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Original poster

Sexist Volvo advert

133 replies

TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:18

There’s a radio ad for Volvos at the moment which I find completely nauseating. It features a small girl having a conversation with “daddy” about how great the new Volvo is and some sort of finance offer. He says “did mummy put you up to this”. Then he goes on to ask what she wants for her birthday and she says “a new Volvo” in a tone of voice exactly like Verruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

The whole thing is completely sexist with the implication that only men can actually afford to shell out for a new Volvo while their manipulative wives and daughters will be pushing them to put their hands in their wallets. Hugely insulting, I think.

For the record, I drive a Volvo myself, I’m a woman, I pay all the bills and I’ve always admired their reliability and safety. But what with this sexist ad and scrapping estate cars, I don’t think this ad is encouraging me to get another one.

Is Volvo being unreasonable?

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:24

The whole car world is very sexist. One of the reasons I bought my car is that when DH and I went to the dealership, they were happy to talk to me abut superchargers and suspension and happy to talk to DH about paint colours.

BMW, take note because the sales bloke spoke exclusively to DH, even when DH said, "dude, talk to her, I won't be making this decision".

If you drive a Volvo, I would let them know you think they are idiots.

TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:27

The car world is indeed very male dominated but it doesn't help that many women can't change a tyre or top up the coolant etc.

MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:31

TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:27

The car world is indeed very male dominated but it doesn't help that many women can't change a tyre or top up the coolant etc.

Most men can't either TBF.

My mum taught me to change a tyre on my first car.

SkiingIsHeaven · 21/09/2023 00:33

I have twice tried to buy a Volvo but each time walked out of the showroom because the sales staff were sexist and useless.

The last idiot was annoyed with me because I knew exactly what I wanted?

I will never waste my time again.

Original poster
TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:33

I can change a tyre and top up coolant but haven’t needed to do either for years. That’s irrelevant anyway - many blokes just drive cars without knowing how to fix them.

What I object to about this ad is the huge power imbalance. The idea that the little woman and her little girl are manipulating the bloke into paying for the car. I’m actually amazed they thought that a great advertising line in this day and age.

I’ve noticed a lot of women do drive Volvos. Presumably I’m not the only one funding her own car?

OP posts:
TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:34

MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:31

Most men can't either TBF.

My mum taught me to change a tyre on my first car.

Show quote history

My experience is that most men can.

Original poster
TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:35

@TorqueWrench the ad isn’t about changing tyres.

OP posts:
GreyBlackBay · 21/09/2023 00:36

I need to go and find this ad now.

Sounds terrible and I agree, can't see how it got past all the people paid to stop this shit.

TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:36

I'm not excusing the sexism. I just feel it's a pretty clear fact that men are more knowledgeable about cars in general.

TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:39

GreyBlackBay · 21/09/2023 00:36

I need to go and find this ad now.

Sounds terrible and I agree, can't see how it got past all the people paid to stop this shit.

I can't seem to find it.

TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:40

TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:35

@TorqueWrench the ad isn’t about changing tyres.

I'm saying that men wouldn't be seen as the authority on cars if more of us knew our shit. I'm like the only woman in my friend group that's passionate about cars.

WandaWonder · 21/09/2023 00:40

I have lost count how many women say cars are 'mens work' happy to drive but any repairs, even getting petrol sometimes are 'left up to the men'

Original poster
TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:41

@TorqueWrench do you have any data to prove that blokes know more about cars? You don’t need to know the workings of the internal combustion engine to buy a car anyway and I doubt basic knowledge is worth much these days in the age of computerised diagnostics.

Personally, I pay for my own car. I have the purchase power to buy a Volvo and I am female. There is no bloke in this household buying cars so Volvo have just shot themselves in the foot with this ad!!

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:42

TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:36

I'm not excusing the sexism. I just feel it's a pretty clear fact that men are more knowledgeable about cars in general.

<sigh>

They certainly think they do. I worked for a car company and was always having male clients tell me to get a man to look at things. I was variably right.

My particular favourite, because the mechanics and techs all knew and respected the female staff, was to tell the mech what I knew was wrong, and that a male customer wanted a male opinion. He would attend, ask what was wrong, the man would tell them, they would say exactly what I said verbatim. If the man looked sheepish, fair enough. If not, the mech would say, "I'm surprised Terry didn't tell you that" and then when the man denied I did, the mech would 'check his notes', "oh here it is Terry said it was your cylinder head gasket, huh?". Grin. Twats. Their callouts always took a l i t t l e l o n g e r as well. Just a couple of hours, nothing terrible.

TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:42

WandaWonder · 21/09/2023 00:40

I have lost count how many women say cars are 'mens work' happy to drive but any repairs, even getting petrol sometimes are 'left up to the men'

Exactly.

"He mows the lawn and does all the car/DIY stuff".

Let's not pretend it isn't the truth for many couples.

Original poster
TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:42

I’ve heard the advert several times on Times Radio. You would have to tune in and listen for it.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:42

WandaWonder · 21/09/2023 00:40

I have lost count how many women say cars are 'mens work' happy to drive but any repairs, even getting petrol sometimes are 'left up to the men'

I do all that in my house. Maybe they shouldn't generalise.

MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:43

I don't mow the lawn though. The mower doesn't go zoom zoom.

Original poster
TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:44

@TorqueWrench you do know not everyone lives in a couple, don’t you?

I cut the grass too, put out bins, sort everything around the house or get someone in etc etc because I am the only one in charge of my home, car etc etc etc.

OP posts:
TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 00:46

MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:42

<sigh>

They certainly think they do. I worked for a car company and was always having male clients tell me to get a man to look at things. I was variably right.

My particular favourite, because the mechanics and techs all knew and respected the female staff, was to tell the mech what I knew was wrong, and that a male customer wanted a male opinion. He would attend, ask what was wrong, the man would tell them, they would say exactly what I said verbatim. If the man looked sheepish, fair enough. If not, the mech would say, "I'm surprised Terry didn't tell you that" and then when the man denied I did, the mech would 'check his notes', "oh here it is Terry said it was your cylinder head gasket, huh?". Grin. Twats. Their callouts always took a l i t t l e l o n g e r as well. Just a couple of hours, nothing terrible.

Show quote history

I've no doubt you know your stuff. I'm just sick of the number of women that moan about situations they contribute to.

"We want equal representation in every sector but oh no we don't want to drive big trucks."

MrsTerryPratchett · 21/09/2023 00:52

Reminds me to continue DD's education. She can check oil, fill up the wiper fluid. Haven't done changing a tyre yet.

Original poster
TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 00:53

@TorqueWrench I’m sure I could drive a big truck if I put my mind to it! I’ve driven transits and Luton vans. Besides, I drive a Volvo! Getting on for tank-sized, of course!

I like Volvos but this advert is vomit inducing.

I have recently been mulling over what car I might get in a few years when the Volvo is approaching its dotage. It may not be another Volvo. Not if they think I can’t make my own decisions and pay for my own car!!

OP posts:
CCTVcity · 21/09/2023 00:58

In defence of Volvo we have done a lot of car shopping recently. They were the best in the showroom by a long shot. Went back within 24hrs and bought a car there and then.

Original poster
TorringtonDean · 21/09/2023 01:01

Well, yes. I like the cars and I also like their servicing. It’s expensive but very thorough. I just don’t like this advert. Very off-putting.

OP posts:
TorqueWrench · 21/09/2023 01:05

I’m sure I could drive a big truck if I put my mind to it! I’ve driven transits and Luton vans.

You possibly could but driving something approaching 50 tons around a city centre in heavy traffic is a very different experience to driving a van (I speak from experience!).

Apologies if I came on a bit strong. I just encounter so many bad female drivers it frustrates me that we perpetuate the stereotype. Most of the outright dangerous driving (speeding etc) comes from young men but it always seems to be women that don't indicate properly etc.

So infuriating waiting at a roundabout for somebody that then turns left without indicating, leaving you sat there waiting for all the traffic behind them when you could have pulled out!