The Christmas holiday season is upon us, and many of us may struggle with the prospect of finding a special gift for that someone special. For auto enthusiasts, there are a number of options that may include state of the art technology, special service packages at dealerships or gifts that range from the basic to the very extravagant.
There are several interesting gift ideas that could help you dress up your vehicle, ranging from custom fitted seat covers to custom floor mats. Other practical options may include a roof rack for those who experience a jam-packed vehicle every time they venture out on a road trip. Or for those who don’t want to leave anything to chance, a portable battery pack that allows you to boost your vehicle on your own or a roadside emergency kit are recommended options.
Many new technologies in the market today can be fitted to work on any car – something that can be really convenient, especially if your gift recipient happens to be a driver of an older vehicle. Many older vehicles do not have navigation systems or back-up cameras installed, but these can be easy and useful additions for any driver.
Another camera-related gift option is a dashboard camera. Designed to record sounds and images while you are driving, dashboard cameras can be a very practical gift for any driver, especially in case of car accidents. For parents with teenagers who are embarking on solo drives for the first time, dash cams can be an important learning tool and also allow parents to see where their teen has been.
For car lovers who like to baby their vehicles, many dealerships offer auto “spa packages” for interior and exterior detailing services – so check dealership websites for any special promotions or gift cards. Or perhaps for the music lover, the most meaningful gift may be an upgraded audio system inside their vehicle.
We all know the dangers of distracted driving and the consequences that come with it. Cell phone car mounts and USB phone chargers make great stocking stuffers for people of all ages as do car chargers, including wireless charging systems.
Desrosiers Automotive Consultants recently released its annual list of the most sought-after vehicles on the holiday wish list. For the fifth year in a row, SUVs proved to be the most popular choice by almost of third of consumers. Electric vehicles claimed second place with a 15.6% response rate. Pickup-up trucks were preferred by 13.0% of the survey pool, followed by sedans at 9.8%, exotic/sports cars at 9.1%, and small economy cars at 7.7%.
Even if a new vehicle may not be at the top of your gift giving list, but you’re looking for the perfect auto gift, plan to visit your nearest new car dealership for help. Their experts would be happy to assist and will help make the holidays a little brighter for the auto enthusiast in your family.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
