The…automotive advertising force is weak with this one, and we’re referring to the 2015 Super Bowl as Volkswagen will not air any ads during the game.
VW had an amazing run with “The Force” Super Bowl spot in 2011, which enjoyed a 41-month reign as the most shared ad of all time with 5,254,667 shares until it was topped in August of 2014 by “La La La (Brazil 2014)” made for this year’s World Cup.
A VW spokesman confirmed the brand’s absence from next year’s final to Autonews.
“Volkswagen is a great fan of the Super Bowl, and it has been a strong platform for our brand and our campaigns,” said the spokesperson. “However, for 2015 we have opted not to participate due to other priorities and initiatives. We will consider rejoining when it is right for our brand,” she added.
VW is not alone, as Jaguar and Lincoln that had both advertised during last year’s game won’t play any ads during the 2015 Super Bowl, while NBC told reporters last week that, up until now, carmakers have purchased about half the number of spots they did the last time the TV station aired the game in 2012.