Maruti Suzuki Jimny's TV commercial, being shot in Ladakh, has met with resistance after the local MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal termed it 'irresponsible.'
Sharing the footage of the shoot on Twitter, Namgyal, BJP MP, hit out Maruthi for its "irresponsible advertisement act."
"The fragile ecosystem should not be destroyed for the sake of commercial gain. I urge the administration to halt the shooting & take legal action as necessary. Let's preserve the unique beauty of Ladakh for future gen," Namgyal added.
The footage shared by Namgyal shows the much-anticipated SUV speeding through the lake in Ladakh, hinting at its ability to navigate tough terrains. The TV crew was also seen nearby.
I condemn @Maruti_Corp's irresponsible advertisement act. The fragile ecosystem should not be destroyed for the sake of commercial gain. I urge the administration to halt the shooting & take legal action as necessary. Let's preserve the unique beauty of Ladakh for future gen. pic.twitter.com/2IaC4vUkcI
— Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (@jtnladakh) April 10, 2023
While a few users supported Namgyal's stance, others called out his "double stance," asking how the shoot happened without the permission of the local administration.
"Maruti_Corp is least bothered about the environment or safety. They are last in setting an example for both!! MIB_India please take action!" one user wrote.
"What do you mean by condemn, if they are violating some rules, fine them in crores .. let the ad be costly!" another said.
Many also called out the administration for making the TVC a big deal where numerous tents are coming up near Pangong Lake.
"By allowing more and more industries to set up plants which destroy Ladakh? Height of double standards," one reacted to the issue.
"Stop all flights to Leh: exhaust gases are bad for fragile ecosystem Stop all diesel vehicles: exhaust gases are bad for Ladakh's fragile ecosystem Come on Mr Namgyal: didn't the local authorities know this before giving permission? I see no harm here. Lovely backdrop!" another user reacted.
This comes as the automobile giant plans to launch the vehicle next month in the country. The vehicle will hit the market in seven colours, including the Kinetic Yellow shade, which was seen in the commercial. Besides Kinetic Yellow, Jimny comes in Sizzling Red, Nexa Blue, Bluish Black, Granite Gray, and Pearl Arctic White.
The five-door Jimny lifestyle SUV was unveiled by Maruti Suzuki at the 2023 Auto Expo in January of this year. There are speculations that the car will go on sale in the second week of May 2023. Maruti Jimny is expected to cost between ₹9 lakh and ₹15 lakhs.
