This year’s April Fools’ Day has seen companies across the globe publish prank stories and, yet again, the UK automotive sector has come up trumps. Here’s our roundup of the best motor industry leg-pulls.

Honda Catnip Car Seats are ‘purr-fect’ option for cat lovers

Aimed at cat-loving drivers, Honda’s April Fools’ Day innovation was Catnip Car Seats option as the “purr-fect addition” for drivers that regularly transport their furry friends.

Catnip Car Seats option are the “purr-fect addition”

The Japanese carmaker promised that cat owners could say goodbye to scratching, hissing and bulky carry crates with unique catnip-infused seats for “unrivalled comfort for both pets and people”.

Honda said the Catnip Seats, available from 1 April, could be trimmed in both cloth and leather and were available on all Honda models, from the Jazz to the CR-V.

Annie Mal, head of pet products, commented: “Honda has always worked tirelessly to ensure that all our vehicles are pet-friendly, and this latest innovation proves that nothing is im-paw-sible when it comes to keeping our furry friends happy on the move.

“With our Catnip Car Seats, we’ve taken the stress and scratches that are usually part and parcel of transporting family felines and turned every journey into a paw-sitive experience.”

The Catnip Car Seat is the latest in a long line of pet-friendly technologies from Honda – all debuted on April Fool’s Day every year and including the Pet Co-Pilot Front Seat and Pet-Activated Wireless System (PAW-S). This new addition will soon be joined by other cat-friendly accessories, including a gear selector that doubles as a scratching post, an animated fishbowl home screen for the infotainment system, and a specially adapted glovebox with a ball-of-string dispenser.

We think they’re meow-rvelous.

Leapmotor gets the jump on charging with new Leap Mat device

Hot on the heels of the UK arrival of its affordable EVs, Leapmotor – the new EV joint venture between Stellantis and China’s Leapmotor – showed a more playful side with the debut of its Leap Mat Charger for April Fools’ Day.

The Leap Mat Charger allows users to charge their Leapmotor simply by exercising

This “cutting-edge device” allows users to charge their Leapmotor simply by exercising, drawing on an “innovative kinetic energy recovery system [that] harnesses the power of exercise”.

By leaping, jumping and running, EV owners can easily add electricity free of charge. The clever device can even be folded away and stored in the boot, ready for off-grid charging.

Leapmotor spokesperson Paul Yorlegg said: “The new Leap Mat is yet another example of our commitment to combining incredible value with the latest technology. Not only does this innovative device give owners the flexibility to plug-in and charge wherever they are, regardless of the day or night, it also helps them stay fit on the go. Taking the leap to own a Leapmotor doesn’t just mean enjoying value without compromise, it also means generating your own electricity.”

Future Leapmotor charging devices include a compact roof-mounted wind turbine, a solar panel paint finish and floor mats for rear seat passengers that double as electricity generating treadmills.

Free tattoo with every new Volkswagen this April

Volkswagen celebrated April Fools’ Day with a spoof offer of a free tattoo to anyone who orders a new car.

The All-ink offer had tattoo artists “armed” to create bespoke designs

The one-day offer, which was only available until midday, was called All-ink from Volkswagen – echoing the name of the existing All-in from Volkswagen package that gives customers servicing peace of mind.

Said to be inspired by the many loyal Volkswagen fans online, who celebrate their love for the brand and its cars with elaborate tattoos, the offer had tattoo artists “armed” to create bespoke designs,  including the VW logo, and with top-notch tattoo aftercare provided, for “tatisfaction-guaranteed”.

“We really want to get under the skin of how people identify – or ID. – with Volkswagen, and paint a picture of their loyalty and commitment to the brand,” said Tatiana Prankster, fabrication process manager at Volkswagen UK. “We have an inkling that many customers will draw on the brand’s long heritage for their tattoo designs, while some may want to commemorate the moment they go electric and commit to a change of fuel this April.”

It certainly drew us in…

New wireless tech for ‘touch-free’ winching

Breakdown provider Start Rescue showed quick recovery tech that “makes a joke of traditional methods” and “laughs at heavy lifting”.

The Special Protection Over Outer Frame (SPOOF) technology delivers ‘touch-free’ winching

Its Special Protection Over Outer Frame (SPOOF) technology requires no physical attachment to a car to tow it on to a recovery vehicle.

Using a “magic” forcefield, the car is wirelessly recovered to protect the vehicle and allow for much quicker roadside recovery.

Developed by Start Rescue and touchless recovery experts Highway Operations and Experiments, or HOAX for short, the new SPOOF system is “being trialled and expected to go into full service at the beginning of April 2026”.

Dr Lookma Nohands, lead designer at HOAX, said: “Many have tried to develop a touch-free recovery system, but SPOOF is the first and we believe it will make a mockery of traditional methods.”

Get the message with new ŠkodAlert system for Elroq and Enyaq

Škoda – always up for an April Fools’ prank – debuted a new system that allows owners to display messages on their cars.

Messages are displayed using the small LED pixels in the new Illuminated Tech-Deck face

Available as a special factory option on all new Elroq and Enyaq models, the ŠkodAlert system means owners can send messages via the MyŠkoda app, which are then displayed using the small LED pixels in the new Illuminated Tech-Deck face.

If desired, owners can programme a series of sentences to deliver a longer message, a reminder to perform a household chore or even a favourite poem. And, for owners who don’t have the time or inclination to write their own messages, the system also contains a selection of pre-programmed sentences.

To prevent any inappropriate messages being from being displayed, the ŠkodAlert system uses an advanced AI checking system that checks for profanities in 53 different languages. Any unpleasant language is replaced with an asterisk!

The system uses the different radio frequency IDs transmitted by the vehicle’s key fobs to ensure that the correct message is displayed as the intended recipient approaches the car.

April Prima, head of Škoda’s newly formed Customer Realisation And Programming department, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this system to Elroq and Enyaq owners. We are always looking at new ways of integrating our cars into peoples’ lives, and this is the perfect example.”

Omoda & Jaecoo UK serves up chopstick holder accessory

Omoda & Jaecoo, the new UK arm of the Chery-owned operation, unveiled its latest dealer-fit accessory: a chopstick holder.

This unique addition is designed for noodle lovers who like their chow mein on the move and their crispy duck ready to roll

Said to take the phrase ‘meals on wheels’ to the next level, this unique addition is designed for noodle lovers who like their chow mein on the move and their crispy duck ready to roll.

For drivers of the Omoda 5, E5 and Jaecoo 7, the chopstick holder fits seamlessly into each model. Jaecoo 7 owners will find the latest accessory perfectly positioned around the infotainment screen, while Omoda 5 and E5 drivers can discover it snugly slotted within the front cubby hole.

And existing Omoda 5, E5 and Jaecoo 7 owners can retrofit the holder to “upgrade their car’s culinary capacity”.

Hugh More, Omoda & Jaecoo UK accessories director, said: “Chopsticks have been used for over 3,000 years. More than 45 billion pairs are produced annually and remain an enduring symbol of Chinese culture and cuisine. At Omoda & Jaecoo, we believe it’s about time the humble chopstick was given the recognition it deserves. Our latest accessory provides a prime spot for chopsticks on every journey.”

Autoglym branches into self-care with new skincare essentials

Car care brand Autoglym joined in the fun with four “seductive new body-care products for those who want to look every bit as fabulous as their car”.

The new products could make users look as amazing as a freshly cleaned and polished car

The line-up includes a Leather Care Face Balm, Cologne, Polar Wash Shower Gel, and a specially adapted formulation of Autoglym’s renowned Bodywork Shampoo and Conditioner.

For tired, weather-beaten skin, the new Leather Care Face Balm nourishes and revives, no matter how deep the wrinkle. The advanced formulation leaves skin nourished, toned and – as an added benefit – more resistant to the elements.

The Autoglym Cologne bottles the iconic ‘new car smell’ that so many know and love. With heady notes of factory-fresh car mats and upholstery and a robust hint of musk, the cologne is available in a handy 250ml bottle that fits perfectly in a vehicle cup-holder for easy, on-the-go application.

Complementing the renowned Autoglym car care Polar Series is the all-new Polar Wash Shower Gel. Unlike its car care counterpart, there is no need for dilution; apply directly to wet skin and agitate with a Polar Mitt (sold separately). Autoglym does not recommend the use of a pressure washer for application or rinsing.

Finally, Autoglym’s Bodywork Shampoo and Conditioner now has a hair-care spin-off that “cleanses gently and brings back the natural shine for truly lustrous locks”.

Dee Taylor, head of bodywork formulations (human division) at Autoglym, commented: “Our lab has been working tirelessly to create products that have market-leading formulations which are synonymous with the Autoglym brand. Who wouldn’t want to look as amazing as a freshly cleaned and polished car?”

Jaecoo scrums down for a Welsh rebrand

Omoda & Jaecoo also announced a temporary rebrand of its Jaceoo brand to Jaecŵl for the highly anticipated EPCR finals in Wales this May.

The makeover comes as part of Omoda & Jaecoo’s new role as the Official Automotive Partner of the European Professional Club Rugby

“W” is a vowel in the Welsh language and takes on a delightful “oo” sound. The little hat (circumflex) over ŵ, known as a ‘tô bach’ (little roof), lengthens the vowel sound. So, Jaceoo becomes Jaecŵl  (pronounced Jaec-oo-l) – a playful nod to the language and the occasion.

The makeover comes as part of Omoda & Jaecoo’s new role as the Official Automotive Partner of the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the tournament organiser of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. It’s the first time the EPCR has teamed up with an automotive brand.

Fay Kanoose, UK head of marketing at Omoda & Jaecoo, commented: “Rugby has a rich heritage at the Principality Stadium, and supporting the sport at one of its most iconic venues feels natural. The atmosphere in Cardiff on a rugby game day is truly unmatched, and as a company that highly values tradition and heritage, it felt only right to celebrate that spirit in Wales. Embracing the language is our way of adding to the festivities and honouring the culture that makes this event so special. Jaecŵl might be a temporary name, but it’s a fun and meaningful tribute to the passion surrounding the EPCR finals.”