14th 2007 1:31PM
Yes, something similiar in Canada, and pretty sure it was for Toyota. Not as violent though.
Solo Racer @ Oct 14th 2007 12:43PM
So, Mr. Jenkins proves why we get saccirine ads here in the States. No sense of humor. And I guess you missed all the parts where she tried to do him in.
Aaron Curry @ Oct 14th 2007 12:44PM
i live in the states, ive seen this commercial on tv a few times.
Craig @ Oct 14th 2007 3:38PM
You would not have seen this advertised for the RAV4 in the U.S. because the driver is on the left and not the right side of the vehicle... unless you saw it on the Clio awards or a show that shows commercials from around the world.
A. Popham @ Oct 14th 2007 5:54PM
This ad was actually created by Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, but after several complaints was pulled from New Zealand screens prior to being shown overseas. A shame.
Philip Powell @ Oct 14th 2007 6:12PM
Thanks for correcting me on the origin of this commercial. When I spotted the right-hand-drive configuration I naturally assumed it was a British spot, knowing the UKs reputation for great advertising. During my four years working in London Saatchi & Saatchi was just a small local shop known for highly original creative. It is now a vast international agency and still capable of great television, even if the New Zealand authorities are too dumb to appreciate it.
Rick Lyon @ Oct 14th 2007 6:04PM
OK, don't see the point of this ad.
chad.dawkins @ Oct 14th 2007 8:33PM
They both want to drive the Rav4 so badly that they cause great bodily harms to their significant others in order to get to drive it. What's there to get?
chad.dawkins @ Oct 14th 2007 8:33PM
They both want to drive the Rav4 so badly that they cause great bodily harms to their significant others in order to get to drive it. What's there to get?
spanner @ Oct 14th 2007 9:25PM
Priceless add!
Bill Morlitz @ Oct 14th 2007 9:41PM
This has been out for at least 5 months. It's in the same vein as the VW Terrorist ad.
Or as MAD magazine always says, "Humor in a jugular vein".
Bill
cuffeefarid @ Oct 21st 2007 10:05AM
Yeah, I definately have seen this Ad before....for an AMERICAN Toyota RAV4.....think it was played in a few markets. Maybe it just didn't go over well with people who just didn't get it! I myself found it to be utterly hilarious and spark my interest....which I believe is what a commercial is supposed to do!