I love hearing what people call their cars. We had a Herbie even though it wasn’t a Volkswagen (from the famous movie of that name). It was a Morris Minor and it still evokes memories.
I also had a Hillman Avenger in the early 80s whose nickname I can’t mention here, but it was next to useless. Now, according to a survey by Honda, Gen Z drivers (born from 1997 to 2012, so I’m excluded) are setting the trend for personalising cars with nicknames. Nearly half (47pc) of them have a nickname for their vehicle.
And Baby is the most common. The survey found that while most (77pc) still call their car a “car” – younger drivers are far more likely to give vehicles nicknames. As well as affectionate names such as Babe and Betty, there are more robust ones used .
Power-driven names such as Beast and Rocket are also popular. And Herbie still makes the list. So does Elvis.
One female driver named her car Penny the Polo. Giving cars nicknames helps create an emotional connection, according to drivers interviewed. Honda said: “Whether it’s about affection, personality or nostalgia, these names become part of the driver’s own story.
” But the survey authors also say they looked into the “emotional” bond drivers have with their cars. Nearly half (42pc) told how certain songs bring back memories of past journeys. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are the most nostalgic when it comes to music.
Nearly half (46pc) reflect on songs that shaped their younger driving y.
