Motor show ditches Alan Jones

THE Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) has joined Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda in withdrawing its advertising from Sydney shock jock Alan Jones’ radio program over his comments on the death of prime minister Julia Gillard’s father.

Motor show organisers issued a one-line statement saying: “The Australian International Motor Show can confirm that it has withdrawn all of its advertising from the Alan Jones Breakfast Show on radio station 2GB.” Earlier, Mercedes-Benz Australia and its Sydney dealers announced they would cease advertising on the show after Mr Jones drew widespread disgust at his comment that Ms Gillard’s father had died of shame.

Hyundai, Honda and Mazda also joined the advertising exodus from the program, announcing their moves on Twitter.

Although media reports suggested Volvo Car Australia had also withdrawn, VCA managing director Matt Braid said his company was not currently advertising with 2GB.

But he added that Volvo did not condone the comments, and: “In light of this issue, we are now carefully considering any potential future advertising on 2GB.” Luxury car dealer Lexus of Parramatta was also reportedly among the advertisers to pull the pin, along with at least seven other advertisers.

Speaking to GoAuto, show director Russ Tyrie declined to elaborate on the reasons for the withdrawal, but said he believed that only one motor show radio commercial had aired on Mr Jones’ program before the advertising was pulled today.

He said advertising for this month’s show at Sydney’s Darling Harbour exhibition centre would continue on other programs at 2GB, as well as at four other radio stations in Sydney.

The motor show is jointly organised by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, and is held on alternate years in Sydney and Melbourne.

This year, it is Sydney’s turn on October 19-28, with most of the advertising targeting the NSW population.

Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy told Fairfax the decision to withdraw all advertising was ''made with immediate effect due to the inappropriate remarks made by Alan Jones''.

Mercedes-Benz will have one of the biggest stands at this year's AIMS.