More than half of the British population finds solace and relaxation in their vehicles, with 25% revealing they have less than 10 minutes of personal time daily. A significant 55% of individuals consider their car as their exclusive downtime spot, with many utilizing it as an unexpected stress-relief sanctuary.
A recent study by Hyundai unveiled that 82% of Brits opt to remain parked a bit longer to savor moments of tranquility. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) admit to lingering in their cars before entering their destinations to have a moment to themselves. Furthermore, 57% use this space to sing along to music freely, while 43% find driving therapeutic for clearing their minds amidst stress.
Hyundai is introducing ‘Spa in a Car,’ a novel Korean wellness pop-up within its cutting-edge all-electric SUV, the IONIQ 9. This immersive experience will be available in St Martins In The Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, starting on Thursday, June 11th, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the bustling city.
The event aims to help busy Londoners unwind and rejuvenate by providing a complimentary 20-minute treatment guided by a dedicated K-beauty therapist. Guests can enjoy Korean head, neck, and shoulder massages along with facial treatments tailored to alleviate tension and induce relaxation.
The initiative taps into the emotional bond Brits have with their cars, with 62% associating their vehicles with nostalgia and 72% reminiscing about childhood memories linked to family road trips. For many families, car journeys are cherished as valuable shared moments, with 70% considering them as quality family time and 63% recalling meaningful conversations held in cars.
Parents often rely on cars for practical purposes, with 73% revealing they have driven children to sleep and 46% revisiting childhood car journey music or audiobooks for relaxation. Comfort and ambiance play vital roles in enhancing relaxation during travel, as over half (51%) find comfortable seating calming, while features like air conditioning (31%) and heated seats (25%) contribute to a more soothing experience.
Furthermore, 40% of Brits prefer electric vehicles for their quieter interiors compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. The Hyundai IONIQ 9, available in six- and seven-seat configurations, offers up to 385 miles of driving range and ultra-fast charging capabilities, making it an ideal choice for modern urban lifestyles.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai and Genesis UK, emphasized the significance of ‘Spa in a Car’ in providing individuals with much-needed personal time and relaxation. The initiative transforms the car into a peaceful sanctuary, allowing guests to unwind and recharge amidst their busy schedules.
Yeany Kim, Director of Fine Clinic London, expressed pride in introducing Korean wellness heritage to London through this collaboration. The event brings traditional Korean rituals and modern beauty innovations to the city, offering an authentic wellness experience for all participants.
For those interested, bookings for ‘Spa in a Car’ at St Martins In The Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, can be made starting on Thursday, May 28th, at 10 am. The event will be open to the public on Thursday, June 11th, from 10 am to 6 pm, with free bookable slots available on Hyundai’s website.
