Volkswagen Drivers Most Likely to Blast James Blunt on Road Trips, New Study Reveals

Music plays a crucial role in setting the vibe for any road trip, but with endless options, choosing the perfect driving playlist can be a challenge. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, or even James Blunt—who is most popular with Volkswagen drivers—our musical preferences vary depending on the car we drive. A new study from motoring experts at Group 1 Automotive highlights this connection, offering a fascinating look at how vehicle choice influences music taste.

Key Findings from the Study

Interestingly, Volkswagen drivers are the most likely to crank up James Blunt during their journeys, with 62% listing him among their top 10 favorite artists.
Fleetwood Mac emerged as the most popular artist among UK drivers, with a staggering 71% including them in their playlists. Diana Ross (67%) and Kylie Minogue (66%) followed closely behind.
Coldplay reigns supreme among BMW drivers, while The Eagles are the top choice for Skoda drivers. Ed Sheeran is the go-to artist for both Kia and Mercedes drivers.

Music Genres on the Road

Pop music remains the dominant genre, with 41% of drivers selecting it as their favorite. Other popular genres include:

Rock (37%)
R&B (23%)
Indie (21%)
Classical (21%)
Country (21%)

While pop leads the charge, some drivers prefer more eclectic mixes. For instance, Audi and Tesla drivers favor dance music, while Hyundai, Peugeot, and Volvo drivers enjoy musicals as part of their playlists.

Road Trip Playlists by Car Brand

Group 1 Automotive has also created ideal driving playlists tailored to specific car brands based on this data. For example:

BMW drivers are likely to enjoy a Coldplay-heavy playlist.
Ed Sheeran dominates Kia and Mercedes playlists.
Drivers of Skoda cars are most likely to enjoy the classic hits of The Eagles.

Fleetwood Mac and Diana Ross Dominate UK Roads

Despite these differences, some artists have universal appeal. Fleetwood Mac claimed the top spot for UK drivers overall, followed by Diana Ross, Kylie Minogue, Phil Collins, and Adele. Their timeless hits seem to transcend car brands, finding a place in many playlists across the country.

Methodology

The study, conducted by Group 1 Automotive, analyzed data from over 350,000 YouGov profiles to examine drivers’ favorite music genres and artists. It also included a survey of 500 UK adults through 3Gem, offering a comprehensive snapshot of musical preferences across the country.

About Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 Automotive is a leading international automotive retailer, operating over 70 sites across the UK. Committed to automotive excellence, the company ensures that customer satisfaction is always at the forefront of its operations.

Whether you're a James Blunt fan behind the wheel of a Volkswagen or a Coldplay enthusiast cruising in a BMW, this study shows that our music choices are as diverse as the cars we drive. So, next time you hit the road, consider how your car brand might be influencing your playlist!