Astara Auto Finland, the official importer of Kia vehicles in the country, has introduced an unusual promotional item for new Kia EV4 buyers — an air freshener that smells like petrol and motor oil. The initiative aims to make the transition to electric mobility “safe and familiar” for longtime combustion engine drivers.
Developed in collaboration with Finnish perfumer Max Perttula, the scent blends the aroma of heavy motor oil with subtle petrol notes. Perttula explained that “the light hint of gasoline brings a long-lasting but subdued tone to the fragrance. Any more and the fragrance would have transformed into a fruity jasmine. Finally, I brought the composition to life by ‘metalizing’ and ‘sanding’ it with amber compounds, birch tar, and galbanum.”
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Each Kia EV4 purchased through Astara Auto will come with the air freshener as a complimentary gift. The company said the gesture is meant to make the switch to electric vehicles easier for those accustomed to traditional engines.
“Giving up the combustion engine can feel like a huge step, just like giving up anything else that is familiar,” said Klaus Pohjala, Commercial Director of Astara Auto Finland. “We wanted to add a touch of nostalgic fun to the transition with a gas-scented car freshener. Of course, this is a bit of a cheeky campaign, but we also want to communicate that we understand the change to be quite big decision for many.”
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Electric vehicles made up 11.5 percent of new car sales in Finland as of June 2025, with less than five percent being fully battery-electric models. However, Kia’s share of the electric market is notably higher, with 30 percent of its new vehicle sales in Finland already electric.