Research by Citroën UK has found van drivers in the UK to be more health-conscious and wellbeing-motivated than pre-existing notions may have led us to believe, debunking outdated stereotypes.
Cooking and baking (44%), gardening (38%) and arts and crafts (22%) were some of the most popular hobbies of van drivers uncovered in the study by Citroën UK. Exercise was also found to be a priority for van drivers. While 14% of van drivers surveyed told Citroën they take up yoga and Pilates, over half (58%) said they actively go walking to stay fit and over a third (41%) go to the gym to stay active.
Citroen E Berlingo. Image: Citroen
The study of 2,000 UK drivers, including van drivers, was conducted by Citroën UK to assess whether the preconception of the ‘White Van Man’ still existed.
Positively, the perceptions of van driver’s road skills are also changing as almost two-thirds (62%) of all drivers said they were no more likely to report a van driver for poor driving than a car driver, and almost half (41%) of those polled said they think a van driver and a car driver would just as likely receive a parking fine.
Contrary to the preconception of van drivers being synonymous with red-top newspapers, just under half (47%) of van drivers polled said that they get their news from broadsheet outlets, and when it comes to audio content, a quarter (25%) of van drivers prefer to listen to podcasts and audiobooks over the radio.
However, while the research highlighted many misleading stereotypes, it did reveal some common notions which could be considered accurate. A full English breakfast is still the morning meal of choice for over a third (39%) of van drivers compared to a quarter (25%) of car drivers, and van drivers are almost twice as likely as car drivers to take sugar in their tea.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director Citroën UK, said “It is clear that the habits and lifestyles of van drivers in the UK have moved on from the preconceptions of the previous decade. As the pioneer of the leisure activity vehicle, Citroën has always offered its customers a robust model that suits them and adapts to their every need.
“New Berlingo Van is the UK’s most popular small van, and demonstrates our commitment to providing accessible and comfortable transport for small to medium businesses across the country, along with the British-built fully electric New ë-Berlingo Van.”
