Volkswagen has announced that will pull a commercial that shows a man who threatens to jump off a building because of concern about the world's troubles. The ad — in which he decides not to leap after hearing there are three VWs that cost less than $17,000 — was criticized by five mental health groups.

Two — the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA) and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) — sent letters to VW, spokesman Keith Price says. He says VW received no complaints from consumers or its dealers.

VW at first defended the ad, but changed course after reviewing the complaints, he says. The agency that created the ad, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, referred all calls to Volkswagen. AFSP executive director Robert Gebbia says, "We're very happy with (VW's) decision. Suicide is a tragic problem and shouldn't be used … to sell products."

In addition to no longer airing the ad, VW is trying to get it removed from online video sites such as YouTube.com.