*Update. VW launches section devoted to “Safe Happens” Click here Complete with “smash” video.
Just caught the new VW Jetta commercial. Holy Safe Shit! Not what I was expecting!
Two young guys, driving and having a conversation about how “things” happen (kinda deep but) .. They are in a brand new white GLI which smashes into the side of an old truck backing out of a driveway.
Breaking down the commercial:
The camera angle sets you up as a third person in the back, although you seem to be to far forward and central to be in your seat.
Your in the middle of this conversation, panning left and right between the two charcters.
Next thing you see is the red truck, air-bags and immersive accident sounds.
Next is the both of them standing outside the Jetta, thinknig about what just happened and the conversation they were on.
I’m still kinda puzzled by this ad. I know VW does have some great numbers when it comes to safety. I just think this is really bold. We did see the driver of this Audi TT walk away with some small aches and pains.
The New Beetle has incredible safety features. That’s reason I love my car!
I do have this on Tivo, so maybe I’ll get it on YouTube.
Be safe out there. BTW, the Jetta looks awesome until its smashed 
I find it hilarious how VW runs those moronic "Safe Happens" commercials on TV and yet didn't even get a mention in the 2007 Top Safety Picks that was just released by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety:
http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr112106.html
Maybe VW can call Acura, Audi, Honda, Saab, Subaru, Hyundai(!), Kia(!!), Mercedes, and Volvo on how to build safe cars? They seem to be able to do it and more importantly, they do not have to run moronic ads touting how 'safe' their vehicles are. It's time for VW to drop that Miami agency Crispin Porter Bogusky and work on making the safety list instead of running moronic ads.
I applaud VW's approach to safety. This is a bold move and very forward thinking. I know that safety is a very important feature for me and my family when choosing a new vehicle. Wouldn't you be more willing to look at a vehicle that you have seen in an actual crash scenario? I think that if other companies could actually stand behind their productthese types of commercials would not be a new thing.