Nissan Of Van Nuys Apologizes For Donald Trump Piñata Commercial

We reported previously that Nissan Van Nuys produced an TV ad in which dealership staff beat a Donald Trump Piñata with sticks. However, a new report indicates that the ad, which generated so much controversy, never actually ran. The story picked up a lot of media attention, however, according to the dealer, the controversial commercial never actually hit the airwaves.

On the dealership website, nissanofvannuys.com, managing partner, Barry Wishengrad, issued a statement at the top of the site. Wishengrad said in a statement, “Nissan of Van Nuys would like to apologize for any misunderstanding concerning a spoof “beta” spot which was never approved by upper management and never approved to air. The spot was leaked from our advertising agency, the Luca Group, which has already sent a letter apologizing for the breech in security and they are currently taking steps and measures to ensure this situation does not happen in the future. Of course this was never meant to offend anyone. At Nissan of Van Nuys we pride ourselves in being a very diverse organization and we look forward to continuing to offer great service and deals to everyone.” The statement from Wishengrad comes just days after a representative from Nissan told news website TheBlaze what Nissan thought of the incident.

As we reported earlier this week, Jeannie Whited, senior manager of Nissan Brand Communications told TheBlaze Nissan’s side of the story. In her emailed statement, Whited said, “We expect our dealers to establish advertising that is responsible and respectful and represents the best interest of the Nissan brand. As a company, Nissan respects the right of both individuals and private businesses to practice free speech in a responsible and respectful manner. In this case, we find these advertisements to be neither responsible or respectful, and we do not condone what they represent.”

What do you make of the statement from the dealer and Nissan? The spot apparently never aired, however, it was filmed. Have you ever filmed a controversial dealership commercial from start to finish and then decided to not air it? What do you think of the dealer’s response in the form of a statement and apology at the top of their website?