A survey released by fuel brand BP Ultimate has revealed that majority of motorists in South Africa ‘shower their vehicles with just as much affection as they do a close friend or family member, maybe even a touch more’. The national survey aimed to explore how passionate South African motorists are about their cars and almost 1000 responses from male and female drivers were received from around the country.

South African motorists love their cars



More than two thirds of motorists who participated in the survey admitted that they openly express love and affection for their cars. A total of 59% of motorists said that they feel a true connection with their cars, which equates to 4.8 million South African motorists who feel the same way.

Interestingly, 57% of respondents said that they often give their cars verbal encouragements, compliments and rub the dashboard or steering wheel to help their cars perform, start or to prevent stalling.

Giving cars pet names is also common in South Africa, with 47% of respondents admitting to the act. A further 23% of respondents were named after a car while 21% admitted to celebrating their cars’ birthdays.

Other interesting South African car habits include:

85% of South African motorists love to sing in their car.74% have made important life decisions in their car.61% have regular conversations with their car.53% had a car play an important role in either their or someone else’s wedding ceremony and/or special occasion.30% percent decorate their car’s interior or exterior with trinkets such as fuzzy dice, stickers, steering wheel or seat covers.11% have got engaged in a car or know someone who has.

Glenda Zvenyika, BP’s Corporate and External Communications Manager says despite challenging factors such as high fuel prices, pollution, traffic congestion and the like seemingly nothing can interfere with South Africans’ love for their cars. “We converse with them, name them, adorn them with trinkets and even involve them in some of life’s most significant and personal moments.”



Nine out of ten South African motorists who participated in the BP Ultimate survey also agreed that the quality of fuel is an important factor in the overall performance and efficiency of a car.