ASA raps Lexus over low-carbon statement

The Advertising Standards Authority has reprimanded car manufacturer Lexus over its claims of low carbon emissions for its SUV hybrid car.

The campaign triggered ten complaints arguing that the press ad for the Lexus RX 400h car was misleading over its claims of low emissions.

The complainants said that the ad’s “low emissions” and “zero guilt” claims gave a misleading impression of the car’s carbon dioxide emissions in comparison with other vehicles.

They also said that the “192g/km” emissions figure was high in comparison with the emission of all cars.

The ASA has warned the Japanese luxury car manufacturer not to imply similar claims in future.

The ASA has received six complaints against a TV ad for ADT Security for being racist and offensive. The ad showed a man letting out an animal-like howl in order to deter a burglary.

The ASA council has said the ad is unlikely to cause serious or widespread off-ence or undue distress. The complaints are not being looked into.