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Especially to German and American men, they are status symbols. Not so to French and Italian men.
I don’t know for sure. I drive a 2015 Hyundai Elantra and my wife drives a 2019 Hyundai Kona. My dad also didn’t have this mentality. My mom was one to try to keep up or surpass her friends and neighbors. There is a history of wanting to show off your success/wealth to your friends and neighbors and one of the easiest ways of doing that was by what vehicle you have parked outside your home. This idea was also promoted in advertising programs in print and television. It was also sometimes shown in movies and television here in USA. Some people seem to look upon their vehicle as a reflection of themselves. They want the most powerful sports car, the most powerful truck/SUV, or the most luxurious vehicle to reflect what they see in themselves.
That's an extreme view... but with that said, being an "auto enthusiast" is certainly more common with men. It's the man and machine thing, it's personal, provides enjoyment and auto's are customizable.
I care little about status, but care a whole lot about design performance. If it's designed to go fast, or tow, or work... then I want it to do 'that' well. How well or how much 'better' it can do that, is what an auto enthusiast seeks.
In the town I was brought up in, a Cadillac was a sign of success in the 60's and 70's. I had a BIL that did not have two nickels to rub together but he always drove a new Cadillac. In the 80s and 90s a BMW or Mercedes were signs of success.
Italians don't love cars? The nation that gave us Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lancia, all cars designed to look good while providing maximum driving pleasure? Their heyday is behind them but Italy loved Enzo Ferrari.
Cars represent potency, energy, independence and even adventure. The more 'civilized' your life otherwise is the more you may find that fast and/or strong cars fill that primal need in you.
Italians don't love cars? The nation that gave us Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lancia, all cars designed to look good while providing maximum driving pleasure? Their heyday is behind them but Italy loved Enzo Ferrari.
I agree.
Some people use cars as a status symbol, some people think it's defined by their home, and even others by the size of their bank accounts....
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