Drivers place greater value on comfort and convenience features than on cutting-edge safety tech, according to new research by online marketplace eBay.
Parking sensors, USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity topped the list of must-have in-car technologies, outpacing more advanced systems like autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 drivers, found that parking sensors were rated the most essential by 37% of respondents, followed by USB ports and Bluetooth, each cited by 29%. Despite the growing presence of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in new vehicles, many drivers remain hesitant, with 38% admitting they find features like lane-keeping aids and emergency braking systems disconcerting.
With over 11 million vehicles on UK roads aged 12 years or older – more than 31% of the 36.1 million car parc – many drivers are missing out on features that are now standard in newer models.
To demonstrate how older vehicles can be brought up to date, eBay purchased a 2005 BMW 330Ci and fitted it with several modern technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone mirroring, blind spot warning, a reversing camera, and integrated front and rear dashcams.
“The UK car parc is getting older, and more than half of the motorists in our study expect to keep their current car longer than they’ve kept previous vehicles,” said Abir Tewari, UK director of commercial operations for parts & accessories at eBay. “Fortunately, the modern technology features valued most by drivers can be fitted to older models relatively easily, to bring them up to date.”
The study also revealed that more than half (51%) have never used one or more of the advanced driver assistance or infotainment systems in their current cars. Cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning systems were among the most commonly ignored.