Poll: Are men and women treated equally when buying cars?

The pressure of buying a car can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for both men and women, but according to new research carried out by Good Housekeeping women also find the process intimidating and sexist.

More than 2,600 women took part in the nationwide research, conducted to uncover the misogynistic minefield faced by today's women when looking for a new car.

The Good Housekeeping survey reveals more than 70 per cent of women admit that car salesmen still address the men in their company rather than themselves – even though only 5 per cent of the time women leave the final car purchasing decision to their male partners.

According to Good Housekeeping the final car buying decision is a joint affair 53 per cent with a further 43 per cent of women making the decision alone.

The majority of women surveyed think car dealerships need to do a lot more to bridge the gender divide: 66 per cent believe car dealerships could be more female friendly and 49 per cent find car sales staff patronising. A quarter actually finds their tone towards women to be disrespectful.

A significant number, 36 per cent, even go as far to say they feel vulnerable and lack confidence visiting car dealerships.

Just 18 per cent of women found car sales staff communicated all the details needed in language they understood.

The national car buying survey also reveals 69 per cent would haggle for a new car, 45 per cent say car drivers and designers often don't consider drivers who carry elderly passengers or children and 38 per cent would like somewhere safe to put their bag

In response to this research and the fact two thirds of women think car reviews are currently geared towards men, Good Housekeeping has joined forces with motoring expert and TV presenter Ginny Buckley, as its new Motoring Editor, to launch weekly car reviews on its website – www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/money/women-at-the-wheel. The channel also includes car buying advice and driving tips for female motorists.

Good Housekeeping's new Motoring Editor Ginny Buckley says, "The days when we left the decision making to our partner are over, but sadly the car industry doesn't seem to have caught up with this. Car dealerships are the worst offenders, many are stuck in the dark ages and need to be more female friendly. Talking to female customers, rather than simply addressing the man they're with would be a good start."

Good Housekeeping Consumer Director Caroline Bloor says, "It's surprising that, despite the undoubted importance of women as car purchasers, more isn't done to address them directly either in the showroom or via car reviews.