Last week, Trump announced sweeping 25% tariffs on cars being imported into the US. As much as we might wish this was an April Fools’ prank, unfortunately, it’s very real. But don’t worry— we’re not here to dwell on tariffs and the rising costs of dream rides. Instead, let’s shift gears and take a look at some of the most hilarious pranks ever pulled by the automotive industry to celebrate this mischievous day.
From karaoke to dating apps based on driving style, these playful stunts prove that car companies know how to have fun.
MINI’s “Connect Us” – The dating app that matched drivers by their driving habits (2013)
Back on April 1st, 2013, MINI launched one of the most amusing pranks in the automotive world with their “Connect Us” feature on the MINI Connected App. In this not-so-serious update, MINI suggested that the key to finding the perfect partner wasn’t shared interests but shared driving styles. The app used something called the “Driving Excitement Analyser” (yes, really) to match drivers based on how they accelerate, steer, and brake. Apparently, the way you handle your car is the ultimate indicator of relationship compatibility (I can already see the petrolheads nodding as if this is common sense).
The app’s concept was straightforward: If two MINI drivers were in sync in their driving style would they be matched for an in-person meet-up. While it’s safe to say that no one actually believed this would revolutionise dating, it was a clever and funny idea. To take it further, MINI even claimed the app would help users book a romantic dinner, guiding them to a restaurant that suited both drivers. If you were wondering, the app didn’t just match you with anyone—it had to be a perfect driving match.
Of course, the app was only available for download on April 1st, because it was all part of the brand’s playful April Fools’ prank. MINI’s “Connect Us” might not have been the next big thing in matchmaking, but it was definitely a fun and light-hearted way for the brand to show off its quirky personality, all while giving us a reason to laugh.
Subaru’s double prank: Suba-Shoes & Forager Granola (2023)
Subaru kept up its playful April Fools’ tradition in 2023 with not one, but two hilarious pranks that had fans across the UK and US cracking up. In the UK, Subaru introduced the Suba-Shoes, an all-terrain walking boot that promised to take your outdoor adventures to the next level, just like the rally cars the brand is famous for.
Designed with “maximum comfort” in mind, these boots featured a leather seat stitch, along with All-Heel drive technology for that perfect walking experience. The shock-absorbing sole with grill springs was claimed to propel each step, while the Subaru Star breathability zones ensured your feet stayed cool, no matter how rugged the terrain. While we all know Subaru is famous for its all-wheel-drive cars, these boots were a fun twist on the brand’s adventurous spirit.
Over in the US, Subaru took a different direction with the launch of the Subaru Forager Granola. Billed as the perfect snack to fuel life’s “crunchiest pursuits,” this granola mixed wholesome grains, nuts, and dried fruits with the promise of “the open road.” It’s hard to argue that Subaru doesn’t know how to tap into that road trip feeling—this snack would’ve been the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure, if only it were real.
Both pranks were part of Subaru’s ongoing April Fools’ tradition, offering fans a good laugh and a reminder of the brand’s quirky, outdoorsy personality.
Elon Musk’s “Tesla is Bankrupt” joke that backfired (2018)
March 2018 was a rough month for Tesla—production delays, legal troubles, and a fatal Model X crash had investors on edge. So, naturally, Elon Musk decided that April Fools’ Day was the perfect time to joke about Tesla going bankrupt. His tweet read:
“Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can’t believe it.”
He even claimed Tesla had filed for “Chapter 14 and a half” bankruptcy—the worst kind.
While likely intended as light-hearted, the response wasn’t humorous. Investors weren’t amused, and Tesla’s stock dropped. Industry experts questioned Musk’s leadership as the company struggled with public relations and financial issues.
This example serves as a reminder that not all April Fools’ pranks are well-received, especially when they touch on sensitive topics like a company’s financial stability. Of course, this was all before Musk had sealed his status as a billionaire meme-lord and then ended up buying the platform.
Jeep’s “Mud Trims” – For off-roading “enthusiasts” (2021)
Jeep decided to add some “off-road credibility” to their Compass models with an April Fools’ joke in 2021 that had everyone snickering (and maybe a little disappointed it wasn’t real). The brand introduced a range of no-cost optional mud exterior finishes, available in three distinct finishes – Clay, Soil, and Silt. The joke was that these “mud looks” could be applied from day one of ownership, giving future Jeep owners the appearance of a rugged off-roader, without ever having to get their SUV muddy.
For those who wanted to take it a step further, Jeep also offered the Mud-On aftermarket package. This kit came with a 15-litre container of each mud finish (Clay, Soil, and Silt) along with a mud trowel, allowing customers to give their Compass that classic off-road appearance right at home. The prank worked because, let’s face it, Jeep owners love showing off the idea of being off-road adventurers, even if some of them never actually take their vehicles beyond the dirt trail to their estate. Though it was all in good fun, some wished this “mud makeover” was a real option they could actually get for their cars!
Volkswagen’s “Voltswagen” prank – A Joke That Sparked Real Backlash (2021)
Volkswagen’s April Fools’ Day prank in 2021 involved an announcement that the company was changing its name to “Voltswagen” to highlight its shift towards electric vehicles, particularly the ID.4 electric SUV. The automaker issued a press release and promoted the name change across social media platforms, even sharing a playful tweet that said, “We know, 66 is an unusual age to change your name, but we’ve always been young at heart.” The announcement generated significant buzz, with many interpreting it as a cheeky marketing move to emphasise Volkswagen’s commitment to EVs.
However, the joke quickly unraveled when the company admitted later that the name change was not real, and it had merely been an April Fools’ prank.
While the prank created considerable social media buzz, reaching over 150 million people, it also sparked negative reactions, especially from journalists and automotive enthusiasts who felt misled.
The backlash was swift. Many critics, including industry professionals, saw the stunt as misleading and poorly timed, especially given Volkswagen’s recent efforts to rebuild trust after the Dieselgate scandal. Marketers, like Tom Morton from R/GA, expressed concern that the prank raised doubts about the company’s sincerity at a time when it needed to regain the public’s trust. Others felt that the joke did more harm than good, as it overshadowed Volkswagen’s serious commitment to EVs. The stunt, while generating attention, may have ultimately missed an opportunity for Volkswagen to solidify its position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.
SKODA’s “In Tune” – Auto-Tune for Terrible Singers (2021)
We all love a good karaoke session during a road trip, even if our vocal talents aren’t exactly stage-worthy. Cue SKODA’s playful April Fools’ joke: the introduction of “In Tune,” an auto-tune software designed to save us from cringing through off-key car-aoke. The software, which allegedly auto-tunes your voice and plays it back in real-time, would turn any off-key singing into a melodious performance.
Carrie O’Key – SKODA’s supposed Head of Vehicle Audio – humorously explained, “We know music is good for the soul, but caterwauling is not. This software will hopefully add some much-needed light-hearted fun to every car journey.” While the idea may be a joke, let’s be honest – if you’ve ever had to endure a less-than-harmonious performance on a long drive, SKODA might just be onto something here!
Keep ‘em coming!
From MINI’s driving-based dating to Jeep’s fake mud, these pranks show that car brands have a sense of humor. However, as Tesla and VW learned, jokes can backfire when they hit too close to reality. But that doesn’t mean brands should lose their sense of humour, and we can’t wait to see the next hilarious April Fool’s Day prank from leading carmakers.
Which one of these was your favourite? And more importantly, would you trust an app to find love based on your driving?
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