heycar survey: Half are glad to have their own car - and would be lost without it

According to a recent YouGov study published by the automotive online platform heycar, the car is indispensable for 72 percent of Germans. Besides mobility itself, another factor also plays an important role: emotions and memories are often attached to one's own car as it has been a long-time companion, the officials summarize. Additionally, the vehicle continues to be regarded by many as a personal achievement and status symbol. Almost one in three (32 percent) is proud of their own car. A total of 1,639 drivers were surveyed for the study.

The discussion about how economically and ecologically viable it is to own a car is not reflected in the everyday realities of most Germans, the analysts further conclude. Overall, 53 percent of the surveyed drivers stated that they are glad to have their car as they would be lost without it. This statement is especially agreed upon by women (60 percent), compared to men (46 percent). More than a third (34 percent) said they are happy every time they drive it. At least 21 percent of respondents confirmed having a warm feeling for the car because it has been with them for many years.

Young Driving Pleasure vs. Utility in Old Age

The younger generation in the age group of 18-24 years is particularly proud of their own vehicle. Here, 48 percent boast about their car. Understandably, the first own car is and remains something special. Accordingly, in this age group, 44 percent are happy every time they drive their car. However, besides appreciation for one's own vehicle, it is noticeable that the car increasingly becomes a utility object as people age. While only 6 percent of 18-24-year-olds agree with the statement that the car is a utility object, 23 percent in the age group 45+ agree with this.

The Car Gets a Name

The love for one's own vehicle has many facets. An expression of true affection is naming the car. 19 percent of respondents said they have given their car a name at some point. Here too, women lead with 24 percent compared to men (14 percent). The special relationship with their own car is also shown by the fact that 22 percent have cried when they sold or gave away their vehicle. This situation particularly affected women: 32 percent said they had cried, compared to 12 percent of men.

The data used is based on an online survey by YouGov Germany in which 1,639 people with a driver's license participated between 30.11. - 06.12.2022. The initial sample of 2,044 people was weighted and is representative of the population in Germany aged 18 and over.