Wicked Campers
Wicked Campers is an Australian camper van rental company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.[1] The company also has outlets in other parts of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, North America, South Africa and South America.
Wicked Campers market their product towards younger drivers and backpackers. Each van features a spray painted design, often featuring pop culture references and controversial slogans.
Controversies
Wicked have continually attracted media attention in Australia and New Zealand for their use of offensive slogans on their painted vans.[2][3][4][5][6] Between 2008 and 2012 the Australian Advertising Standards Board upheld numerous complaints about offensive slogans or other advertising.[7]
In 2010, according to the Daily Telegraph, the Queensland government released a report saying 90% of Wicked vans in the state were unroadworthy. Wicked took the vans off the road but claimed that the vans were safe.[8] It appears, however, that the number of vans that were taken off the road is a point of contention.[9]
In 2011, various media sources reported that Wicked Campers received criticism from animal rights activists for placing stickers inside their Australian vans with the text "Kangaroos, run the fuckers down." Wicked stated the stickers were to promote road safety and prevent vehicular rollovers.[10]
In November 2011 it was reported that the company trading as Wicked Campers had paid fines of AUD$26,400 for 'misleading advertising' regarding camper van hire fees.[11] According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the company had 'failed to specify the single total price payable for the campervans and failed to adequately disclose certain mandatory fees and charges'.[12]
In July 2014 a petition opposing their allegedly sexist and misogynist slogans attracted over 100,000 signatures and protests in the Senate of the Australian Parliament. After pressure through the media, Wicked issued an apology and committed to removing the offensive slogans.[13] As of April 2016, they have not done so.[14]
Boycotts
Wicked Campers vans are the subject of numerous boycotts in Australia and New Zealand. Numerous caravan and camping parks and businesses pertaining to tourism have stated they will refuse entry to vans carrying offensive slogans.
Blue Mountains, Australia:
Following community groundswell opposing the wicked slogans that promote rape, indecent sexual behaviour, Indigenous disrespect, harm to native wildlife and other offensive imagery and slogans, the Blue Mountains City Council notified the community on Wednesday 1st June 2016 that it is looking at various options to ban Wicked Campervans with offensive, misogynistic, racial and degrading slogans and imagery from Council-managed tourist/caravan parks within the Blue Mountains.
The profiteers of the Wicked Campers appear to enjoy the free negative promotions of its business that the slogans draw, however they do not appear to be concerned about the implications on its market, generally young travelers, who may be influenced by these slogans to carry out actions that they would not normally otherwise do.
Charity involvement
Wicked Campers has partnered with Mates Race [15] and Book Aid International [16] to raise money for charity. One of their vehicles was also used on the Australian leg of a couple's road trip to raise money for Cool Earth and One World Futbol.[17]
References
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- ↑ http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/peoplepower-win-after-sydney-teacher-paula-orbea-launches-petition-against-misogynistic-and-degrading-slogans-on-wicked-campers-vans/story-fnki1jcy-1226988321024
- ↑ http://www.echo.net.au/2016/04/thousands-rail-against-van-companys-obscene-slogans/
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