It looks like Nissan will be using Apple’s iAd platform to market their new Leaf electric car. There is already a video demo of the ad up on YouTube. I must say, the ad does looks amazing! However, I can’t help but question the uniqueness if this execution; it looks like a fancy Flash web banner to me (heck, it even reminds me of an old banner I built myself 10 years ago!)

There is not much about this ad that speaks to, or takes advantage of, the mobile medium. Instead, it appears to be another example of taking an experience designed for the desktop, and repurposing it for a mobile device.

Do users really want this type of distraction built into the apps they purchase? Personally, while I’m on my phone, I don’t think I want to be taken away from my current application process, and transfered (fullscreen) into a car ad where I’m suddenly busy exploring a new interface with a new objective (learning about a product). Although, to be fair, this type of explore and discovery experience could be nicely suited for the iPad (vs. iPhone in this example).

Don’t get me wrong, this is still really cool, and I’m sure that innovation will develop over time as designers become familiar with this new platform and what types of experiences work best for it. Thinking of this brings me back to those exciting, pioneering days of the early web. Nissan is one of the first to explore this new territory, and they deserve a lot of credit for taking the plunge!