Does your car make a good first impression?

• November 29, 2024

• Abby Nuttall

88% of Brits Believe a Vehicle Affects Their Perception of a Business

In today’s competitive market, first impressions matter more than ever, and for businesses in trades and property services, even the vehicle you drive plays a surprisingly big role in how clients perceive you.

We surveyed Brits to understand just how much a vehicle affects their perception of a business, and asked which vehicles signalled professionalism, trustworthiness and intelligence.

According to our survey, 88% of Brits say that a vehicle influences their impression of a business. Even more telling is that 36% of Brits feel a car has a significant impact on their view of a driver or business - something that professionals can’t afford to overlook.

From vans to high-end estate cars, the vehicle you choose can project an image of professionalism, intelligence, and even trustworthiness. Read on to uncover which cars signal these traits the most.

Tesla Model 3 Saloon Has Been Voted as the Most Professional-Looking Car

We asked respondents which car they felt made the business or driver look the most professional. At the top of the list is Tesla Model 3, with 35% of respondents voting for this model. The Tesla Model 3 is a sleek and innovative car, which could signal modernity and success.

In second place is the Audi A3. 19% of respondents stated they thought this car made drivers and businesses look professional. The Audi A3 is a luxury car, from a German manufacturer. German cars are often praised for their attention to detail, and performance-oriented design; both are good qualities that you would want to associate with a business.

Drivers of a Volkswagen Transporter Van Look the Most Professional According to Survey

We also asked Brits what van they thought looked the most professional for businesses. Surprisingly, one van was a clear winner with over half (51%) of Brits voting for it - the Volkswagen Transporter. The VW Transporter is a stylish van that combines practicality with its ample room in the front and back.

According to a FN50 fleet reliability survey, the vehicle is one of the most reliable vans around. So, coupled with dependability, functionality and credibility this makes the VW Transporter a good choice for business owners.

Want to Show You are Trustworthy? Drive a Skoda Octavia Estate 

Beyond professionalism, there’s trustworthiness - an essential quality for building strong client relationships. But, what vehicle should you or your business use if you want to show you’re trustworthy? Well, apparently the Skoda Octavia estate is the best car to show you can be trusted, with 35% of Brits voting for this.

The Skoda Octavia has an upmarket feel, whilst still being practical with plenty of boot space. And, with plenty of efficient engines to choose from, such as petrol diesel or plug-in hybrid company car drivers can save on fuel too.

Following behind the Skoda is the Tesla Model 3 Saloon. 15% of respondents stated this car makes the driver appear the most trustworthy. The Model 3 is full of excellent tech and with a competitive range, it’s something you can rely on which might be why Brits felt this car signalled trust.

So, if you want to show trust and resonate with your clients, for example, if you’re an estate agent, financial advisor, or other service professional, either of these two cars would be an ideal choice.

Tesla Model 3 Drivers Appear the Most Intelligent, Followed by Tesla Model Y

For those aiming to appear intelligent and savvy, Teslas lead the way. The Tesla Model 3 came out on top with 32% of votes, followed by the Model Y with 25% of votes.

Both of these cars are electric, which could suggest that the company is informed on climate change and eco-concious, so this might be why Brits felt they portrayed intelligence. Plus, both of these vehicles are packed with innovative technology which again could help project intelligence.

For client-facing businesses and professionals both of these vehicles are worth considering, the Tesla Model 3 was also voted as the most professional, making it a good choice.

Tips for Making a Good Impression with Your Car

So, what can business owners take away from these results? We spoke to Simon Naylor, director of Wessex Fleet, to provide some practical tips for choosing a vehicle that supports your brand image:

1. Align Your Car Choice with Your Brand

“If you’re in a high-tech field, a Tesla could reinforce that innovative feel. For more traditional professions, a trusted model like the Skoda Octavia might serve you better,” suggests Simon.

2. Keep it Clean and Well-Maintained

Whatever vehicle you drive, make sure it’s clean and in good shape.

Simon adds: “A dirty or damaged car can undermine your professionalism, no matter how luxurious the model.”

3. Consider Branding

Subtle branding on vehicles can be a cost-effective way to advertise your brand. Vehicles are constantly moving, which will help give your business consistent exposure throughout your local area.

4. Invest in Practicality as Well as Style

“Especially for trade industries, the look is important, but so is the functionality. You will want to come prepared to meet clients, so you will want a vehicle that can hold everything necessary for the job,” explains Simon.

We surveyed vehicle lease customers and asked them how much they thought a vehicle affects their perception of a person or business. We then asked the respondents to pick the vehicle they thought made the driver look the most professional, trustworthy, and intelligent. Respondents picked from a choice of the most popular lease models.