STORY:
Y2K Ads Result In Laughs and Protests

Bankers want ads spoofing computer bug pulled

The American Bankers Association is taking the computer Y2K bug so seriously that its pressuring companies to pull ads poking fun at potential banking problems. One of the companies, vacuum cleaner maker Oreck has reportedly agreed to quit running a radio ad that joked about banks losing your money in the Year 2000.

Another company, Polaroid has reportedly agreed to do the same. Its ad showed a young man snapping a picture of his bank balance at an ATM on New Year's Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, his account balance increases.

But it’s the upstart car company, Kia Motors that is causing bankers the biggest headache. Back in May, Kia ran an ad that showed bank customers lined up in the rain to withdraw money in anticipation of Y2K problems. It said Y2K means, "Yes to Kia."

The Irvine California based car company reportedly received about 150 letters and email from bankers who didn't think the ad was funny. One Massachusetts bank went as far to say the bank would not loan money to people wishing to buy a Kia car.

Kia also ran an ad showing a family hunkering down in a bunker in an anticipation of Y2K. Despite the complaints, a Kia spokesman says the car company saw its best sales month in its history during the period of the ad runs.

Now Kia is reportedly taking the offensive and is challenging a Wisconsin bank to a Y2K readiness test. In a letter, the bank criticized the Kia ads and claimed the bank was more prepared for the Year 2000 than Kia Motors.

The offending ads were part of a one-month promotion for Kia. Currently Kia is running ads poking fun at the hype of Y2K allegedly created by the press. There's no word if any press organizations have sent angry letters to Kia Motors.

DATE: 8/12/99

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