Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

BRITS DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION BY LOVERS' DRIVING HABITS

EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 HOURS ON 24TH AUGUST 2006

BRITS DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION BY LOVERS’ DRIVING HABITS

As the August Bank Holiday weekend approaches, couples are destined to spend hours sitting in traffic jams together. But according to research released today, it may not be smooth motoring for some with a fifth of couples admitting they would dump their other half if they complained about their driving (19%).

The research, conducted by Kia Motors UK, revealed that sharing the front seat with a partner is not always a pleasant experience. Nearly 66% (59%) said their driving abilities were regularly criticised by their partner – that’s probably because more than 50% of us consider ourselves to be better drivers than our significant other! (53%).

Thirteen per cent of drivers surveyed said that if they could, they would always avoid driving with their partner.

Kia Motors released the findings as Britain braces itself for the biggest driving weekend of the year, when traffic congestion is set to increase by 50% on UK roads.1

The survey also uncovered some interesting comparisons between how we want our partners to behave as drivers and how we want them to behave as lovers.

Confidence is a key factor. Fifty nine per cent are looking for someone who can take control behind the wheel, whilst 35% want a partner who will wear the trousers in the relationship.

Clear communication is less of a driving factor. While 40% look for a partner who is good at talking, only 5% want their partner to be a good navigator!

Stephen Kitson, Communications Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said, “Spending a lot of time with a partner in a car can be stressful and it’s not surprising that it’s going to affect a relationship. If you are going to be on the road this weekend, we recommend that you share the driving and factor in plenty of stops so that you can ‘cool off’ if you need to. Why not plan the route and choose the music together before you set off, so you feel like more of a team once you get on the open road?”

This study is part of Kia’s research into couples and driving. Earlier this year Kia launched the 1st ever Drive Dating events – a new high-octane speed dating phenomenon that allows couples to test if they would be as compatible behind the wheel as they would be in love.

For more info visit www.kia.co.uk.

- ends -

For further info, images or a case study please contact Sara Bailey, Andrew Potter or Helen Pattison at icas PR on 020 7632 2400 or kia@icas.co.uk


Notes to editors:

1.Source: Trafficmaster.

2.Research carried out amongst visitors to www.metro.co.uk between 5th and 30th April 2006.

3.Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) is the fastest growing automaker in the world. It was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 13 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 190 countries. Kia today has 30,000 employees and annual revenues of $14 billion.