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FiatUk

Millions of drivers willing to park nearly one mile from chosen destination to avoid parallel parking; half admit to Parallel-o-phobia

  • On average, drivers are willing to park almost one mile away – or a 20 minute walk – from their destination to avoid parallel parking
  • TV personality Jamie Laing says he’ll avoid parallel parking ‘at all costs’ as nearly half (44%) of motorists admit to being fearful of the parking manoeuvre
  • Men twice as confident at parallel parking compared to women
  • UK’s best and worst regions for parallel parking revealed: Yorkshire and Humber top the list, Londoners come last
  • In total, Brits fork out over £1.5 billion due to parking prangs
  • FIAT partners with Driving School TV to launch the Parallel Parking Guide, featuring Jamie Laing, [https://www.fiat.co.uk/news/parallel-parking] to help drivers master the skill

London, 26 September 2023: Millions of motorists get so flustered at the prospect of parallel parking they’d rather park nearly a mile away from their chosen destination than attempt the manoeuvre.

Dubbed ‘parallelophobia’, almost half of drivers (44%) say they are fearful of parallel parking.

Those who tend to steer clear include TV star and learner driver Jamie Laing, who admits he will avoid attempting a parallel park ‘at all costs’.

A survey of 2,000 motorists, commissioned by FIAT, has lifted the lid on how Brits feel about the dreaded parking procedure and uncovered the financial impact of poor parking skills.

On average, drivers spend £158 on repairs over their lifetime thanks to parking gone wrong, equating to a staggering £1.5 billion*.

The leading reasons Brits fear parallel parking include blocking the road and keeping other drivers waiting (40%), worrying about getting too close to and damaging other cars (37%),  fear of being embarrassed and pressured by people watching (36%), worrying about taking too long to park (30%) and not understanding the yellow lines (23%).

The research also found that on average, drivers are willing to park 0.8 miles away (a 20 minute walk) so they don’t have to parallel park.

Given the troubles motorists seem to face with parallel parking, FIAT has partnered with Driving School TV – a popular YouTube channel fronted by qualified driving instructor Francis Noakes, to launch the Fiat Parallel Parking Guide[SL1] .

As part of the guide, FIAT recruited celebrity Jamie Laing to face ‘parallelophobia’ head-on in an all-electric FIAT 500e, as he was taught how to parallel park. Jamie Laing also attempted the world record for the tightest parallel park, previously achieved in a FIAT 500, at just 7.5cm longer than the length of the car.

“Learning to drive has been like navigating through a maze of frustration, and parallel parking? Don’t even get me started. It’s my least favourite manoeuvre to do.  It makes my palms sweat. I swear

whenever I attempt one my car’s magnetically drawn to the kerb. It’s a skill I’ve just never quite mastered and I will avoid it at all costs.

“I stopped learning to drive a little while ago but after finally passing my theory test having booked around 70 tests, and having to renew my provisional licence as it had expired after 10 years, I’m back learning to drive in a Fiat 500 electric with Francis Noakes from Driving School TV. This guy has already shown me some secret magic trick that suddenly made parallel parking easier and, dare I say, fun to learn – perhaps it’s that the 500e is small and compact to park. He also unofficially helped me match a world record, sort of.

FIAT’s research also revealed drivers spend an average of four and a half hours a year attempting to parallel park** – equating to eight days of their life***.

Parallel parking makes 45% of Brits feel stressed, while 41% have relied on a stranger to help them do it. 67% have driven past a potential space rather than attempt the idea of a parallel park once or multiple times. On average, drivers will attempt a parallel park four times before parking successfully.

Men were twice as confident (32% men very confident vs 16% women very confident), yet there appeared to be very little difference in actual competence with men taking equally as long to complete a parallel park as women (approx. 1.5 minutes).

For those that do manage to parallel park successfully, 31% leave feeling smug, 30% admire their work, 18% brag about it on social media and 17% even do a happy dance.

The FIAT Parallel Parking Index also determined the regions that struggle the most and least with the parallel park. FIAT scored drivers by region on the following factors; average distance from destination drivers are willing to park, average time taken to successfully complete a parallel park, percentage of drivers that are confident, fearful and stressed about the parking manoeuvre, as well as how much money has been spent on fixing their cars as a result of a parallel parking shunt.

The most competent parallel parkers were drivers from the North East. While drivers from London, Scotland and the North West occupied the bottom three spots.

Most notably, Londoners were open to parking a staggering 1.2 miles away from their destination – the equivalent distance of walking between the London Eye and Buckingham Palace: around a 24-minute journey.

On the flip side, drivers from Yorkshire and the Humber weren’t willing to park any further than 0.4 miles (less than 10 minute walk) from their intended destination.

Meanwhile, Londoners have forked out £207 on parking prangs, while those in Yorkshire and the Humber have spent nearly £100 less (£129.50) on average.

AVERAGE DISTANCE FROM DESTINATION DRIVERS ARE WILLING TO PARK – MILES (WALKING TIME)

AVERAGE TIME TAKEN TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A PARALLEL PARK (MINUTES)

AVERAGE OF MOST NUMBER OF TIMES ITS TAKEN TO SUCCESSFULLY PARALLEL PARK

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS THAT ARE CONFIDENT OR VERY CONFIDENT PARALLEL PARKING

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS FEARFUL OF PARALLEL PARKING (STRONGLY AGREE / SOMEWHAT AGREE)

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS STRESSED OF PARALLEL PARKING (STRONGLY AGREE / SOMEWHAT AGREE)

TOTAL SCORE

(LOW = MOST COMPETENT, HIGH = LEAST COMPETENT)

Yorkshire and the Humber

0.4 (8 minutes)

1.1

3.2

63%

36

38

6.2

North East

0.5 (10 minutes)

1.2

3.3

55%

31

31

5.9

Northern Ireland

0.7 (14 minutes)

1.3

3.4

50%

38

38

6.6

South East

0.7 (14 minutes)

1.1

3.6

55%

40

43

6.8

East Midlands

0.5 (10 minutes)

1.5

3.5

71%

48

48

7.6

West Midlands

1.1 (22 minutes)

1.9

5.1

35%

28

29

7.3

South West

0.9 (18 minutes)

1.7

4.7

57%

33

34

7.5

North West

0.8 (16 minutes)

1.4

3.6

68%

56

59

8.4

East Anglia

0.6 (12 minutes)

1.4

3.6

53%

43

44

7.0

Scotland

0.8 (16 minutes)

1.1

4.7

69%

55

60

8.5

Wales

0.9 (18 minutes)

1.8

3.9

55%

46

48

8.1

London

1.2 (24 minutes)

1.9

4.6

63%

50

53

9.3

Damien Dally, FIAT UK Managing Director, said: “It’s a well-known fact that cars have grown in size in recent years, which can only add to the additional stress of parallel parking caused by things like fear of holding up traffic, or bumping into and damaging another car.

 

“The all-electric Fiat 500e is the ultimate city car, having won countless industry awards. It’s the perfect compact car to get around and park in crowded cities or busy urban environments, alleviating the fears of tricky manoeuvres for drivers.

 

“In addition, the 500e is packed full of technology that helps drivers park more easily, from park assist, to blind-spot monitoring and rear-view camera. But not every driver is able to benefit from the size and capabilities of a 500e when it comes to parking, which is why we’re hoping our parking guide will help to reduce ‘parallelophobia’ impacting millions of Brits.”

FIAT recently launched a new E-Grant, where buyers can receive £3,000 towards an all-electric 500e model. For more information on the all-electric Fiat 500e, visit here.www.fiat.co.uk/500-electric/all-electric-500-hatchback  

ENDS

 

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

*Average amount spent on fixing cars after hitting other cars while parking is £158.10

£158.10*((34,292,000 (UK car drivers (source GWI))/100)*29 – percentage who have hit another car while parking)) = £1,572,253,908

**Average amount of times people park a week (3.3)*How much time spent per parallel park (1.5 minutes)*52= 257.4 minutes / 4.29 hours

***Based on driving from the age of 17 to 67

The All Electric FIAT 500e is available from £25,195 (inc £3,000 e-Grant). All Electric FIAT 500e Convertible from £31,195 (inc £3,000 e-Grant)

Contact: fiat@performancecomms.com

Featured

The Velocity Ford Bronco Restomod Preserves A Classic Feel

The Velocity Restorations Ford Bronco offers a unique driving experience by preserving the classic feel of the vintage 4×4. Priced at almost $300,000, this restomod is designed to evoke nostalgia and capture the essence of an older, analog vehicle. Despite not being the target demographic, the author still felt a sense of nostalgia while driving the Bronco, as it reminded them of the vintage 4x4s they grew up with in Puerto Rico.

Velocity Classic Ford Bronco
Engine 5.0-Liter Naturally-Aspirated V8
Transmission 10-Speed Automatic
Base Price $269,900
As-Tested Price $292,400

The 1970 Ford Bronco used for this restomod was meticulously restored and modified by Velocity Restorations. Based in Cantonment, FL, the company specializes in restoring and upgrading various vintage vehicles including Broncos, K5 Blazers, Mustangs, F-100s, and F-250s. The process of ordering a Velocity Bronco is simple, allowing customers to choose the exterior color, interior finish, and optional extras. With a guaranteed 14-week build timeline, the company ensures a timely delivery of the vehicle after restoring all components and performing road testing.

Under the sleek black exterior, the Bronco boasts a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine comes with custom headers and a performance exhaust, resulting in a powerful and throaty sound. The thoroughly modified chassis includes a lift kit, upgraded axles, sway bars, an aluminum fuel tank, and larger brakes. The Bronco also features Method Race Wheels and BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires.

Velocity Classic Ford Bronco

Inside, the Velocity Bronco features comfortable seats with a diamond-stitch pattern and ample leg and headroom. The cabin is equipped with a wooden steering wheel, an easy-to-read gauge cluster with a small digital display, and a basic Alpine head unit. Despite its simple interior, the Bronco provides a classic and nostalgic vibe.

Velocity Classic Ford Bronco

The base price for the Velocity Restorations Ford Bronco is $269,900, with customization options potentially increasing the final price. While the value of such high-dollar restomods can be subjective, purchasing a vehicle like this is more about the experience it offers and the statement it makes. The Velocity Bronco successfully combines classic aesthetics with modern reliability, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a unique and nostalgic driving experience.

Although the author may not be the primary audience for the Velocity Bronco, they appreciate its charm and the allure of driving a vintage-looking vehicle with modern reliability. The author commends Velocity Restorations for their attention to preserving the classic vibe while adding new components and materials. Ultimately, the decision to purchase a restomod like this comes down to the strong feelings and experiences it evokes in the buyer.

News, Technology

Netflix’s Ambitious Plan to Create Content Using AI

Netflix is reportedly willing to invest heavily in roles that require expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The company is offering generous salaries to AI/ML professionals, such as Technical Directors and Research Scientists, who can assist with game development or explore cutting-edge AI use cases to solve Netflix’s problems. These professionals can earn up to $650,000 and $900,000, respectively. Even Product Managers and Engineering Managers specializing in ML platforms and member satisfaction can earn up to $900,000 and $842,000 per year.

These high salaries demonstrate that Netflix, along with other production studios, is actively embracing AI technology to improve workflow efficiency and increase profits. One approach is to acquire the rights to an artist’s voice or physical profile. However, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently rejected a proposal by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) that aimed to pay artists a one-time fee of $200 to gain ownership of their digital likeness for future usage in entertainment properties without additional compensation for each use in films, shows, or video games.

The prevailing consensus is that AI implementation is inevitable. Marvel, for instance, has utilized AI to create credit posters, and now The Beatles are using AI to complete a song in the voice of a deceased band member. However, the concern is not only about fair compensation, but also studios’ commitment to ensuring that AI does not replace human talent. Unfortunately, Netflix’s substantial investment in AI talent may be perceived as a threat by protesting writers and actors.

Motorsport

Consumers Willing To Adopt Some In-Car Subscriptions According To Survey

A recent study by S&P Global Mobility reveals that consumers are willing to pay for connected-car services, but only for ones that offer clear value or are available with a free trial. However, they are less interested in features they won’t use or already have on their smartphones.

Automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have faced criticism for introducing subscription-based products and services in their vehicles. However, according to the S&P Global Mobility survey, consumers are generally open to subscriptions when they provide exposure to new features and technologies. When given the option of a free trial or existing subscriptions on newer vehicles, 82 percent of respondents said they would consider purchasing subscription-based services for future new-vehicle purchases.


The survey also emphasized the importance of offering value-added services through subscriptions. Paid functional upgrades, particularly enhanced navigation and advanced driver-assist system (ADA) functionality, are highly desirable. Safety features like high-beam assist and driving video recorder received the highest satisfaction ratings among connected services. However, features like heated seats or remote start garnered less interest because consumers are used to paying for these items as part of an options package.

GM’s decision to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of their native infotainment system is aimed at leveraging this trend by increasing subscription retention and providing access to more consumer usage data. The S&P Global Mobility survey highlighted that while consumers have concerns about data privacy, 74 percent of respondents said they are willing to share data for free services and consider automakers more trustworthy than technology companies like Google or Meta.

What was not evident in the survey was whether most consumers were willing to pay a monthly subscription for added performance. Mercedes-Benz is offering Acceleration Increase, a performance subscription that increases a car’s output by 20 to 24 percent on its electric vehicles. However, BMW has no plans to offer over-the-air performance upgrades for its future electric vehicles. This decision is not due to any technical issues, but rather because BMW believes the income generated by the subscription fees would not be profitable enough to cover the necessary technical requirements and regulations.

News

Will Hands-Free Off-Roading Really Become A Thing?

Off-roading has traditionally been an activity for adventurous individuals who are willing to get their hands dirty. However, advancements in autonomous driving technology are now paving the way for a more advanced off-road driving experience. With the possibility of autonomous driving systems being integrated into rugged terrain vehicles, is it time for technology to take over from muscle when conquering harsh landscapes? Jeep has already showcased how artificial intelligence and autonomous technology can assist drivers in navigating challenging off-road terrains. Could Jeep’s Active Driving Assist technology bring us one step closer to hands-free off-roading?

The answer is a resounding yes. Gone are the days when off-roading was a nerve-wracking experience filled with adrenaline and worry about making it out unscathed. With automation technologies like GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot, hands-free and hassle-free off-roading is now possible.

Stellantis Level 2+ Driver Assist System Promises A Revolutionary Off-Roading Experience

Stellantis has recently unveiled its Level 2+ driver assist system called “Active Driving Assist.” This advanced system incorporates a combination of cameras and radars to provide adaptive cruise control, lane centering, speed sign recognition, hands-free capabilities on North American roads, and extended hands-off cruising through over-the-air updates. Jeep has tested this technology in Moab, Utah, and believes that it can enhance the off-roading experience for both seasoned off-roaders and newcomers to rugged terrains. Additionally, Jeep envisions self-driving technology playing a crucial role in making day-to-day off-road trails easier to navigate, with potential commercial applications in the future.

Other automakers like Ford are also offering driver-assist features such as BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving feature available on select models. BlueCruise utilizes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Speed Sign Recognition, and designated “Blue Zones” on North American roads. While these systems are still in development and not widely available, they demonstrate the progress being made towards hands-free off-roading.

Tesla And General Motors Unleashing Level 2 Autonomous Experiences

Semi-autonomous driver assist systems, categorized as Level 2 automation, have been making significant advancements in recent years. Examples of Level 2 systems include GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot. GM’s Super Cruise operates within prequalified sections of divided highways, providing a smooth driving experience with various safety features. Tesla’s Autopilot relies on cameras, sensors, and data uploaded by other Teslas to offer automated assistance on various roads. Both systems have their unique approaches and benefits, but they provide drivers with safe and hands-free experiences.

While current autonomous technologies are mainly focused on highway driving, the possibility of hands-free off-roading is becoming increasingly plausible. As automakers continue to innovate towards Level-5 autonomy, expanding maps and evolving technology will open up new possibilities for safe and efficient off-road driving experiences.

Prepare For A New Age Of Safe And Efficient Automated Off-Road Driving

While fully autonomous off-road driving may not be a reality yet, the development of self-driving systems in levels 3 to 5 is ongoing. These systems will offer improved safety and control, allowing adventurous individuals to explore remote areas without sacrificing comfort or control. Automakers are confident in their ability to develop AI-driven vehicles that enhance convenience and overall road safety. The competition within this field remains fierce, with Jeep predicting rapid integration of new features and technology. Hands-free off-roading may become a widespread option in the near future, provided that safety concerns are adequately addressed and safety tests are passed.

In the meantime, it is still advisable to keep your hands on the wheel when off-roading, at least until the technology advances further. However, as obstacles are overcome and technology progresses, the passion and excitement associated with off-road driving will be preserved through the integration of advanced automotive tech.