Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
autobahn.jpg

While the never-ending barrage of automobile advertising is as shameless as ever here in the States, European automakers are beginning to recognize that their product is perceived as harmful and destructive, not unlike cigarettes or trans-fats. The Wall Street Journal reports:

Amid growing alarm over climate change and a trend in Europe toward faster, heavier cars, a group representing Europe's leading advertising agencies has drafted guidelines covering issues such as safety and the environment that -- if adopted -- would establish basic principles for ad agencies to follow when promoting cars.

Among the suggested principles in his group's draft guidelines: "Speed or acceleration claims should not be the main message of an advertisement." Adds Mr. Lyle, "We've seen regulation on tobacco, we're beginning to see it on food advertising...if the discussion on climate change carries on, we may see something on car advertising as well."

Of course, this realization doesn't mean that automakers are necessarily going to do anything to change the product -- just the way they sell it.


Photo of storm clouds over the Autobahn:
Hans Van Reenan/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks

Years of bus priority projects barely made a dent in speeds because Big Apple leaders won't install real bus rapid transit, two recent reports argue.

July 11, 2025

Citi Bike Riders Are Pissed About Eric Adams’s 15 MPH Speed Limit

Citi Bike's new 15 mph max speed limit is a bad deal for riders and a potential threat to safety, riders said.

July 11, 2025

Friday Video: Cyclists, Check Out Your Next City

Streetfilms' Clarence Eckerson visited London earlier this summer to check in on the Big Smoke's cycling revolution.

July 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Just the News Edition

We've got one more workday before we can hit the beach. Plus the news.

July 11, 2025

Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills

The City Council will vote on Monday the "Instacart loophole" and force all app companies to pay workers a minimum wage.

July 10, 2025

‘Blood On His Hands’: Cyclists Slam Eric Adams After Judge Lets Him Remove Brooklyn Bike Lane

Mayor Adams will have “blood on his hands” for his decision to rip up three blocks of the popular protected bike lane.

July 10, 2025
See all posts