American Drivers Have an "Inferior Interior" Complex About Their

Americans are doing more than just driving behind the wheel at least 12 hours each week. Longer commutes and more obligations force drivers to eat meals, conduct business, and even groom themselves within the confines of their cars. All of this activity leads to messy on-the-go disasters that contribute to a less-than-perfect car interior. A recent survey from Milliken & Company's YES Essentials brand revealed 72 percent of Americans have stains on their car interiors. The survey also found the unsightly stains and unpleasant odors that result from this added wear and tear have lead to driver dissatisfaction – a sort of "inferior interior" complex.

The survey found 60 percent of American drivers acknowledged they like their car's interior less than its exterior. The survey also revealed stains and odors on a person's car interior cause a tremendous amount of embarrassment. Nearly two out of five drivers (37 percent) admit they would be embarrassed to drive around someone whom they wanted to impress—such as a date, client or colleague. Forty-eight percent of Americans have even felt the need to apologize for the state of their car's interior before letting a passenger get in.

Not only are people unhappy and embarrassed by their car's interior, but they also feel others might get the wrong impression about their lifestyle and habits - based on what's found inside their car. Nearly eight in 10 (77 percent) drivers believe the inside of someone's car reveals a lot more about their interests and lifestyle than the outside.

Despite these concerns, Americans continue to engage in activity that leads to a dirty car interior, as nearly 60 percent of all vehicle owners eat or allow someone to eat in their vehicles1, and the average person eats 32 restaurant-purchased meals in their car every year.