WHO’S IN THE DRIVING SEAT?
Halfords reveals how the “mum-taxi” is ruling the road
NEW research from Halfords shows how Brits are using the family car and reveals that the “mum taxi” is going strong as women bear the brunt of giving lifts and tackling the school run.
The stats show women are in the driving seat and have access to the family car 57% of the time, versus 43% for men.
Women are also doing the majority of short day-to-day journeys with the children, such as taking them to school (46%), dropping them off at after-school activities (53%), and giving lifts to friend’s houses (62%).
In fact, trips in the family car are providing quality time for parents with their children, as a third of women (31%) and 17% of men take at least one journey with their child or children every day.
The research also revealed that women take the wheel when making family trips to visit friends and family (56%), and a huge 67% of women use the family car for the weekly shop, while men do the lion’s share of driving while on holiday (62%).
The study also identified that women now take equal responsibility for ensuring the family car is checked over for winter (49% of women vs. 51% of men), topping-up the oil when it is low (52% vs. 48%) and are more likely (56% vs. 44%) to know whether all of the lights on their car are working correctly.
Emma Fox, Halfords' Commercial Director said: "We can gain a huge insight into family life and how we're spending our time by looking at who's behind the wheel of the family car and what journeys are being undertaken.
“It's no surprise that the vast majority of cars these days are maintained by both men and women, as women are taking an ever increasing interest in their cars.
“Our free winter checks make it easier to have peace of mind when driving. We've even designed a female friendly service with no appointment needed. These are free of charge and available at over 700 sites across the UK.”
Halfords’ Motoring Ambassador Jodie Kidd added: “I think it’s great that women are taking charge and ensuring they’re motoring safely. If you’re not one of them, then make it a new year’s resolution to learn a few basics, like how to check the tread depth and pressure in your tyres as well as where to top-up your oil. Alternatively you can pop down to Halfords and get them to do a free winter check.”
Halfords is offering drivers a free five-point winter check at over 700 sites across the UK (440 Halfords stores and 303 Halfords Autocentres) throughout the season. The check covers the condition of car batteries, head/tail light bulbs, wiper blades, oil levels and includes a free screenwash top-up. To find your nearest store visit www.halfords.com or your nearest Autocentre www.halfordsautocentres.com.
ENDS
*Survey results from YouGov survey, November 2014, 4,000 respondents and Atomik research survey, November 2014, 2,000 respondents.
For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7896 3404
Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at over 460 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 300 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
The Halfords group strategy is based on three pillars:
Supporting Drivers Of Every Car
Inspiring Cyclists Of Every Age
Equipping Families For Their Leisure Time
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycling, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Gelert and Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a building and repair service for cycles.
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