The inclusion of satellite navigation and a multi-featured audio system are key factors for UK company car buyers when choosing a vehicle, according to Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance.
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Those questioned, for a report called ‘Company Cars, the Drivers’ Perspective’ were asked to specify what factors led them to select their current company car and in particular what optional extras were key to this choice.
Nearly 60% of said that they are now spending longer behind the wheel and the car has become a home from home. As a result, and due to roads increasingly becoming more congested, their main concern is ensuring their car is safer and better equipped with features such as satellite navigation.
The top five comfort and safety features UK drivers want in their cars are satellite navigation, climate control, airbags, a six-disc CD player and Bose sound system, an iPod holder and nifty ‘add ons’ such as cup and mobile phone holders.
Strangely, ‘out of sight’ safety items such as anti-lock brakes, now mandatory in Europe, stability control and radar-controlled cruise control did not rate a mention.
Bank spokesman Graham Hale said: “The company car still remains a significant part of any staff recruitment and retention package and we are aware that employees are becoming ever more selective and demanding. In fact, over 20% of drivers would actually think of changing jobs if a better car was offered.
“The challenge for those responsible for fleets is to carefully balance an appreciation of their drivers’ aspirations whilst keeping control of costs.”
