eBay research reveals more than two thirds of motorists suffer navigational mishaps without Sat Nav
eBay, the UK’s number one online marketplace for vehicle parts and accessories, reveals more than two thirds of motorists (69%) have experienced a navigational mishap when driving without Sat Nav or a navigation app.
Almost half (45%) say they have got lost or taken a wrong turn while driving without a Sat Nav or a navigation app, while 31% have felt stressed, 29% travelled further than necessary and a quarter (25%) have arrived late to their destination.
eBay also found that one in five motorists (20%) admit to not feeling confident reading a traditional road map or atlas when driving to an unfamiliar destination.
The research has demonstrated that navigation technology has become an everyday driving companion, rather than simply something motorists turn to when they do not know the way.
So much so that one in five (21%) drivers say they use Sat Nav or navigation apps on every or most journeys even when they already know the route.
Smartphones have changed how motorists navigate. Almost half (46%) say their most commonly used navigation method is an app on their smartphone screen or through phone mirroring. This compares with 29% who most often rely on their vehicle’s built-in navigation system and only 5% who use a physical road atlas.
With motorists preparing for last road trips of the summer, eBay offers a wide range of navigation products and accessories, including portable Sat Navs, phone mounts and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrades.
eBay’s research found the shift to modern technology comes as motorists want more features than simply providing directions. For example, 36% say live traffic information is among the features they find most useful, followed by estimated arrival times (34%) and automatic route recalculation (27%).
Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: “Sat Nav technology has transformed the way motorists get around. Drivers are no longer only using it when they do not know the way, but as an everyday tool to help with everything from traffic status to journey times.
“With eBay’s My Garage and eBay Assured Fit, drivers can quickly find the right products for their vehicle and navigation needs, making every journey that little bit smoother.”
