Nissan Qashqai E-Power ads failed to make clear hybrid's need for petrol

Nissan’s hybrid Qashqai ads potentially misled car buyers because they failed to make clear that the car still required petrol, according to an advertising industry watchdog.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the first TV ad, broadcast in May and September, featured stylised footage of a car driving through a city at night. In its opening shot, an electrical transmission tower threw off sparks as the car drove past it, while the voice-over stated, “Who said electrification can’t spark excitement when unplugged?”.

On-screen text stated “Fuelled By Petrol Driven By Electric” while a spark trailed the car through the streets while on-screen text stated, “No Need To Plug In”.