Vans are more than just a workplace for almost half of UK van drivers who view their work van as their ‘quiet space’, PEUGEOT research reveals
New research by PEUGEOT UK* has revealed that for many of Britain’s van drivers, their vehicle is more than just a means of getting from A to B – it’s a place to switch off, recharge and escape the pressures of the working day.
PEUGEOT found 43% of drivers who use a van for work said they consider their van to be their ‘quiet space’, 34% call it their ‘work office’, and over a quarter (29%) see it as somewhere to escape workplace stress.
With UK van drivers spending an average of two standard working days (17 hours) per week in their vans and 10% spending between 21-25 hours per week in their work vehicles, it’s no surprise that one fifth (20%) even consider their van as their second home.
Among the interior features drivers value most in their van are air conditioning (62%), plenty of storage (52%), adjustable seats (48%) and smartphone connectivity (47%). The PEUGEOT PARTNER has been designed to meet the needs of van drivers with air conditioning fitted as standard and a wide range of storage compartments including a full-width overhead shelf. It also features a load-through bulkhead as standard, while the Crew Van configuration provides seating for up to five. A 10-inch HD touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ is fitted on all versions as part of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®.
PEUGEOT’s research also explored the daily habits of van drivers, with almost half (48%) of those surveyed spending their lunch break in their vans, almost double the number of office workers who eat at their desks (28%**). By comparison, just 15% of van drivers spend most of their lunch breaks in a café, while 18% prefer to eat outdoors, and over half (55%) of van drivers eat lunch alone.
With most van drivers choosing to eat in their vans, a packed lunch is the typical work-day lunch for over half (51%), while just over one fifth (21%) opt for a supermarket meal deal, and 15% choose fast-food.
On average, van drivers who use their vehicle for work eat their lunch in their van four days per week. The work site was the most popular location for 48% of those eating lunch in their van, closely followed by a supermarket car park (35%), a service station or rest area (32%) and almost a third (31%) opt for a scenic location or local beauty spot.
While van drivers typically spend their lunch breaks listening to the radio (64%) or scrolling social media (55%), over a third (37%) use the time to call a friend or loved one, 36% catch up on the news and 28% spend the time on work emails and admin. Other lunch break past-times of van drivers include having a nap (19%), watching a TV show, movie or sports (19%), listening to an audio book or podcast (19%) and reading a book (13%).
The research also found that almost two thirds (63%) of van drivers use their vans for shopping, while nearly half (49%) rely on it for visiting friends and family. Almost a third (29%) use their van for sports and holidays, and more than a quarter (26%) for the school run – proving that for many British van drivers, their work van is an essential part of everyday life.
Unsurprisingly, practicality is another consideration for van-driving Brits, with their vehicle used to store a wide range of personal belongings including food (53%), paperwork (49%), and clothes (31%). More obscure items being housed in work vans by British van drivers include sports equipment (16%), cooking equipment (11%) and a bed or bedding (10%).
Steve Wass, Managing Director, PEUGEOT UK, said: “The work van is so much more than a means of getting from job to job. It’s an office, and crucially somewhere for van drivers to take a well-earned break. For 30 years, the PARNTER has been a reliable, versatile and comfortable solution in the compact van segment, and remains a firm favourite with UK van drivers to this day. With its generous standard equipment and unique i-Cockpit interior, it’s the perfect place for van drivers to spend time, whether at work or leisure.”
Originally launched in 1996 and now in its third generation, the PEUGEOT PARTNER is currently the UK’s best-selling compact van. Its practical and ergonomic interior is designed around the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, which features a compact steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and 10-inch HD touchscreen, providing a user-friendly experience. With a choice of diesel and electric powertrains available for the same monthly rental***, as well as standard and long wheelbase versions, the PARTNER supports a wide range of business needs.
