Think of James Bond, and chances are you imagine a jet-setting, suave man of mystery, driving some amazing cars with even more fantastic gadgets.
Online car insurance specialist, elephant.co.uk, asked their customers what kind of gadgets they would like to have in their cars, to mark the launch of the new James Bond film, ‘Casino Royale’. The answers show that we are a nation of gadget-lovers always on the lookout for ways to make the journey more comfortable. Drivers’ favourite gadget is satellite navigation, followed by auto-pilot in second place, and an ejector seat in third.
Although the James Bond level of gadgetry, with things like rotating licence plates, passenger ejector seat, and telescoping tire slashers, is beyond the wildest imagination of most car makers, there are some pretty impressive gadgets out there.
Satellite navigation is top of the wish list for 31% of elephant.co.uk customers, voted for by a predominantly male group aged 50+. However, the list gets progressively more imaginative, and James Bond would be proud that auto-pilot (21%) and an ejector seat (13%) are in second and third place. These gadgets were both most popular with male drivers aged between 21 and 30 years old. One male driver from the South West said: “Never mind cruise control. Auto-drive would be a winner for me!”
Although women drivers are becoming increasingly car-savvy and being responsible for the upkeep and care of their own vehicles, they rated gadgets that ensure their comfort above all others.
Beauty gadgets came fourth with 10% of the overall vote, but women drivers only chose this option. A female driver from the South East would like: “A car that does your hair and make-up for you while you’re driving”.
An in-car tea / coffee maker was next down the list with 8% of the votes, popular with both men and women, and with people across the age groups. Other suggestions include: “An in-car fridge to hold drinks and chocolate!” and “Inspector Gadget extending wheels so you can drive over traffic!”.
Managing Director of elephant.co.uk, Ceri Assiratti, said: “Some of the gadgets people would like in their cars are really out of this world! Although I can’t see James Bond relaxing with a cuppa as he drives his Aston, it shows that the comfort factor is really important to motorists, and particularly to women drivers.”
“Some of the gadgets suggested were really eye-opening, especially the man who wanted an ejector seat for his wife!” added Ceri Assiratti.
|
|
Gender of voters |
|
Gadget |
Percentage of Votes |
Male |
Female |
Most popular age range |
Satellite navigation |
31% |
63% |
37% |
50 + |
Auto-pilot |
21% |
71% |
29% |
21 – 30 |
Ejector seat |
13% |
69% |
31% |
21 – 30 |
Beauty gadgets |
10% |
0% |
100% |
21 – 30 |
Tea / coffee maker |
8% |
38% |
62% |
17 – 20, 21 – 30,
31 – 40, 41 – 50 |
Kitchen gadgets |
7% |
29% |
71% |
21 - 30 |
Time machine |
6% |
83% |
17% |
21 – 30 |
Ability to fly |
3% |
33% |
67% |
41 – 50 |
Invisibility |
2% |
100% |
0% |
21 – 30 |
Issue date: 13-11-06 |
