The advertising regulator in the United Kingdom has now banned a Toyota Hilux advertisement that was being displayed on television and on a billboard at bus stops, which showed the Japanese brand’s pick-up truck in off-road action, as it encourages drivers to engage in behaviors that can be harmful to the environment.
The British regulatory entity claimed that the Toyota advertisements in question lack “a sense of responsibility towards society”, as reported by “The Guardian.”
According to the British publication, this is the first time an advertisement has been banned in the UK for social reasons related to environmental preservation.
The advertisement that was being displayed on television, and can still be seen on YouTube, has been used in the UK since 2020 and shows several Toyota Hilux vehicles in an off-road scenario before reaching the road.
According to the regulatory entity, the advertisement aired on television as well as those placed at stops and on buses “did not consider the impact of vehicle use on nature and the environment”, in addition to “not being carried out with due responsibility towards society.”.
Toyota has already stated that it disagrees with the decision, telling the British newspaper that the brand has been a leader in decarbonization through its hybrid and electric models, as well as in sharing technologies with other brands.
“Over the past three decades, Toyota has not only been one of the leading companies in the automotive sector in terms of reducing carbon emissions across its range of vehicles, but has also shared hundreds of royalty-free licenses, allowing others to use its electrification technology.”, revealed Toyota UK in a statement to The Guardian.
