The Gear Shift

Ok I don't know whether to call this surreal or just plain silly.

So Toyota launched the new 2007 Camry at the show right, yeah I know pretty boring, but get this. Not only does the car have the latest safety features, Hybrid power options and upgraded exterior, the seats have skin lotion in them. Yes folks, I wrote that correctly so let’s all say it together now -- THE SEATS HAVE SKIN LOTION IN THEM. (insert quizzical stares of disbelief here)

Let me write exactly what was said, from the official Toyota transcript of the speech:
Speaking about new innovations the presenter says...

"One example is a new cloth upholstery called Fraichir which is available in the XLE grade. Fraichir is a new fabric process designed to be gentle on the skin. In this process, fabric is coated with a substance called Sericin, which is extracted from silkworm cocoons and refined to great purity. This substance is used because it is an effective moisturizer with natural healing properties."

Did you digest that yet? Let me help by calling out some items here..

* Fraichir is a new fabric process designed to be gentle on the skin: Ummm, yeah ok because like we all drive naked so we need to worry about the seat fabric damaging our sensitive parts. When has anyone had a problem with their seats bothering their skin?

* ... fabric is coated with a substance called Sericin: Ok two things are wrong with this here -- #1, I don't want my seat fabric 'coated' with anything. Let the kids do that with ice cream and cheerio crumbs thanks. #2, the word Sericin is too close to Secretion in my book. Bad choice there, let the marketing guys think of something new.

* ... extracted from silkworm cocoons and refined to great purity: Riiiggghhht, so how many silk worm cocoons must you intrude on to coat one seat with this stuff? I'm afraid to ask about the process involved in that one.

* ... an effective moisturizer with natural healing properties: Whaa...wait...what? How the heck am I supposed to take advantage of healing properties in the moisturizing lotion in my seats when I drive -- hold on to your seats folks -- with CLOTHES ON?!

I know, it’s amazing, I drive fully clothed. Maybe I should start thinking outside the box and just wear socks during my morning commute so the seats can lotion up my dry skin.

Next thing you know they will make a special edition Camry with a Loofah sponge steering wheel.

Later,
C-

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• #2 Comment from cpgirl63 
  1/11/06 4:27 PM | Permalink

  you said it just right. why do they spend all this unnecessary money? beats me. i think the money could be used in more productive ways. GREAT JOB ON ALL CHRIS!!!!!!
                              cpgirl63
• #1 Comment from salwardlow 
  1/10/06 10:26 AM | Permalink

  And where are the armrests?  I have some skin concerns with my wrists and hands and could never consider the new Camry without some Fraichir for my problem dry areas.  Ha -- This is just too much!  Great stuff here C.