Nissan knows the ads are controversial. Consumer clinic participants have OK'd the language. But just to be sure, final tests are underway. Nissan is planning to run broadcast versions on cable TV, on sports events that mainly draw men and on programs such as NYPD Blue that have viewers used to raw language and provocative situations. Nissan's ads are about as contrary as imaginable.
Automakers generally bend over backward to avoid criticism from women over male-oriented marketing.
Cadillac axed a 1997 ad for its Catera sedan that featured leggy supermodel Cindy Crawford in a short dress and tall boots because female managers at the brand feared there might be allegations of sexism.