Differing opinions over how you view an advert

My comment is in response to Hugh Pearman’s Private View What are they driving at? (DW 17 October).

I happen to like Guinness and will continue to drink it. But my consumption of the drink will neither increase nor decrease despite the current advertising campaign.

However, when looking for a new car recently, I was drawn to the idea that Toyota’s new RAV4 was aimed at a middle-England, suburban, 30-something adult who considered themselves a bit different. Whether or not I actually meet that criteria doesn’t matter – the fact that I think I might, does.

Moreover the ad is memorable and will appeal in part to many people. That, for me, makes it a strong campaign and made me rethink the notion that 4WD vehicles are just the preserve of beardy-weirdy’s and farmers.

Maybe in the UK we don’t have paper boys throwing neatly rolled papers on their rounds, but as far as I’m aware there aren’t any active volcanoes in Ireland either.

The Americanisms of the Toyota advertisement do not detract from the message or the humour. So Pearman, what are you drivelling on about?

Howard King

RAV4 owner and graphic designer

Titleist