No Blue Skies For Grey Car Drivers

AUTO CENTRAL – November 11, 2008: Drivers of grey cars are more likely to need roadside assistance than any other coloured vehicle, according to research by digital motoring magazine, imotormag.co.uk.

The study by the free online magazine found that more than one-in-three of the UK’s 1.3 million grey car drivers will call on help from the likes of the AA or RAC to top the UK’s breakdown chart.

The research from imotormag.co.uk also shows that green isn’t the lucky charm some drivers were wishing for. Owners of the nation’s sixth most popular car colour are the second most likely group to require roadside assistance.

With more blue cars on Britain’s roads than any other colour - over 7 million registered - they are nearly 15% less likely to call out a breakdown vehicle than their grey-hued counterparts.

Despite an association with ageing and all things dull and boring, it’s not all bad news and expensive repairs for grey car owners as the major breakdown companies reported the majority of calls received relate to flat batteries and tyre punctures, rather than mechanical failure.

Mat Watson, editor of imotormag.co.uk, said: “The results are genuinely surprising. One theory is that many hire and company car fleets choose grey vehicles as the colour looks newer for longer, with dents and scratches less noticeable. These vehicles are often exposed to very high mileage, so perhaps their chance of needing assistance is greater. Then again, grey cars could just be cursed!”