PARENTS SPEND 8 DAYS A YEAR DRIVING THEIR CHILDREN TO EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, FINDS CITROËN

• UK parents spend 8 days a year transporting their children to extracurricular activities, covering 1,600 miles, according to new research by Citroën UK
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of children rely on their parents to drive them to extracurricular activities
• 93% of parents said journeys provided valuable time to connect with their kids, with nearly half saying their child discusses personal issues or emotions
• Statistics highlight importance of the parental taxi and the car’s role in creating a comfortable space to connect
• Citroën has partnered with England Athletics to encourage activity for children and young people
• Citroën offers the most electric vehicles under £30,000 of any manufacturer, including new ë-C3
• Six Citroën vehicles qualify for the UK Government Electric Car Grant worth £1,500

New research conducted by Citroën UK has highlighted how important the often-overlooked taxi duties of parents are in supporting their children’s physical and emotional development, and how far parents will go to ensure their children have access to these activities.

Figures from a study of 2,000 UK drivers who have children aged between 4 to 18 years old revealed that over a quarter of parents (28%) spend up to four hours a week transporting their children to extra-curricular sport and club activities. The average amount of time spent was 3.66 hours per week, adding up to 8 days a year. Even if these activities took place just during the school term it would be 6 days per year.

The findings also showed that the average weekly distance covered was 31.5 miles, equating to 1,638 miles driven per year, while over a quarter of parents (27%) drive up to 50 miles a week to take their children to activities.

The new research comes as Citroën continues its partnership with England Athletics, the development body for grassroots running and athletics in the UK, as well as its official charity partner, the Personal Best Foundation, to encourage physical activity for children and young people across the country.

From the research, 64% of children were found to rely on their parents to drive them to extracurricular activities, with 93% of parents saying the time spent behind the wheel gives them a valuable chance to connect with their children.

Demonstrating the support parents offer to help their kids get to extra-curricular activities, 39% of parents said they had made sacrifices to their social or work lives to take their children to these clubs, although 57% said that they had never considered stopping their children’s activities to reduce driving time.

To help power the parental taxis of the UK, Citroën is making electric mobility more accessible with five electric vehicles under £30,000 including new New ë-C3 and the New ë-C3 Aircross Extended Range, which offer comfortable everyday driving for the family at an accessible price. New ë-C3 is now available from only £20,595, New ë-C3 Aircross starts at £21,595

The study underlines the role of a car as more than just transport for parents and their children, but a comfortable space for open conversation and a positive place to connect; nearly half (49%) said their child discusses personal issues or emotions with them during these regular car rides. With sport proven to have a positive impact on young people's wellbeing and mental health it further highlights how these routine journeys are a key part of a child’s active and social development.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director Citroën UK, said: “This study goes to show how the routine car journeys parents make are anything but ordinary. At Citroën we recognise the unsung role parents play and the importance of accessing extra-curricular activities such as sport. Together with England Athletics we are championing the mental and physical benefits of youth sport and through this valuable research it highlights the impact a vehicle can make to a child’s wellbeing every journey. As such, we aim to support families with vehicles like the ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross. They are perfect for supporting busy families with these types of journeys and are both designed to make the switch to an electric family car affordable.”

Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, said: "This new research from Citroën highlights just how important the parents and carers of the children and young people in our sport are in supporting the growth of grassroots athletics and running, not only in providing sustainable transport to activities and events, but how those journeys can help a child's active and social development. Our partnership continues our shared commitment to sustainability and making athletics more accessible to our children and young people."

The New Citroën ë-C3 features a 44kWh battery that provides up to 199 miles (WLTP combined cycle) of range, and 100kW DC rapid charging can boost the battery from 20-80% in just 26 minutes. New ë-C3 Aircross is available with an 188-mile range (WLTP) or in the Extended Range version offering up to 249 miles (WLTP) of range on a single charge.

With the amount of time parents and children spend each week on trips to extra-curricular activities, cabin comfort becomes a priority. New ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross  feature Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® technology, Advanced Comfort® suspension and Advanced Comfort® seats, providing maximum comfort to create a smooth and serene journey for all occupants. 

ENDS

Citroën

Since 1919, Citroën has been creating automobiles, technologies, and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. A brand of boldness and innovation, Citroën places peace of mind and well-being at the heart of its customer experience, and offers a wide range of models, from the distinctive Ami, an electric mobility object designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or rechargeable hybrid versions. A pioneer brand in the services and attention paid to its private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world. Citroën UK media website: www.media.stellantis.com/uk-en/citroen