Subaru Dog Driving Lessons, Hyundai Car Funerals Top April Fool's Pranks

Just the Facts:

• April Fool's pranks are unleashed within the auto industry.
• Subaru offers to teach your dog to drive.
• Infiniti system monitors a driver's hunger.

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey — Subaru of America said Thursday it will debut a program of free clinics "to teach pets how to drive vehicles." Infiniti said it has developed an optional in-car monitor that reduces "the dangers of driving while hungry." And Hyundai said it has come up with a program to "humanely" dispose of vehicles.

It's April Fool's Day, of course. Automakers couldn't resist some fun, even in the midst of the 2010 New York Auto Show and more serious concerns, such as winning back consumers in the wake of massive Toyota recalls and the aftermath of a crippling recession.

Infiniti said its hunger monitor "will not only alert the driver of the need to stop for food, but will also navigate the car to the nearest restaurant that suits the driver's taste and pocket." The option is called "Gastronomi" and the Japanese automaker said it could become an option on the Infiniti M. It monitors "tummy rumbles."

Hyundai's United Kingdom arm said it is offering "dignified car disposal."

"These old cars are often seen as members of the family by their owners," Hyundai said in a statement. "These people wouldn't drown a dog just because it becomes incontinent and dribbles on the carpet, so they don't feel they can crush a car when it starts to leak oil or blows a head gasket."

The Korean automaker said it will take clunkers to "Garages of Rest" and then for burial at the "Car Park of Remembrance."

The real winner, however, was Subaru of America, which said it will instruct dogs "on rudimentary vehicle operations such as applying a hand brake and activating emergency warning lights." The statement was accompanied by a picture of a dog driving a Subaru and a disclaimer that read: "Nope, not really, it's an April Fool. Please don't allow your pets to drive your car."

Inside Line says: We all needed a good laugh. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent