BMW and MG are not allowed to advertise “zero-emission” electric cars: The British advertising regulator Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned online advertisements from BMW and MG that claimed that electric cars were “zero-emission”. The ASA considers this to be a misleading advertising claim.
BMW and MG Motors ads banned by ASA for greenwashing
BMW and MG have to withdraw EV advertising over greenwashing concerns. MG was also accused of failing to communicate that while pure electric vehicles and hybrids, when powered by their electric motors, produce no tailpipe emissions, they are not life cycle emission-free.
Greenwashing allegations against car manufacturers BMW and MG. Photo: BMW advertising campaign
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) this week upheld complaints against a Google ad that first ran in August 2023.
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Use the term “zero emissions” with “more caution”.
MG has been urged to use the term “zero emissions” with more caution.
The brand has been advised not to label hybrid vehicles with a petrol or diesel engine with this term.
Furthermore, when using the term for pure electric vehicles, it should “explicitly” clarify that this refers only to tailpipe emissions.
Customers should not believe, says the ASA, that all of the electricity used to charge vehicles is carbon-free, or that there are no emissions in the manufacture of the vehicle and its components.
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BMW and MG Motors ads banned by ASA for greenwashing