Love in the fast lane: Experts reveal why 49% of drivers personify their vehicles
A recent survey of 2,000 UK motorists, commissioned by Motorpoint’s Sell Your Car offering, reveals that one third1 of motorists are emotionally invested in our vehicles. In fact, the research shows that the UK is a nation of car lovers, with one quarter (28%) of motorists admitting they are in love with their car.
John Hood, who heads up Motorpoint’s Sell Your Car function is joined by professionals to explore the neurological science of emotional attachment, and why drivers feel such a strong connection to their car.
Dr. Beth Anfilogoff, HCPC Accredited Counselling Psychologist suggests that attachment is formed when a person meets our needs better than ourselves, though we often see people get attached to objects too. She explains:
“Cars can be with us during really important life events, and are a source of freedom, comfort and reliability.
“It makes sense that people reminisce or speak fondly of a companion of many years or from certain times in your life. But this isn’t much different from how some may feel about objects. We spend a lot of time with our cars, and have shared the happiest of memories with them, so it’s no surprise we become emotionally attached to them.”
This is perhaps why half of motorists (49%) personify their vehicle by doing things like naming and talking to it or, referring to it as if it were a person. This could be influenced by how we see our cars behaving or traits they appear to have, for example, have you ever referred to your car as ‘trustworthy’ or ‘temperamental’’?
Younger motorists, aged between 18 and 34 are more likely to name, love and talk to their car as opposed to older age groups.
When we attribute human-like qualities to objects, like cars, it reflects a psychological tendency to perceive them as human-like entities. As Dr. Anfilogoff explains:
“Cars can play a big part in our day-to-day endeavours and naming them personalises their role in our life.
“People often personify the things they care about, and names or nicknames are terms of endearment. If someone is inclined to name their car, they are more likely to form an attachment to it.”
Love in the fast lane
Discussing why Motorpoint was keen to understand why motorists can form an emotional attachment to their cars, John said:
“It’s no secret that car manufacturers strategically design, make, and market vehicles to target certain audiences, but this is very different to the deeper bond most motorists go on to develop with their car. We wanted to find out what ignites such a special bond and why this can make it so much harder for motorists looking to sell their car.”
Counsellor, MBACP, Georgina Sturmer suggests that personifying our cars by naming them could make it harder for us to sell up or trade in for a new one. As she explains:
“We can’t go back in time, and that’s why it can be really hard to let go of a vehicle that has been with us through a part of our life. Consider what else you can do to help yourself separate the physical car from your emotional memory bank.
“Remember that even when your car is not in your life anymore, you are still the same person with the same set of memories and experiences.”
Dr. Beth Anfilogoff adds:
“The people who seek comfort in objects are more likely to form an attachment to their car and are usually people who are more open and creative, and regarded more emotional in general.”
A trip down memory road
When it comes to thinking of past vehicles, more than a third (39%) of respondents admitted that they still think about their first car.
Even for motorists who had sold five or more cars, 45% said they still reminisced about their first car. It seems that your first set of wheels is an important milestone for motorists, representing adulthood, freedom, autonomy, independence, and adventure.
“Nostalgia and memory are a way of continuing a feeling of attachment to a car. We can have physical responses to psychological experiences, like your stomach rumbling when you imagine a sandwich whilst hungry, so remembering happy times creates a continued bond,” Dr. Beth Anfilogoff adds.
An unbreakable bond
Motorpoint’s John revealed that it’s not uncommon to see motorists upset when it’s time to sell their vehicle as it can evoke a profound sense of loss. He continues:
“Giving up your car might feel like bidding farewell to a trusted companion, leaving a void that is more than just materialistic.
“While it’s understandable that some individuals may encounter challenges during the car selling process, it’s important to try and reframe your thinking and remember that selling your current car is essential in order to find your next vehicle and make new memories.
For more information or to find out how much your car is worth, visit: https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/sell-my-car
Feature Image by why kei on Unsplash
