• Associated Press via Miami Herald, Friday, February 16, 2007 12:30 PM

After initially sticking with its decision, Volkswagen pulled an ad Thursday that features a distraught man standing on the ledge of a tall building when suicide prevention groups objected. In the spot, which broke on network TV Monday, the fellow eventually decides not to jump after finding out that Volkswagen offers three vehicles for less than $17,000.

"While our current ad campaign is all about the optimism inherent to the Volkswagen brand, sensitivity is also a key element. With that sensitivity in mind, we have withdrawn this television spot," says Volkswagen spokesman Keith Price.

It is the second auto ad in as many weeks to draw criticism; General Motors agreed to edit a Super Bowl ad with a suicidal robot earlier this month. Volkswagen had not gotten any complaints from consumers, owners or dealers, but Price says it did receive letters from suicide prevention organizations.

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