AutoGuide.com

Hyundai found itself in hot water today after an ad aimed at the European market used a suicide attempt to sell cars.

“Hyundai understands that the video has caused offence. We apologise unreservedly…

“The video has been taken down and will not be used in any of our advertising or marketing,” (sic) the automaker said through its U.K. public relations Twitter account.

The commercial shows a man sitting in his new Hyundai ix35 with a hose taped between the tail pipe and open passenger window, presumably pumping exhaust fumes into the cabin. He takes several deep breaths before the camera cuts to a view outside the house and a caption reads: “The new ix35 with 100% water emissions.”

UPDATE: Hyundai Motor America released the following statement about the video: “We at Hyundai Motor America are shocked and saddened by the depiction of a suicide attempt in an inappropriate UK video featuring a Hyundai. Suicide merits thoughtful discussion, not this type of treatment.”

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Discuss this story at hyundai-forums.com