Ever wonder what you’re missing out on?  I’ve come to the realization that we’re being denied access to possibly dozens of mediocre-to-decent-quality commercials simply because we can’t be there to see them in their natural habitat.  This may not bother 99.8% of the US population, but it’s all I can think about, at least for the next two hours or so.  With that level of interest in mind, I now present to you some worldly auto commercials that you otherwise may not have had the fortune of viewing.  Please, enjoy, and don’t get lost in translation.

Japan

In a country known more and more these days for being weird, Japan’s BR-Z docu-drama was a nice change of pace.  Ah, there go those tugs on the old heartstrings.

Canada

Those crazy Canucks up north have had quite a run by producing visually appealing adverts for their imports.  Take a look at two here; one more for the BR-Z*, and another depicting BMW’s… sharpness?  No word yet on whether Canada has apologized for their actions.

And this one, for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, may have gotten across the border with fake passports, but it’s still funny.

South Africa

Another beautifully done ad (it’s not cheesy to me), I have a hard time picturing this one appearing in the living rooms of US homes for some reason.  And no, it’s not the accents, though they are growing on me after this example.

Argentina

At this point VW are just showing off, but we still can’t turn away.  It’s a safe bet that the South American corner of the market knows what Das Auto is.

England

Our tour of the world lands us in jolly old England, where words are pronounced funny (al-u-minium?)  Take a look at yet another VW ad, this one for the Golf.

These ones, 1  2, take the crumpet, though.  I swear that I’ve seen something similar to these over here, but regardless, there’s no denying the fact that these are damn funny.  Good show, gents.

Bonus: Late entry by Audi* is well worth the watch.

Italy

OK, Italy, I have a few questions about your Lexus ad, the most burning of which is: Why do you use English language words?  Congrats on the Top Gear style amusement, and for being better than this one by Audi.

Peru

Short, humorous, and universal.  Peru does it right with the type of ads that anyone can appreciate.  Check ‘em out.  1* 2* 3*

Netherlands

Apparently, this Hyundai Veloster ad has been banned, so catch it while it’s hot- or cold.  If you don’t get it, Veloster has a weird three door setup…I guess I can see why it was banned.

Brazil

I’m only including this Chevy commercial because it’s so damn stereotypical.  On another note, it makes me want to go to Brazil and drive anything but a Chevy.

Moral of the post?  Well, I don’t feel as bad now for missing out on these commercials, which means that the US still gets gold in the ‘telling us what to buy’ division.  Pretty pictures and the right soundtrack can’t hold a candle to simple humor, which works wherever you reside.  And terrible jingles are universal.  Stay worldly, CarWoo!

And if any of these ads catch your fancy, you can always grab what you’re looking for right here.

*All designated ads courtesy of adsoftheworld.com.  Thank you.