Two paid-for-search car adverts from BMW and MG Motor UK have been banned for making misleading claims about being zero emissions.
In both cases, the ASA held that the term zero emissions should only be made in relation to the vehicle while it is being driven, as there are emissions in the charging process.
It also said that for plug-in hybrid vehicles it should be clear that it applied to only while the vehicle was being driven and when it was using the battery for power.
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The Google advert for BMW said “Zero emissions cars” then continued with the phrase “Find the perfect BMW electric car” and “explore a range of BMW electric cars”.
In its defence BMW said it had targeted terms like zero emissions vehicle in order to target consumers who used searches to find out about battery electric vehicles.
The MG Motor UK advert featured the claim “Find a dealer – Book a test drive. Save £1,000 on our Next MG HS Plug-in Hybrid, MG ZS or MG5 EV Trophy Long Range Renewed with a modern design, increased range, and even more technology. Zero Emissions.”
Following the complaints MG Motor UK said it had removed the adverts.
