Correspondent: Guido Fitzpatrick
Statistics released yesterday show that a government policy requiring automakers to give conventional gasoline-powered vehicles embarrassing names with the objective of reducing sales has backfired. Over the past six months, domestic sales of cars with the humiliating names increased by 7%, rather than a hoped-for reduction of 25%.
Economy Ministry spokesman Yamada Taro explained, 'Our aim was to increase "green" vehicle ownership through a reduction in gasoline-powered car purchases. However, it seems that names such as the Toyota Magic Chucklebus and the Nissan Feathered Ladyboy haven't had the desired deterrent effect.'
Industry analyst Kuruma Daisuke commented, 'Exports have dropped sharply, as the names were effective in putting off overseas drivers. However, the Ministry didn't account for the domestic market consisting mainly of undiscerning, intellectually arrested metrosexual men-children for whom the name Honda Mincing Nancy has no negative connotation.'
The Ministry has acted quickly in assembling a task force to draft a list of names more likely to deter Japanese men. It has already recommended the Mitsubishi Loose Tie, the Subaru Rough Unshaven Skin and the Misuzu I Don't Like Disney.
No comments:
Post a Comment