VW Product Placement

Volkswagen AG announced that it has signed an agreement with NBC Universal to place VW vehicles in television programmes and movies. Although no financial details were disclosed, the announcement prompted criticism in Germany. “This is an egregious violation of industry ethical standards,” said a statement from the German Journalists Section of the Verdi trade union. “It compromises journalistic objectivity by ensuring that VW products are visible in movies and TV shows that are aired to the general public, including impressionable young viewers,” it added. As part of the deal, Universal will incorporate VW’s products and brands in its films, DVDs, worldwide theme parks and other entertainment properties, the companies said. Additionally, VW will support numerous media and entertainment related properties of NBC Universal through international promotional efforts. Both companies plan to develop mutual marketing programmes. “This will represent one of the largest and most comprehensive alliances in the entertainment industry and prepares the ground for new ways of reaching consumers on a global scale,” said Bernd Pischetsrieder, CEO of VW, in a statement. NBC Universal is 80 percent owned by General Electric Co, with 20 percent controlled by Vivendi Universal.