Rav 4 ad for adults only

A banned television commercial showing a couple fighting over who gets to drive the Rav 4 has been allowed to drive back on to television screens.

The Advertising Standards Complaint Appeal Board has ruled the ads can run after 8.30pm for adult audiences only.

The Advertising Standards Complaints Board had said the ad breached its ethics rules and potentially endangered children.

The ad shows a man and woman burning, bashing and electrocuting each other as they hurry through their morning routines.

Created by advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, it was meant to be funny. Some didn't see the humour, with 17 people filing complaints.

Children could imitate the dangerous antics and hurt themselves, said some of those who complained.

The complaints board agreed and said the ad violated its safety and social responsibility rules and was offensive.

But the appeal panel yesterday allowed Toyota's appeal.

- NZPA