US mental health associations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Psychiatric Association, accused Europe’s largest auto manufacturer of acting irresponsibly. As a result, Volkswagen has withdrawn the commercials, which were being shown during late night schedules.
The advert features three Volkswagen car models and shows a man contemplating suicide from a ledge until he is told the low price of the cars. The advert was designed by Crispin Porter & Bogusky, a US advertising firm.
In the same month, US General Motors was criticized by suicide prevention groups about a company’s advert that showed a factory robot making a mistake, losing his job and wanting to commit suicide. GM said it would pull this part of the commercial.
