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

By Nick Jaynes November 14, 2013

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.

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.

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…

Culture

Where do cigars come from? A guide to the premium tobacco growing regions

man smoking small cigar by engin-akyurt unsplash

Cigars are composed of various tobacco leaves, including fillers, a binder, and a wrapper on the outside. The tobacco that makes up those leaves is grown in a variety of regions worldwide and undergoes several processes to create the flavor and blend that is eventually rolled into a premium cigar. While many factors influence the result, mainly how the tobacco tastes when it's smoked, none are more important than its cultivation, growth, and harvest. Tobacco grown in Nicaragua will taste very different from tobacco grown in Cuba or even Indonesia. It has to do with the local climate, the soil and its contents, average sun exposure, and much more. But most cigars include a blend or mixture of tobacco leaves, sometimes from entirely different regions, like Nicaraguan fillers and an African Cameroon wrapper. So, when posing the question, "Where do cigars come from," it makes more sense to look at the regions where tobacco is grown.
The Big Five

Not all tobacco comes from the Big Five regions; however, a large majority of the tobacco leaves produced and sold, even to partners in the business, come from fairly localized tobacco growers in the following locations:
Cuba
Everyone has heard of Cuban cigars, Cuban tobacco, and the forbidden fruit, at least in the United States. Ever since the U.S. government activated an embargo against Cuban goods back in 1962, Cuban tobacco cannot be imported or sold in the country. Of course, that doesn't change the fact that Cuba is the birthplace of modern cigars and has inspired many of today's biggest tobacco producers in the world.

Culture

The best shows on Netflix to stream in May

Binge-worthy Netflix series you don't want to miss

Bojack Horseman and Princess Caroline

TV may not be peaking quite the way it was a few years back, but there are still more than enough shows out there to keep you busy. After Netflix emerged on the scene and revolutionized how we all watched TV, it was joined by a huge swath of competitors determined to take advantage of the streaming boom. All of those competitors have great stuff to watch, but Netflix is still many people's hub for all things TV. Even within the streamer, though, it can be difficult to figure out what the best shows on Netflix are.

Thankfully, that's where this list comes in. We've compiled a rundown of what to watch on Netflix, and these Netflix shows should add up to days and days of endless binging. You can also check out our list of the best Hulu series, best Amazon Prime series, best Disney Plus series, and best Netflix movies after you've made it through the series listed below.

Culture

The best movies on Hulu to watch in May

Hulu is the place to watch movies across a wide array of genres

Movie on a person's phone

There's a lot of competition out there in the streaming world, and it can be hard to shuffle through the services to find the best movies to stream right now. Though there are plenty of great movies on Netflix and Amazon still has the platform beat in terms of overall quality, many of the movies on Hulu can't be streamed anywhere else. The best movies on Hulu can be gritty, family-friendly, and even sci-fi-oriented. So if you're looking to expand your binge-watching horizons, we've found the best movies to watch on Hulu right now.

White Men Can't Jump (2023)