GM's Anti-Cycling Ad
After GM released its anti-cycling ad, it was forced to pull the ad after it received negative press.The premise of their ad was to target cyclers, and persuade them that driving was “sexier” than biking. As Tianna referred to in her blog, cycling is affordable option while a “car pollutes 200 grams of hydro carbon per kilometre”. Enviromentalist, David Suzuki, commented on GM’s ad that discourages sustainability and stated in fact that those who bike and are actively fit are “hot[ter]” than those who are “lazy” and drive. The blog states that the ad was beneficial towards cycling and in fact promoted it as opposed being a detriment.
GM's Apology on Twitter
Because the ad received such negative press with college students and amongst the internet, GM decided to pull the ad as revealed on their twitter.
As discussed in Class 15 on CSR and Sustainability, sustainability plays an integral role in a company. If a company does not show an awareness for sustainability it has a negative effect on it’s market. The response generated from this ad shows the importance of sustainability in our society, especially amongst the younger generations. Because of this, the company should highlight its eco-friendly aspects and use this to their advantage instead.