Currently reading: Best of the April Fools
At least we think they're April Fools jokes...

It's 1 April, and the car industry has been doing its bit to keep us entertained.

Here's a round-up of some of the best announcements we've found. Follow the link below to see the accompanying pictures.

See the April Fools pictures

Auto Windscreens

Auto Windscreens tells us it has launched its first prescription windscreen.

Nigel Davies, Auto Windscreens sales and marketing director said, “Not only will cars fitted with the new prescription windscreen help keep glasses wearers safe and legal on our roads but it could potentially lead to a reduction in vehicle theft."

BMW

BMW claims to be selling different-coloured roundels so that you can display your political affiliation ahead of the general election. The customised roundel is called the innovative Political Roundel Attachment Tag (PRAT).

Uwe Beanhadde, Head of Made-up Technology at BMW’s renowned Forschungs und Innovationszentrum in Munich helpfully said, “We have been working on this innovation for a number of years and see it as a niche with potentially wide appeal."

Festival of Speed

Following the recent announcement of the Moving Motor Show at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lord March has ‘revealed’ an innovative scheme to help lower man-made emission levels throughout the exhibition site.

To reduce the number of generators used on site, this year’s event will be powered by natural methane gas, taken directly from Goodwood’s extensive herd of Dairy Shorthorn cattle.

Commenting on this eco-friendly initiative, a manufacturer’s spokesperson said, “It’s enlightening to see that Goodwood is taking no bull, and the organisers deserve a real pat on the back. This wind-powered solution is udderly electrifying.”

Hyundai

Hyundai has launched a scheme to trade-in cars a dignified way out.

Rather than being unceremoniously crushed, we’re told, one of two Hyundai accredited companies – AP Rhyl and PH Ohul – will collect the deceased motor and take it to one of three new ‘Garages of Rest’, conveniently situated in public parks and beauty spots around the UK.

“These old cars are often seen as members of the family by their owners”, said Dr May Kenetahp, head of Insipientia at Lirpa College of Higher Education. “These people wouldn’t drown a dog just because it becomes incontinent and dribbles on the carpet, so they don’t feel they can crush a car when it starts to leak oil or blows a head gasket.”

Infiniti

Infiniti has announced the development of new technology aimed at reducing the dangers of driving while hungry.

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The system, called Gastronomi, will not only alert the driver of the need to stop for food but will also navigate the car to the nearest restaurant that suit’s the driver’s taste and pocket.

It apparently works using three of Infiniti’s current technologies: Connectiviti, Active Noise Control and Forest Air climate control. Active Noise Control detects the sounds of borborygmi – tummy rumbles.

If a pre-determined volume of rumbling is heard, a knife and fork symbol flashes up on the Connectiviti information screen and the driver is asked whether they wish to divert for a pit-stop.

At this point, the Forest Air climate control system changes mode. The tropical borneol scent that is usually gently wafted throughout the cabin is replaced with the fragrance of truffle oil to ready the palette as the driver is navigated to their meal.

Seat

Seat has launched the Leon Ecomotive Prototype. It has a 545-litre (120-gallon) fuel tank which, working on the basis of the new Ecomotive’s extra-urban economy figure of 83.1mpg, gives the ultra-green Leon the unique ability to cover a full 10,000 miles between fill-ups.

As a result, Seat says, the owner need never fill their car up again as it will reach its service interval before needing fuel, allowing the Seat dealer to handle the job.

The fuel tank sits where the rear three seats once fitted. Seat is reassuring safety-minded customers that, should the tank be ruptured in a serious accident, a characteristic of diesel fuel is that while it will burn in open air using a wick, it will not explode and does not release a large amount of flammable vapour.

Head of SEAT UK Press & PR, Mike Orford, said of the intriguing prototype, ‘Clearly, you’d be a fool not to see the benefits of this new Leon Ecomotive."

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lilianna 4 April 2014

it is encouraging that they

it is encouraging that they care a bit about how their cars drive now. lets just hope the improvements continue into future products
Vidge 123 12 April 2010

Re: Best of the April Fools

I really liked the one BMW did about the convertable that could be driven though any weather and even through a car wash with the top down, as it had little jets the set high velocity air over the car. the chief desiger was Herr Blone! Also there is the reason Jeremy Clarkson hates BMW, when they mad a fool of him with the April fool about removable steering wheels, and fold down peddles so that the Brits could drive on the continent left hand drive! He picked up on it a few months later and published a story about it!

Rover P6 3500S wrote:
better still, one of the 327 roadsters or coupés.
My father has a Cream and Black 327 roadster, one of the last off the production line before the war. Its a beautiful car and no matter where you go in it, it always makes people smile. Unlike my current BMW, where most people glare! :P

timbo999 3 April 2010

Re: Best of the April Fools

The best one I remember from (quite) a few years ago was the BMW option to have a little brush and washer jet to clean the BMW roundel everytime you washed the lights...

at least I assume it was an april fool...