While Santa manages to magically deliver Christmas prezzies in just one night, latest research from Vauxhall reveals Brits will travel on average 70 miles and spend more than two hours in the car to bring festive cheer to their nearest and dearest in the run up to the ‘Big Day’. A third of motorists will go the extra distance of more than a 100 miles.
Even on Christmas Day, four in ten motorists will leave the comfort of their own homes and more than a quarter (28%) will make multiple trips to visit family members.
Certain not to turn up empty-handed, the typical Christmas journey involves delivering five presents, two bottles of wine, a bottle of spirits, a Christmas pudding, a pack of mince pies, as well as taking essentials for an overnight stay. A third even go as far as taking Christmas decorations, scented candles, and entertainment consisting of board games and musical instruments.
While a third (35%) of us prefer to stay at home, two thirds (62%) of those who make Christmas journeys dread the road trip for fear of facing chaotic and treacherous roads. Other downsides to travelling at Christmas were cited as being fed up with Christmas tunes already (17%), 15% find the added pressure to be on time for multiple celebrations a head-ache, and a further one in ten are disappointed not to be able to drink on this merry occasion.
Conscious that they don’t want their journey to end in disaster, nearly a third (30%) are suspicious about the sobriety of other drivers and one in ten of motorists worry about being stranded.
Local Vauxhall retailer Evans Halshaw with locations in in Mount Pleasant and Priory Park, Hull, and Beverley is helping drivers in and around Hull and Beverley to enjoy the thrill of owning a new car. With special offers and finance deals available in time for Christmas, local motorists can be sure to find a car that can accommodate all their Christmas goodies.
Aron Brown, Dealer Principal at Evans Halshaw Beverley explains: “Certainly Christmas time and the main day itself should be an enjoyable event for all as it’s a chance for communities and families to come together. However, our research shows that the journeying around the UK to reunite with loved ones can be seen as a bit of a headache for many. However, help is at hand as today’s cars are packed with plenty of tech and gadgets to keep your spirits high and help make the most of being in the car.”
With Vauxhall’s IntelliLink infotainment system and using the Siri Eyes Free iPhone integration, you can now play a song of your choice from your iTunes library using voice control, so if you’re bored of the Christmas tunes already, you can rock it out to your own melodies.
Aron Brown continues: “While we can’t deliver the presents for you, we hope the great range of tech and features on our cars such as IntelliLink will help make this year’s seasonal road trips just that little bit easier.”
Vauxhall’s IntelliLink infotainment system, which made its debut in the ADAM model, is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Android devices. IntelliLink brings the connectivity and functionality of smartphones safely inside the car via a seven-inch, high resolution, full colour touch-screen display with Bluetooth or USB connections.
For more information go online to www.evanshalshaw.com/vauxhall or visit your closest dealership.
