Women's Cars: An Extension of Home Sweet Home?
A study recently released by Johnson Controls says women want cars with interiors that look good, have the latest gadgets and provide ample space for their stuff. Go figure!
The study was done by interviewing women throughout Chicago, Boston, Germany and the Czech Republic (a rather curious sample). While many of the results fall into the "no kidding" category, it's interesting to note that concerns for security and a desire to re-create the feeling of home seem to be emphasized. Here are some key findings:
Connectivity: Women of all ages depend on the most recent technology to feel more connected to their family and friends. "For women, technology is more than gadgetry -- it offers them the safety, security and convenience."
Storage space: The women studied said they create their own storage areas because "their vehicles (across most segments) failed to provide them with adequate space." They also noted a preference for reconfigurable storage compartments.
Style: The study revealed that "women long for greater style in their vehicles and miss the excitement of driving more 'fun, non-mom' vehicles."
Environmentally friendly: Women are looking for ways to be environmentally friendly, provided it's convenient and budget-sensitive.
Also of note, some women said they use their commute "as a way to take a break and relax." Participants also said they keep many personal items in their cars because "it created a feeling of being at home."
I tend to take gender-specific research with a grain of salt. After all, not many people - male or female -- would say they want an ugly or unsafe car. I don't particularly agree with all of these findings, but then again, as an automotive enthusiast, I'm not the typical woman, either.
What do you think? Does this study hit the mark?
Laura Burstein, Automotive Editor
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- Laura Burstein September 3, 2008, 11:30 AM
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- The Driving Woman Categories, What Women Want in a Car
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I'm a guy, and the results you mention more or less describe the car I want. Oh well.
Breaking news, women want the same things from cars as nearly everyone else!
I believe that men and women want the same "big things" in a car: for enthusiasts it's power/torque and handling/sportiness are the priorities, whereas for non-entusiasts style, features, reliability, and comfort are the priorities.
While I can't pinpoint it, I believe the differences between men and women lie in the subtleties. Men and women probably have slightly different opinions on what is stylish or cool.
And I know for a fact that women have more stringent demands on safety than men do........there was once an entry in the THE DRIVING WOMAN blog about the Mazda 5. The author, a woman (Bryn McKinnon, if I remember correctly) thought it was a great vehicle but wouldn't buy it because it lacked stability control. Most women commentators on that blog entry agreed with her, but most of the men (me included) felt the omission of stability control too much of a big deal and still considered the Mazda 5 as a safe car they would consider if in the market for a family car.
Having been an analyst, and man, in the auto industry for several years, I see no surprise that women would look for different features in a vehicle. Women have different daily hassles, such as where to stow a purse, and constantly re-adjusting seating position based on footwear and hair style. This study is probably right on the mark, but not sure if they're telling us anything that isn't obvious.
Right! A lot of money spent to state the obvious. I am disappointed that the subject of different ergonomic needs of the sexes was not addressed. I am a very short, petite woman married to a 5'8" man. We have to share a car. He loves our new VW Jetta and it causes me physical pain to drive. I find the gas pedal too stiff, angled wrong, and too far away (not adjustable)in spite of the telescoping steering wheel. If I sit upright as I prefer, the head rest pushes my head forward. I am forced to recline the seat. I have constant pain in my knee, hip and back from driving this car!
That misses my mom and sister but nabs my stepmom!
Mom bought a Z4 2.5i(obviously not for space or features...) for automatic top and side air bags(coming from miata).
Sis wants a Toyota Prius, or Jetta TDI for MPG and one or two options only coming from Millenia.
Stepmom wants Jaguar XF only by looks and features coming from Explorer. Also likes the MKX's interior and exterior(fan of rear light bar...). All she wants is bluetooth, GPS, Heated Seats, and moonroof. Strange how she dislikes the CTS.
Me I'm all over the place looking for my next car. Sporty yet comfortable w/ HIDs/Xenon, Side Airbags, good A.C., better than 17/23mpg, and a moonroof. Scion tC/xB, Mazda3/6, Mini Cooper, VW Jetta/Rabbit/Tiguan/Passat, Honda Prelude, and Acura TL/TSX.
-Cj
ps: Leaning on tC and Jetta and any 04+ TL under $15k.
Those are some sweet cars. There are some more at http://www.sweethocars.com and Cool cars
Those are some sweet cars. There are some more at http://www.sweethotcars.com and Cool cars
good article http://www.newcoolcars.com