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Greenpeace vs. Volkswagen

Matilda Lee | 18.07.11

The Dark Side Goes Viral

Over 230,000 people have so far joined Greenpeace in its attempts to lure Volkswagen away from the Dark Side using a new Jedi video with an unlikely cast of characters.

Greenpeace have targeted VW because it claims to produce some of the cleanest cars on the planet with its Blue Motion series of cars while backing lobby groups to prevent European greenhouse gas reduction targets and because of its history in blocking attempts to raise fuel efficiency standards.

A Greenpeace spokesperson says, 'Along with spending millions on groups lobbying against the 30 per cent target, VW is also opposing new fuel efficiency targets. These would cut CO2 emissions, save drivers money and reduce our dependence on oil.'

Greenpeace's Jedi video is spreading dramatically through facebook and twitter and features kids dressed as Star Wars characters in a funny take on super powers can overcoming the dark side.

The video is a remade version of a Volkswagen ad campaign which gives the company an earnest, kid-friendly image. Yet, 'for a company that’s essentially threatening the future of all of our children, we thought it was ripe for a remake,' say Greenpeace.

Greenpeace bolsters the video campaign with direct action campaigning in London, where it has taken out billboard ads and protested outside the company’s UK head office in Milton Keynes.

TAKE ACTION: Sign the Rebel Manifesto and Greenpeace will email VW’s bosses for you. You can also watch version 1 and 2 of the Jedi videos.

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