Starring Paris Hilton and Silvio Berlusconi, the controversial ads that Ford India has apologised for

Ford India has been forced into making a public apology after a series of advertisements caused outrage over the weekend.

By Declan Whooley

A number of advertisements, including one with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi were created for the Ford India car by the JWT advertising group in India. Ford said that the ads were not for commercial use and appeared over the weekend without Ford’s approval.

One advert showed three scantily-clad women in the boot of the car with a smiling Berlusconi flashing a peace sign at the wheel, above the tagline: “Leave your worries behind with Figo’s extra-large boot.”

Another featured a Paris Hilton-like caricature in the driver’s seat with US celebrity Kim Kardashian and her two sisters gagged in the boot.

The timing could not be any worse as India has come under fire for its treatment and portrayal of women following a series of sexual assaults.

“We deeply regret this incident and agree with our agency partners that it should have never happened,” Ford said in a statement.

“The posters are contrary to the standards of professionalism and decency within Ford and our agency partners.”

There has been widespread condemnation for the posters, even if they were never meant for public consumption.