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Sarah Varcoe15 Dec 2025
FEATURE

On the eleventh day of Christmas…

carsales gave to me...eleven car-themed true or false challenges

Think you know your car history and festive facts? 

Let’s put your knowledge to the test with 11 automotive brain teasers.

Ready? Let’s go!

Santa once appeared in a car ad driving a sports car instead of a sleigh

Answer: True! Mercedes-Benz ran a cheeky Christmas campaign showing Mrs Claus swapping Santa’s sleigh for a sleek sports car. It was a clever nod to performance and luxury.

The first car radio was introduced in the 1950s

Answer: False. Car radios actually debuted in 1930, transforming driving into a more entertaining experience. Imagine the leap from silent road trips to cruising with music – it was revolutionary for its time.

There’s a Guinness World Record for the fastest car decorated with Christmas lights

Answer: True! Believe it or not, there’s a record for decking out a car in festive lights in under two minutes. It’s proof that holiday spirit and automotive speed can go hand in hand.

Volvo’s name means “I roll” in Latin

Answer: True. The name reflects motion and durability – perfect for a brand that’s built its reputation on safety and reliability.

320157 volvo em90 studio stills

EV batteries die quickly and need replacing every few years

Answer: False. Modern electric vehicle (EV) batteries are designed to last for years, often well beyond 8–10 years with proper care. Advances in technology mean longevity is improving all the time.

Aussies commonly add antlers and red noses to their cars in December

Answer: True – and it’s become a quirky tradition! From city streets to country roads, festive car decorations are a fun way to spread Christmas cheer.

The Mini Cooper featured in a famous Christmas scene in Love Actually

Answer: True. This iconic cameo cemented the Mini as a cultural symbol of British charm.

There’s a car museum with a Christmas tree made entirely of hubcaps

Answer: True. Automotive creativity knows no bounds – hubcap trees are a real thing and a perfect example of recycling with style.

The most common car colour for December deliveries is red

Answer: False. It’s actually white – perhaps Santa-approved for its snowy vibe, even in Aussie summer.

In some rural areas of Australia and US, Santa riding in a fire truck is a Christmas tradition

Answer: True. it’s a well-loved holiday custom for local fire brigades to drive Santa around in a fire truck instead of the traditional sleigh and reindeer. These festive tours often include visits to neighbourhoods where firefighters hand out sweets to children.

The first electric car was invented after the first petrol car

Answer: False. EVs actually came first in the 1800s! They were popular before petrol engines dominated the market.

How many did you get right?

Share your score and tag us on Facebook @carsalescomau using #12daysofcarsales

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Written bySarah Varcoe
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