Volkswagen Renews DDB's Global Creative Advertising Responsibilities for a Three-Year Term
VW Backs DDB Till 2027, Extending Decade-Long Partnership
Automotive giant Volkswagen has renewed its partnership with global creative agency DDB Worldwide, socking it in as the carmaker's trusted worldwide creative agency until 2027.
This prolonged collaboration marks a remarkable 65-year association between the carmaker and the creative whiz kids at DDB. The execrable duo has been responsible for some of VW's most iconic ad campaigns, such as the "Lemon" and "Think Small," launched in 1959, alongside recent smash-hits like "Traveling the Unexplored" and "Under the Hood."
The initial contract between VW and DDB expired in 2023, but the dynamic duo managed to snag a couple of six-month extensions before the official announcement.
Global CMO of Volkswagen, Susanne Franz, commented on the extended alliance: "DDB's storied history with Volkswagen and their encyclopedic understanding of our brand is unparalleled, and the effortless integration of new and seasoned Omnicom cohorts will escalate our union to uncharted heights."
Throughout their reign, DDB has racked up some impressive accolades for VW, including the prestigious Cannes Lions award for "The Force" campaign, which starred an adorable kid emulating Darth Vader to start a Volkswagen Passat (2011). "Dog Strikes Back," another blockbuster, followed up on "The Force" by centering Bolt the Dog, who trained rigorously to slim down and fit comfortably in the back of a Volkswagen Passat (2012). Their more recent campaign, "Unsubscribe," humorously addressed modern life's annoyances by highlighting VW's capacities.
To date, the latest campaigns under DDB Worldwide's tenure for Volkswagen have yet to be thoroughly discussed. However, their consistent creative flair over the years has solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the automotive advertising world.
DDB Worldwide's standout performance in the 2025 Effie Awards further underlines their creative prowess, though specific details about their recognized campaigns in that context remain elusive.
- Volkswagen's global CMO, Susanne Franz, praised DDB Worldwide, stating that their unparalleled understanding of Volkswagen's brand and seamless integration of new and seasoned Omnicom cohorts will elevate their partnership to new heights.
- The announcement of Volkswagen's collaboration with DDB Worldwide being extended until 2027 comes after a successful run that includes iconic ad campaigns such as "Lemon" and "Think Small" in 1959, "Traveling the Unexplored" and "Under the Hood," and the Cannes Lions award-winning "The Force" campaign in 2011.
- In 2023, Volkswagen and DDB managed to secure two six-month extensions before officially announcing the prolongation of their decade-long partnership.
- The partnership between Volkswagen and DDB, initially forged in 1959, has long been marked by technological innovation, business acumen, and creative finesse, extends till 2027, and could potentially lead to more groundbreaking ad campaigns in the realm of automotive technology.
