Kiwi PSA on Speeding Will Make You Think Twice Before Pressing the Gas Pedal

Speeding causes many traffic accidents globally, with authorities around the world trying to reduce fatalities by making drivers aware of the need to travel at safe speeds. In New Zealand, for instance, 83 people were killed and 408 were seriously injured last year in speed-related crashes, according to the government.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says speed is a contributing factor in 20 percent of all fatal and serious injury crashes on the country’s roads. So what can drivers do about this?

The most sensible thing is to drive at speeds that leave room any potential errors from other drivers. That’s the main idea behind NZTA’s latest public service announcement video, which will hopefully make you think twice before stomping on the gas pedal.

By Dan Mihalascu

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"Fire and Ice" is a Pretty Neat Independent Spot for Porsche Panamera

Anyone paying attention to car commercials these days knows how monotonous and repetitive they can be, with only a few select ads truly sticking out from the crowd at a time.

Perhaps that's why automakers interested in separating themselves from the pack give young inspirational minds a chance to shine through contests, like the one from Porsche and Spotlight Cinema Networks.

The two companies launched a competition where participants illustrated "Thrilling Contradictions" through the art of film, with the winner being Ross Cohen and his "Fire and Ice" spot for the Porsche Panamera, which you can watch right after the break.

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SuperBowl Ads? Audi Tells BMW, Lexus and Merc Buyers that New A3 Sedan is the Shameless Choice

Audi has set in motion a rather antagonistic campaign for the U.S. launch of its all-new 2015 A3 sedan that will begin arriving in dealer lots early next year with prices starting from $29,900 for the base 170hp 1.8-liter model.

The new spots aim against rivaling brands BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, declaring that the 2015 Audi A3 is the car of choice for buyers who are looking for a compact executive sedan that won't bring forth feelings of shame and remorse – if that makes sense.

"Don't give in to the temptations to settle for the wrong luxury car," reads one of the four ads, while another one says, "Father knows best -- especially when it comes to saving yourself for the right luxury car."

We haven’t confirmed this yet, but there's a very strong possibility that the four fresh spots found on Audi's YouTube page hidden from plain site (locked) could be the brand's 2014 Super Bowl ads – it’s not uncommon for companies to release them early, and perhaps Audi is testing the waters online before it airs them on TV.

Thanks to Jason from A3forums for the tip!

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Robocop Fights Drink-Driving in NHTSA’s New PSA

Robocop has landed a leading role in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) new anti-drinking advertising campaign. Aimed at discouraging drivers from drinking and driving, the campaign is called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and cost some $7.5 million (€5.5 million).

In the first ad featuring Robocop, the superhero finds drunken drivers and pulls them over. “Be ready to move in on my request,” Robocop says and then asks a driver to drop the keys. “I’d put those down now if I were you.”

The commercial also features actors Samuel L. Jackson and Joel Kinnaman, as well as clips from the Robocop science fiction action movie, opening in theaters on February 14.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

Mercedes-Benz Strikes Back at Jaguar with Photo Ad!

The friendly advertising rivalry between Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar that erupted after the later made fun of the former's chicken spot in its own video continues, and as Mr. Ronald would say, we're loving it!

So, after the Jaguar ate the chicken in the British firm's commercial (see all videos below), Mercedes quickly responded with this print-like ad on its FaceBook page with the following comment:

"Jaguar is proud of their cat-like reflexes.#IntelligentDrive helps ensure they can stay that way."

The ad itself reads, "Because cat-like reflexes aren't fast enough. The PRE-SAFE brake".

We're hoping that Jaguar replies and continues this harmless, but no doubt amusing and beneficial advertising for both brands, especially with the younger crowds. Perhaps BMW, Audi, Cadillac or Lexus can jump in with their own ads…

We tip out hats to Rok for the heads up!

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