UK motorists have revealed the most popular names they bestow on their cars – with Betsy, George, and Beast topping the list.
One in four Brits has given their car a nickname, with 60% revealing they are emotionally attached to their car and 37% admitting that they feel like their motor is a friend or family member. Almost a third of younger adults, aged 18-24, went as far as to say that they felt more attached to their vehicle than their parents or grandparents.
The findings were published in a survey of 2,000 adults by Your Red Car, a new online auto marketplace, powered by Santander.
Your Red Car has also collaborated with celebrity, David Baddiel, to bring real-life memoirs of pre-loved cars to life in a series of seven short stories, entitled The Adventures of Pre-Loved Cars.
Comedian and author Baddiel said: “Cars aren’t just transport – every car you own can bring back a memory of your life as it was then.
“The Adventures of Pre-Loved Cars stories are funny and moving – they’re about love, discovery, unforgettable road trips and a casual gift from a king.
“Curating them has proved how evocative of things past cars can be.”
Denton Brock, head of Your Red Car, added “Every pre-loved car has its own story, just like the ones featured in The Adventures of Pre-Loved Cars series.”
UK motorists also revealed that 31 per cent of them refer to their cars as ‘she/her’, while 19 per cent say ‘he/him’.
36% of those surveyed treat their cars by buying accessories – while 32% admit talking to them.
This devotion to their car means drivers also struggle to part with them, with 29% feeling sad when the time comes to sell it – and 18% of Londoners admit they would rather break up with their partner than sell their favourite car.
Top 10 UK car nicknames
- Betsy
- George
- Beast
- Bessie
- Betty
- Bertha
- Bertie
- Boris
- Lucy
- Dolly
The Adventures of Pre-Loved Cars series, curated by David Baddiel for Your Red Car, is available to read on the Your Red Car website.
