Stacy94PGT

LONDON, Oct 28, 2002; Reuters reported that Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt hit out on Monday at Britain's motor industry, calling it sexist and "pathetic".

Hewitt, who is also Minister for Women, was enraged by an advertisement for the British International Motor Show that featured a woman wearing a lacy bra.

"I find this poster pathetic," she was quoted in the Independent newspaper as saying. "We all know that sex sells, but haven't we got past 'boys with toys'?"

The poster, displayed on billboards and in newspapers, urges women to find a new way to their man's heart -- by driving them to the show in Birmingham, central England.

"...this looks like something out of the 1950s, rather than an advert for a modern motor show," Hewitt said.

"It is a real pity they have chosen to reinforce old cliches, rather than present a modern image."

Women drivers are expected to outnumber their male counterparts in the next 10 to 15 years, prompting many car firms to switch their appeal to female drivers.

But Hewitt, who is due to give a speech at the motor show on Monday, said the adverts would likely scupper car manufacturers' efforts to dispel their sexist image.

"Women are increasingly taking the driving seat... personally I believe these adverts are a big mistake," she said.

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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.

My next Ford.....

Stacy94PGT

The Telegraph/10-29-02

It emerged today that advance ticket sales for the British International Motor Show rose significantly in the wake of Patricia Hewitt’s comments about publicity posters.

The Trade and Industry Secretary had said the posters – featuring an attractive model in a lacy bra – reinforced old fashioned stereotypes.

However, when she arrived at the NEC in Birmingham to visit the Show yesterday, she claimed that her comments had created more interest in the Show among women.

This was apparently borne out when Show organisers the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders closed the doors last night.

Advance tickets sales sold during the day were more than 4,000 up on the daily average – something in excess of 600,000 visitors are expected in total during the two weeks of the Show.

The Show runs until Sunday November 3 – and the controversial posters will remain in place throughout.

__________________
Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.

My next Ford.....