Inspired By An April Fools Post, Honda UK Offers Dog Accessories That Are No Joke

Honda U.K. announced that it will launch a series of a dog friendly accessories for its range of vehicles. The automaker says that it was inspired to speed the products’ development as a result of the strong response to an April Fool’s gag it made earlier this year.

As we covered in April, Honda’s joke announcement was a front seat setup perfect for canine companions. The fake package included an extra large front seat with scratch-resistant and waterproof upholstery, as well as recessed holes for water and food bowls. A squeaker toy could also be sewn into the seat, and a food dispenser was available, too.

Of course, the product was never to be, but Honda says that the playful press release got such strong reactions around the world that it was convinced that real pet products would be a success. It, therefore, decided to accelerate the development of this range.

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“Launching vehicle accessories for dogs is something that the Honda UK team has been discussing for quite a while,” said Rebecca Adamson, head of automobile for Honda U.K. “But it was the success of the April Fools’ Day campaign that ultimately prompted us to develop this product pack – because it became so clear that customers wanted something special for their four-legged friends.”

Honda’s new dog pack is designed to keep both your dog and your vehicle safe. It includes accessories that are available for five models (the Civic, Jazz Hybrid, HR-V Hybrid, Civic Hybrid, and CR-V Hybrid), though not all accessories are available for all five cars.

The products include a dog guard, rubber mats, load floor mats, and a paintwork protecting step protector for the cargo area. Honda says that some of the accessories can be retrofitted to work with older models.

“The dog accessory pack is designed to bring peace of mind when traveling, no matter how long or short the distance,” said Adamson. “Not only will it help to keep your dog safe and secure while on the move, but it will also reduce the likelihood of interior damage.”

The dog package will be available to U.K. customers starting on Friday, August 26 and prices for the pack range from £530 ($624 USD at current exchange rates) to £810 ($954 USD).