Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

IF GLOVE BOXES COULD TALK...

14 December 2006

EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 HOURS ON 15 DECEMBER 2006

IF GLOVE BOXES COULD TALK…

As the country prepares for a Christmas on the roads, travelling to their nearest and dearest, new research uncovers the secrets that lurk within Britain’s cars by delving into the contents of the nation’s glove boxes.

The survey, conducted by Kia Motors, quizzed nearly 1,200 drivers and found that the average glove box holds some tell-tale items that give away more about the drivers than they expect.

The good news is that the majority of motorists keep very practical things in their glove box, to ensure they are prepared for every eventuality. Seventy per cent were ready to brave bad weather with a de-icer or ice scraper whilst nearly half (45%) had a torch in their glove box in case they broke down at night. Four out of ten drivers (40%) were even ready for small medical emergencies by keeping a first aid kit in the car.

Unsurprisingly, 65% of those surveyed kept maps or route planners in the glove box, in case of a wrong turn but, more worryingly, one in four drivers (25%) don’t keep their manufacturer’s handbook in the car - a basic legal requirement.

But it’s not just the practical accessories that make their way into the nation’s glove boxes. Seventy eight per cent of drivers use the glove box to store their music collection, so they can sing along to their favourite driving tune. Half of motorists have a sweet tooth and confess to having a sugary treat within easy reach. The glove box also acts as a makeshift make-up case, particularly for female drivers, with 13% using it to stash a selection of hair and beauty products.

But the biggest surprise of all has to be that nearly a third of drivers (27%) actually use their glove box to keep gloves!

Underneath the paper work and CDs, however, lie some guiltier secrets, which drivers would rather not reveal. One in twenty (5%) motorists have been caught out when an unsuspecting passenger found some sexy undies in their glove box, whereas 19% confess to using it to hoard their cash. Other weird and wonderful objects found in glove boxes include dog food, handcuffs, mouldy sandwiches and even a Stethoscope!

Stephen Kitson, Communications Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said, “It’s encouraging to see that a lot of British motorists are well prepared for difficult driving situations or breakdowns and accidents. However, there’s clearly more to the nation’s glove boxes than meet the eye. I will be making sure that mine doesn’t give away too much about me!”

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For further info please contact Sara Bailey or Andrew Potter at icas PR on 020 7632 2400 or kia@icas.co.uk


Notes to editors:

1. Research carried out by Canvasse Opinion between 1 and 5 December 2006