Funniest Automotive April Fools' Day Pranks

Editor's note:  This article is provided by EpicVIN.  

It is almost here!  Next Tuesday is April Fools’ Day and the only day automakers can have fun with far-fetched ideas. Manufacturers have fabricated phony cars, wacky accessories, and absurd technology in the past that trick people into believing the unbelievable. So why do they do it? And what pranks were most successful? Our friends at EpicVIN examined the most popular automobile April Fools’ pranks based on our massive archive of online feedback and automotive trends.

Here’s what they found:

Why do automobile brands adore April Fools' Day?

Automakers use April 1st as a means of grabbing people’s attention and creating interest and laughter. EpicVIN says that according to the statistics, brands that play along on April Fools’ Day have a 10-15% boost in social media engagements in the first week of April.

EpicVIN CMO Alex Black explains: “April Fools’ Day pranks enable automobile brands to get creative and connect with their audience in a fun way. The most successful pranks start conversation—and when people are talking, brands win.”

The funniest car pranks ever

Automakers have made some of the most humorous hoaxes in history. EpicVIN analyzed the most memorable ones and ranked them based on their impact, originality, and believability.

1. Subaru’s ‘Suba-Shoes’ (2023)

• All-wheel drive hiking boots to match your Subaru.
• Why it worked: Subaru fans love adventure and so this seemed likely.
• It was just a joke, but people actually wanted to buy them!

2. Volkswagen's Nail Polish (2022)

• Car paint-inspired nail polish doubles as touch-up paint too. 
• Why it worked: They matched the colors of real VW vehicles and it looked like an awesome idea. 
• It was a joke, but many people asked VW to make it a reality.

3. Jeep Mud-On Package (2021)

• Factory-applied mud for off-road credibility.
• Why it worked: Jeep owners enjoy appearing as though they have been off-roading.
• It was just an idea for entertainment purposes only, but others wished it were real.

4. MINI Cooper T (2014)

• A vehicle run on tea only.
• Why it worked: Brits love tea, and this joke struck a chord with them.
• While tea won't power a car, this joke worked out splendidly.

5. BMW M3 Pickup Truck (2011) 

• A pickup truck version of a BMW M3 with high-performance features.
• Why it worked: It looked real because BMW actually made one as a joke.
• Some people thought BMW to be sincere and wanted to buy one.

EpicVIN’s Approach to April Fools’ Day Pranks

After perusing many automobile-related April Fools' jokes, EpicVIN says it's noticed trends that make up a successful prank. These are the key takeaways: 

• It should sound believable yet slightly ridiculous. If it sounds as though a business might create it, people will accept it.

• It needs to fit the personality of the brand. Subaru hiking boots worked, but a luxury brand repeating the action would be out of place.

• It needs a good picture. People love to share a picture of a prank, especially if it looks real.
  
  
• Some pranks become real products. Every now and then, if people enjoy an idea, companies actually make it.

The April Fools' Prank Gone Too Far

Not all jokes go well. Volkswagen's "Voltswagen" joke in 2021 raised a stir for all the wrong reasons. VW claimed to be renaming itself "Voltswagen" to promote electric vehicles. The media believed it and made it news instead. People were upset when VW admitted it was a joke.

EpicVIN says its study revealed 73% of consumers thought Volkswagen's joke was misleading and unfunny, proving that the biggest brands can get it wrong on April Fools' Day too.

Photo:  BMW.