Our video this week is a bit different, a spot of fun, and a bit odd. The video is an advertisement for the new MG GS out of Australia. Fun, yes. But just how much bum slapping can go on in one commercial?
At first, I thought the ad was a bit sexist. And it is. But watch it all the way through and then watch it again. You will realize the third segment flips the sexism around, and it is the woman ogling the man. And then you go back and watch again and realize that in all three segments of the ad someone is getting their rump slapped. I didn’t realize that was a requirement of MG ownership. Am I going to be expected to go around slapping people on the bum when I drive my MG? That may just get me into trouble. Well, maybe I only have to do that if I am down under.
I do like the fact that the commercial plays up the heritage of MG. Granted this is not corporate SAIC / MG giving the nod, but at least it is a nod from a high level. When the voiceover at the end states, “MG, fun motoring since 1924,” it is an indication that buyers and the entire new generation in the audience should know that MG goes back nearly 100 years. Perhaps if that message is repeatedly delivered it will help bring back the sports cars and even reentry into abandoned markets.
If you check out the website for MG of Australia, you will find lots of bows to the heritage of MG. From the “since 1924” in the logo in the corner to the phrase, “Combining heritage, performance and innovation.” by the car’s description, it is clear that these folk know and understand where MG came from. And on the “Why MG” page you not only get the statement, “Born out of Birmingham in 1924, ‘Morris Garages’ has been producing quality cars the world has fallen in love with”, but there is even a photo of an MGB! Makes my heart happy.
Michael Carnell is the editor and founder of the Just British Online Motoring Magazine. As a lifelong British car enthusiast, he has owned or driven British cars of all ages from Austins and MGs to Jaguars and Triumphs. He currently owns a 1966 Vanden Plas Princess 1100 and a 1977 MGB. But there is always room for more - no matter what his wife says.
