Comments on: Volkswagen up! advert using Stephen Hawking’s voice

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:25:39 +0000

I see you were on the creative team that produced the ad, so thanks for replying!

Upon finding out that he had consented, I updated the article with the ASA response; but it did seem to make quite a few people question whether it actually was him.

By: David

David — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:44:28 +0000

I can confirm that Professor Stephen Hawking gave his approval and with great charm and a great deal of self-deprecation (the English way) spoke the words you hear in this radio commercial. He is a gentleman and a scholar.

By: John winer

John winer — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 19:34:44 +0000

I though this ad was so great I found these comments looking for it to play it for a friend
I am now shocked as it looks as though VW did not pay him ?!
If true I think *that* is bad
Try using a Hollywood actors voice for free and see what happens…

By: John Spencer

John Spencer — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 15:07:46 +0000

I seem to recall Stephen Hawking being disturbed
as to how his voice was used and maybe something about him trying to get a patent on it.

With that in mind I believe he would object
to his personal voice being used in this fashion.
As would anyone who had their identity used
to flog what ever.

Would at least be nice to hear the firm
cut him a slice of the action or send some
cash to his favorite charity.

By: Martina

Martina — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:11:42 +0000

I hate it, there’s no need for a genius such as him to do a cheap nasty advert for a car! duping people into listening against their will. I respect and admire Stephen Hawking and always listen to what he has to say and was surprised he would lower his standards to sell his well known voice for a car advert. I for one, don’t like being duped and I also hate adverts with a passion. Clever but really disappointing.

By: stu

stu — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:01:56 +0000

everyone complaining please get a grip. I think the ad was genius

By: Gary Asher

Gary Asher — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:28:13 +0000

We too are suprised at this advert.. just does not feel right… even if Hawking did do it..maybe its just us being predjudiced to his condition and that it should not be made light of..but thats just our view and not everyones..but if he did it or consented to it..good on him.. great sense of humour..but if he did not..shame on you volkswagon..

By: Ian Fleming

Ian Fleming — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:49:50 +0000

Personally I think it’s the funniest ad I’ve heard in a long time and good on Prof Hawking, we already know he has a sense of humour having made cameo appearances in various sit-coms – most recently The Big Bang Theory, it’s excellent.

By: Barbz

Barbz — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:51:08 +0000

What’s wrong with you people? The advert is great! Go find something worthwhile to ‘complain’ about. How can anyone be so stupid as to think Prof Hawking ‘didn’t approve’ …. unbelievable!! In fact, some of you, in your so-called defense of him, are patronizing beyond belief!

By: chrisf

chrisf — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:43:28 +0000

Those who are complaining about this advert are missing the point completely. The advert celebrates Professor Hawking as an example of a genius that, inspite of his amazing intellect, still can’t understand how VW’s are so cheap. I don’t see how it demeans people with disabilites whatsoever. As a parent of a child with a mental disability I am constantly infuriated by those who feel the need to ‘speak on behalf of those with disabilities’ yet knowing little about the subject themselves. I agree with a previous comment….”Pull the pole out your rear ends. Losers.”