Half of Gen Z drivers give their car nicknames, with Baby being the most common

Nearly half (47%) of Gen Z drivers in the UK have a nickname for their vehicle, with Baby being the most common, says recent research by Honda UK.

The new study explores how UK drivers personify their cars and which driving memories trigger the most nostalgia.

The survey of 1,500 UK drivers found that while most (77%) still call their vehicle a “car,” younger drivers are much more likely to give it nicknames. Favourites include affectionate names like “Baby”, “Babe,” and “Betty.” Power-driven names like “Beast” and “Rocket” were also popular. Nostalgic picks like “Herbie,” “Churchill,” and “Elvis” also made the list.

Troy, 31, from London, shared how his family named their small white car “Blanco”: “My partner always wanted to name the car, and my daughter just enjoys naming things. Knowing your car has a nickname evokes positive emotions – it feels like it’s part of the family in some weird way.”

According to drivers Honda spoke to, giving cars nicknames helps create an emotional connection. Whether it’s about affection, personality, or nostalgia, these names become part of the driver’s own story.

Jennika, 31, from Leeds, added: “I call mine Penny the Polo. My mum randomly came up with the name, and it just stuck! I used to get called Penny at school (not really sure why), and it rhymes with Jenny, plus the alliteration of Penny the Polo just works. It’s a great conversation starter – I always talk about her as if she’s a person, which gets a few laughs.”

The survey goes beyond nicknames, looking into the emotional bond drivers have with their cars. Nearly half (42%) said that specific songs or genres bring back memories of past journeys.

Millennials are the most nostalgic when it comes to music, with 46% reflecting on songs that shaped their formative driving years. Boomers, on the other hand, feel most nostalgic when seeing classic cars on the road (29%) and the days of using physical maps (24%).

Celebrating 25 years of hybrids, Honda shared a milestone that mirrors Gen Z’s age. Drivers in this age group (29%) often feel nostalgic about simple things, like the breeze through an open window.

Honda’s survey also shows how nostalgic trends differ by region. In London, 48% of drivers say listening to specific songs or genres brings back good memories, and 42% enjoy stopping at familiar spots such as roadside cafes or scenic lookouts.

In the East Midlands 40% link positive memories to driving familiar routes, and 33% of people in South East tie good times to the company they share while driving.

Honda Regional Operations Manager (South), Graham Hawkins, commented: “It’s clear that in London, music is a key part of the driving experience. Whether it’s nostalgic tunes or festive playlists, it plays an important role in connecting drivers to their journeys.”

In the North, Steve Fielden, Honda Regional Operations Department Manager, added: “Drivers in our region often find themselves reminiscing over familiar routes and the music they played while driving. I think this shows how cars really do play a central part in our lives and the memories we create on the road.”

Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK, said: “Our survey shows that driving is about more than just getting from point A to B. Music, nostalgic features, and car nicknames reveal how emotionally invested UK drivers are in their vehicles. It’s heartwarming to see how these little things make each ride a little more special for every driver.”