Honda 'Grrr' Ad Wins the Cannes Grand Prix

The 22-person jury came to a decision with little debate, continued Hunt. "In the end, because there was the sense

Honda recently set 19 world records with its diesel-powered European Accord. (Photo: Honda Canada)

that 'Grrr' was probably the Grand Prix, I asked the jury to write secret ballots for their first and second favorites for the award. 17 chose 'Grrr' as their first choice. For second, the Adidas campaign, 'Hello Tomorrow' and a few others were also mentioned. But there was no discussion about the Grand Prix. It was way mathematically ahead of anyone else."

And the honour of achieving top spot is all the more sobering when factoring in that 4,996 entries from 74 countries didn't make the final cut. In total, 18 Gold Lions were awarded to firms from ten countries.

Of course, the U.S. took top podium with five awards, followed by the United Kingdom with three. An additional two went to France and Thailand, while Brazil, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and Peru each earned a single Gold Lion.

Honda, which has never offered a diesel-powered vehicle in North America, but recently set 19 world records with its diesel-powered European Accord (see automotive news for May 28, 2004: Honda Sets 19 World Records with Accord 2.2i-CDTi Sport), feels

Time will only tell if diesel powerplants become as popular in North America as they are in Europe. (Photo: Honda Canada)

it can do well in North America with its performance-oriented diesel lineup.

Time will only tell if diesel powerplants become as popular in North America as they are in Europe, where the alternatively fuelled engines are fast becoming the majority sold.

Honda may want to consider launching its 2.2-litre diesel in North America with this ad, as it just might be innovative enough to spark greater interest in diesel technology.

Enjoy the winning Honda Diesel Grrr ad with the whimsical "Can Hate Be Good?" soundtrack here: http://www.andyawards.com/winners/index.php