Ipsos study reveals strong automobile attachment in France

An Ipsos study conducted for the Mondial de l’Auto reveals a strong emotional and functional attachment to automobiles among the French population. While purchasing criteria have shifted toward pragmatic factors such as safety, comfort, and usage costs due to purchasing power constraints, the car remains a symbol of freedom and autonomy.

Nationally, 81% of French citizens report they cannot do without a car, and 51% have felt a ‘nearly sentimental’ attachment to a vehicle. The study also highlights a significant interest among the 16-24 age demographic, with 84% expressing a desire to own high-end vehicles if they had the means.

The attachment to automobiles is notably higher in the Hauts-de-France region compared to the national average. In this region, 89.2% of residents state they cannot live without their car, 69% view driving as a source of pleasure, and 65.5% report having felt a sentimental connection to a vehicle.