On Reality Check this week, the joke was on a number of journalists when Honda played one doozie of an April fool’s joke. And no, I didn’t fall for it.
The 2016 Honda HR-V Selfie Edition’s press release began saying, “With one-third of all photos taken by people aged 18–24 being selfies, and more than one million selfies being taken each day, Honda is introducing a unique trim model to appeal to this key, influential segment.”
It went on to say the Honda HR-V SLF, which was to go on sale this summer would be equipped with 10 selfie cameras inside and out, which when used in Park would allow the self sharing driver to post selfies direct to their social media through the HR-V’s infotainment and connectivity system.
The press release went on to rub in the genius of the idea by talking of their beta testing done by Ashley, a self-proclaimed selfie fanatic who boasts a 99 social media influencer rank score.
It was jaw dropping stuff. I mean, on one hand you think this is a joke or perhaps Honda really does know what kind of self-absorbed rubes they need to be marketing to.
A quick look to the date on the press release said March 31st, not April 1. But I wasn’t convinced so I let this one sit until further notice before ranting like an old man yelling at kids to get off my lawn.
I’m glad I did, because one look at the accompanying YouTube Video which is linked below in the info section said it all. This was a well orchestrated spoof, and some of my journalist friends fell for it hook line and sinker.
April Fools!
