Cars as an expression of personality
In times of high costs and inflation, car owners seem to be less willing to take care of their own vehicles. But a research by the German HEM petrol station chain shows there is some good news on the horizon.
In a world where the daily commute to work, the weekend getaway or the spontaneous road trip is a significant part of our lives, the car is not just a means of transportation for most Germans. Despite rising costs, a considerable proportion of German drivers do not refrain from using their car as an expression of their own lifestyle. It may even reflect their own personality.
Whether it’s the color, shape, interior or chassis – with a wide variety of features, every vehicle becomes unique and can be individually adapted to special preferences. A recent survey by the petrol station chain HEM on the subject of “personalizing the car” reveals the creative forms of expression of German drivers and shows that the passion for cars extends far beyond the functional.
For the majority of respondents (82 percent), their own vehicle is more than just an everyday object. For this reason, just as many (82 percent) attach importance not only to a well-maintained appearance of the car, but also to its uniqueness. More than one in five (22 percent) focus on individuality and give the car a personal touch with the help of accessories, fragrances or stickers. More than half of respondents (55 percent) say they use at least a little decoration to creatively enhance their car. In contrast, 23 percent of respondents prefer a simpler look and only use their driving style as a personal signature on the road.
Standard was yesterday
Cars come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. It is often possible to tell from the outside who is behind the wheel – whether an adventurer in a robust off-road vehicle or a family man in a spacious estate car. 15 percent of respondents even claim to be able to tell what makes the driver tick by looking at the vehicle. However, those who want to adapt their vehicle to their personality rarely change anything about the bodywork: only three percent of respondents would fit a spoiler and only six percent would consider lowering or raising the car. The purchase of special rims is somewhat more popular, with more than one in five (21 percent) opting for them to enhance the vehicle’s appearance. With different styles, designs and surface options, the customizable tire upgrade creates an individual look.
Fragrance is important too
For more than one in four (28 percent), scent trees offer the ideal opportunity to give the vehicle a personal touch. Those who want to appeal to their sense of smell while driving are well advised to use vanilla aromas: This fragrance is considered a favorite by 28 percent of respondents.
Likewise, almost one in two (47 percent) would not want to be without a personal lucky charm at the wheel. Religious objects such as guardian angels, crosses or rosaries as well as cute fabric companions and animal figures are favorites among the survey participants. Depending on taste and preference, car stickers can also help to give the vehicle a personal touch and have long been part of the street scene: One in four (25 percent) like to use them to show other road users who is behind the wheel or riding in the car.
This need can be satisfied particularly well in car washes, as many car washes offer cleaning agents with fragrances to prevent any unwanted odors in the car wash. Increasingly, car wash fragrances are also being continued in accompanying products, which are then offered in matching forecourt units together with other cleaning materials.
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