Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In

Here's a particularly egregious bit of "open road" propaganda from Mercedes. In this ad, currently airing in US markets, a new Benz GLK whips through the narrow streets of what appears to be a small European village, the inhabitants of which are reduced to slo-mo scenery.

As the narrator talks up the GLK's "smarter" performance features, considering the potential real-world outcomes, we're left to wonder if it might be smarter to avoid spreading the notion that drivers can wield your company's SUV with absolute control.

What if, instead of constantly relying on depictions of dangerous driving to sell cars, Mercedes and other auto-makers tried promoting utilitarian, responsible vehicle use? Now that would be brilliant.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Breaking: House Moves to Rescind $3.1B for Reconnecting Communities Divided by Highways

The House Transportation Committee wants to slash funding for one of America's most critical equity-focused grant programs — unless advocates speak out and get them to reverse course.

April 29, 2025

Metro and Caltrans Break Ground on 105 Freeway Expansion

105 Freeway expansion is touted as "leaving a lasting legacy for Angelenos for decades to come" but it might not be the legacy that Metro and Caltrans think it is

April 25, 2025
See all posts