Ford repudiates SportsKa ad

A few weeks ago, I wrote in my Observer column about the viral video ad for the sports version of the Ford Ka which apparently shows a cat being decapitated by the car’s sun-roof. I wondered whether Ford would like the idea of having its family-friendly image dented by association with this grisly little stunt.

Well, according to USA Today, the company was not amused. “We find this unauthorized ad totally unacceptable and reprehensible and deplore the fact that it has been unofficially issued,” Ford spokesman Oscar Suris said.

Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide issued a statement saying it also didn’t sanction the commercial, which was leaked onto the Internet on April 1.

“Both companies find this unofficial advertisement totally unacceptable and reprehensible,” the statement said. “The action in the video clip was totally computer generated, and we would like to assure you that no animal was harmed in its making.”

Phew! So that’s all right then: moggies of the world unite; you have nothing to fear from the Ford Ka!