Volkswagen Golf video ‘an insult’ to civil rights, car giant admits
Volkswagen removes a video which it subsequently describes as an ‘insult to the civil rights movement’.
Volkswagen has been forced to apologise for a Twitter advert after an outcry over racist content.
The 10-second video features oversized white hands pushing a black man away from a Golf then flicking him into a cafe.
The tagline, “der neue Golf” fades to briefly show letters making the German equivalent of the “n” word while the cafe, called Petit Colon, translates as “little colonist”.
Volkswagen initially said it was “surprised and shocked” at hostile reaction to the advert, which was intended to be humorous.
But it withdrew the slot within hours and issued apologies on Twitter and Linkedin.
“We understand the public outrage at this. Because we’re horrified, too,” said marketing chief Juergen Stackmann and diversity head Elke Heitmueller.
“This video is an insult to all achievements of the civil rights movement. It is an insult to every decent person.
“Hatred, racism and discrimination have no place at Volkswagen!”
The company said it is investigating how the “wrong and tasteless” video came to be made and “there will be consequences”.
More Coverage
Add your comment to this story
Can BYD blow away HiLux and the Ranger with an electric ute?
There has been a lot of frothing excitement about BYD bringing this, the first-ever PHEV ute, to market. Prepare to be surprised by what this ‘quiet giant’ has to offer.
If you really must buy an EV, here’s what to do
There are a thousand reasons why you shouldn’t buy an EV, but if you are determined, here’s a guide on what to do.
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout