Renault - Is that your crap?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy2gcxf-Cps

This was the original ad that introduced the world to Va Va Voom. Its a ridiculous concept but like all good ads, its a phrase that forced its way into the language and people still use it today even though Renault have a dropped the concept altogether. I did find it funny however when I spoke to French colleague of mine who said that they'd never seen the ad in France and had never heard of Va Va Voom. Its a great ad for that reason, it also manages to be funny and even features Thierry Henry (who is very difficult to hate).



Renault left Titi and moved onto the Ben vs Sophie/Britain vs France/Twice the Va Va Voom ads. They are slightly cheesey but I think they're funny, the keep in the spirit of the Clio and I think we can all agree that the French representative played by the gorgeous Annelise Hesme is a babe. It embodies everything that the car and the brand has come to represent in this country and it remains to this day and funny and memorable ad.


(excuse the endline, it is the only copy of the video I could find)

So why, Oh dear God why?! have Publicis ditched these funny and memorable ads for a product that I wouldn't be wrong in saying that the public quite like? Not only have they ditched these ads and the Va Va Voom campaign, they have replaced them with utter crap. They are so poor that people who have no real interest in advertising have brought it up in conversation!
The 2 campaigns "Is that your car?" and "Remember when you said you wouldn't buy a Renault?" are pretty awful offerings, especially with how competitive the small hatchback market is already. VW Golf, VW Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, Mini and even the Smart Car are all enjoying far more success with their advertising which is exactly what it should be - fun and memorable!

Rant over!

Tom

x

PS. I do actually drive a Renault Clio - from the era when they advertised VA VA VOOM, I hope mine is intact!