What’s behind the crackdown on misleading emission claims by BMW and MG Motor in the UK 

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The recent interventions by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) against BMW (UK) Ltd and MG Motor UK Ltd, resulting in the banning of their advertisements for misleading “zero-emission” claims, underscore the growing scrutiny on automakers to accurately portray the environmental impact of their vehicles. 

These rulings bring to light the imperative for car manufacturers to adopt transparent advertising practices that encompass the entire lifecycle of a vehicle. 

Both BMW and MG Motor had asserted “zero-emission” claims in their advertisements, prompting the ASA to intervene. 

The regulatory body found these claims misleading as they did not consider emissions generated during the manufacturing process and the charging of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with electricity from fossil fuels. 

The ASA clarified that for claims of this nature to comply with advertising regulations, they must explicitly state that they apply solely to tailpipe emissions during driving. 

The rulings have led to corrective actions, with MG removing “zero emissions” claims from its ads, and BMW ceasing bids on “zero emissions cars” keywords on Google Ads. 

MG Motor faced an upheld complaint as the ASA challenged the “Zero Emissions” claim in a paid Google ad. The ad, seen on August 16, 2023, offered savings on MG’s Plug-in Hybrid, MG ZS, or MG5 EV Trophy Long Range, concluding with the statement “Zero Emissions.” MG Motor removed all references to “Zero Emissions” following the ruling. 

The ASA found that the ad was likely to mislead consumers as it did not specify that the “Zero Emissions” claim applied only to the vehicle while it was being driven. The lack of clarity regarding different vehicle types and circumstances led to a breach of CAP Code rules relating to misleading advertising, qualification, and environmental claims. 

The regulatory action required MG Motor not to use the ad in its current form and emphasised the need for explicit claims in ads for fully electric vehicles, specifying that the “zero emissions” claim is applicable only during driving. 

BMW faced a similar upheld complaint for a Google ad seen on August 16, 2023, featuring the headline “Zero Emissions Cars.” 

The ad suggested exploring a range of BMW electric cars, leading consumers to interpret that all BMW electric cars produced zero emissions in all circumstances. 

BMW attributed the inclusion of the claim to the automatic keyword feature in Google Ads, which was promptly rectified after the complaint. 

The ASA found the claim likely to mislead, emphasising the importance of explicitly stating that “zero emissions” applies only to the reaction of the vehicle while being driven. BMW assured the ASA that the claim would not be repeated, and they pledged to implement measures to ensure greater control over keyword bids in the future. 

These rulings by the ASA signal a heightened focus on the environmental claims made by automotive manufacturers. The requirement for clarity in advertising aligns with the broader trend of consumer demand for transparent and eco-conscious practices. As the automotive industry undergoes a transformation towards sustainability, accurate portrayal and communication of environmental impacts become paramount. 

The ASA’s intervention emphasises the need for automakers to align their advertising with the complete environmental footprint of their vehicles. This includes manufacturing processes and energy sources for charging and acknowledging emissions beyond the driving phase. 

The corrective actions taken by MG Motor and BMW reflect a commitment to responsible advertising practices and adherence to regulatory standards. 

These ASA rulings serve as a reminder to the automotive industry that accurate and transparent communication about the environmental impact of vehicles is not only a regulatory requirement but also crucial for building trust with environmentally conscious consumers. 

As the industry continues its transition towards greener practices, advertising practices must evolve to reflect a holistic understanding of a vehicle’s environmental footprint. 

Meanwhile, the Ford Motor Company Ltd has received clearance from the ad watchdog to continue advertising its All-Electric Explorer model as providing “zero-emissions driving” after an investigation by the ASA. 

The paid Google ad for Ford’s All-Electric Explorer, seen on 16 August 2023, featured the claim “Zero-emissions driving.” The ASA challenged whether this representation was misleading regarding the vehicle’s environmental impact. Ford explained that the claim specifically referred to “driving,” not presenting the All-Electric Explorer as a zero-emissions vehicle in absolute terms. 

They emphasised the distinction between “Zero-emissions driving” and an absolute claim like “zero-emissions [vehicle name].” Ford argued that the context of the ad, mentioning features like fast charging and driver assistance tech, made it clear to consumers that the “zero-emissions” claim was specific to driving. 

While acknowledging that emissions occur during other aspects of an electric vehicle’s life cycle, the ASA upheld Ford’s claim, noting the immediate follow-up references to charging and technical features in the ad. 

The ASA deemed the claim in the specific context unlikely to be interpreted as a comment on the vehicle’s overall life-cycle emissions. In response to enhance clarity, Ford pledged to amend future ads to state “Zero-emissions while driving.” The ASA took no further action, stating that the ad did not breach rules on misleading advertising, qualification, or environmental claims.