While somewhat deceptive advertising has become expected & accepted by most when it comes to the auto industry, Protégez-Vous has decided to publish its thoughts on deceptive ads. Citing the troubling economy as the catalyst for the warnings, this year’s issue also included buyer beware warnings about a marked increase in misleading ads for car dealerships touting zero-per cent financing deals.

The 2009 model year is seeing an increase in confusing and deceptive advertising due to desperate car dealers, said George Iny, president of the Automobile Protection Association, which published its annual review of the auto industry to accompany Protégez-Vous.

Honda and Acura were singled out as having several unclear, confusing and incomplete ads. While we don’t “parlez vous francais”, from the example they provided, it seems like the Acura TL SH-AWD ad that was cited focuses on misleading “Zero down payment” claims.

Hyundai and Toyota Canada were listed as brands with better advertising standards.

[Source: Protégez-Vous]