Skip to main content

Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Volvo Truck Ads are kickin’

jean claude van dammes volvo truck ads kickin damme
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Dodge recently conscripted the infamous Ron Burgundy to pimp its Durango SUV. Since the hilarious set of ads started running back in October, Dodge has seen a more than 40-percent increase in Durango sales. This, to me, proves two things: 1. Americans are gullible idiots. And 2. Well-executed, celebrity-based vehicle ads can really pay off.

Unsurprisingly, other automakers are keen to mimic the irreverent new standard set by the creative minds at Dodge’s ad agency, Wieden+Kenney in Portland, Oregon.

Recommended Videos

While I expected knock-offs, I hadn’t expected that Dodge and Burgundy would be bested so quickly … especially by Volvo.

Enough foreplay; let’s cut to the chase. Here’s the ad in question:

If you’re like me, you’ll want to watch this four more times. So I’ll wait.

This just might be the perfect ad. It’s got big trucks, a badass – and arguably washed-up – action star doing the splits, Enya, and a sunrise. What else could you possibly ask for?

If you’re wondering what the point of the ad is, it’s to promote Volvo’s new Dynamic Steering System, which uses a hybrid hydraulic-electric power steering concoction to provide much-needed additional steering force. Additionally, DSS also eliminates the need for micro adjustments made by the driver, as the system automatically adjusts to roadway imperfections.

Volvo is the third most popular semi truck builder in the U.S. and I suspect that ads like this will only bolster its sales. I don’t know about you, but I sincerely hope that Dodge answers these ads with a Ron Burgundy-based ad where in Mr. Burgundy tries to do the splits between two Durangos. I can hear the hilarious screams now.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the automotive editor of The Manual. When Nick isn't behind the wheel on the open road, he can be found…
The 8 most popular Netflix shows ever, based on record-breaking viewership
Stranger Things and Squid Game headline Netflix's height
An early look at Squid Game season 2.

The Nielsen ratings used to be the gold-standard measurement of TV popularity. Programs like M.A.S.H, The Cosby Show, and All in the Family dominated the weekly numbers with tens of millions of viewers tuning in. As streaming took over in the 2010s, these rating systems started to become obsolete for some of the biggest shows on the planet. But how does a company like Netflix determine what show is most popular?

There is data for both the number of viewers and the number of hours viewed that Netflix has published on its Tudum site. The numbers are for individual seasons of TV, not for total views across several seasons. This means that the most popular Netflix shows might be the same ones over and over, just for different seasons. These are the eight most viewed seasons in Netflix history to binge-watch and enjoy.

Read more
Will ‘Lincoln Lawyer’ be back for a fourth season?
The show has been a solid performer Netflix throughout its three season run.
Manuel Garcia-Rufo in The Lincoln Lawyer

The Lincoln Lawyer is headed back to court. Netflix announced in a post on X that it had renewed the series for a fourth season. Based on the book series by Michael Connelly, the show has become a breakout hit for the streamer over its first three seasons.

The show will be adapting Connelly's novel The Law of Innocence for the show's fourth season, which will consist of 10 episodes. Production is set to start on the new season in February. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo will return as Mickey Haller for the new season alongside Neve Campbell, whose role is expanding after a limited presence in season 3. Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, and and Angus Sampson are all returning as well.

Read more
Netflix is set to raise its subscription price following a surge in subscribers
This is the first time the streamer has ever raised the prices for its ad-supported tier
Netflix wallpaper

With basically no warning, Netflix announced both that it is bringing in more money than ever, and that it is raising prices on consumers yet again. The streaming giant announced on Jan. 21 in their earnings call that they were "adjusting prices today across most plans" in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, and Portugal.

The price increases include a hike from $6.99 per month to $7.99 per month for the ad-supported tier, and the standard ad-free tier is going from $15.49 per month to $17.99 per month. The streamer's highest-priced premium tier is also jumping in price from $22.99 per month to $24.99 per month. These changes in price will be reflected in each subscriber's next billing cycle.

Read more