Kia Finland Launches Gasoline-Scented Air Freshener for EV4 Buyers — A Funny Nod to the Past
Who says the shift to electric mobility has to be boring? In one of the most creative and humorous EV campaigns to date, Kia Finland has introduced a gasoline-scented air freshener for new buyers of the Kia EV4.
Yes, you read that right — a fragrance designed to help nostalgic drivers “cope” with the absence of gasoline fumes as they transition to a fully electric future.
A Touch of Humor in the Age of Electrification
The limited-edition accessory, shaped like a tiny gas can, was unveiled in a social media campaign that quickly went viral across Finland. In the post, Kia jokingly asked, “Do you miss the smell of gasoline and the gas pump in the midst of electrification? We have quick help for withdrawal symptoms.”
The brand cleverly turned what could have been a dry promotional campaign into a witty and relatable message about the emotional side of switching to electric vehicles. Instead of focusing on specs and charging speeds, Kia decided to tap into nostalgia — and it worked brilliantly.
From Gasoline Fumes to Birch Tar and Jasmine
According to Tyyliniekka, the idea came from Astara Auto Finland, Kia’s official importer, in collaboration with Max Perttula, a Finnish perfumer known for his unconventional scents. The final blend features a motor oil base, metallic notes, and subtle hints of jasmine and birch tar.
Perttula himself described the aroma as “reminiscent of a car repair shop” — which may not sound appealing, but perfectly fits the campaign’s quirky tone. The fragrance, Kia confirmed, is a limited edition, available exclusively for new EV4 owners.
A Larger Campaign Embracing Humor and Sustainability
The “gasoline air freshener” isn’t a standalone stunt. It’s part of a broader campaign promoting the all-electric Kia EV4, which aims to blend sustainability with personality.
In another playful post, Kia shared an image of two people outside as if taking a smoke break, captioned:
“Smoke signals are a thing of the past. Test drive the new all-electric Kia EV4 and experience the impact of smoke-free driving in just a few minutes!”
This clever approach to marketing helps Kia connect with drivers who might still hesitate to give up combustion engines. Rather than lecturing about carbon emissions, the brand makes the electric transition fun and relatable.
Kia EV4 : Humor Meets Innovation
While the campaign highlights humor, the EV4 itself is no joke. Positioned as a stylish compact crossover, the EV4 features Kia’s next-generation electric platform, high efficiency, and advanced tech features. The car is set to debut globally soon, marking another step in Kia’s Plan S strategy toward full electrification by 2030.
By combining innovation with clever storytelling, Kia Finland proves that sustainability doesn’t have to be serious — it can also make you smile.
