Van drivers are embracing year-round healthier lifestyles, shaking up traditional ideas of widespread bad habits as they cut back on smoking and alcohol and turn to exercise and healthier eating.
According to new research by Vauxhall Motors – based on a poll of more than 1,100 van drivers in the UK – nearly two-fifths (37%) have cut back on alcohol in the last year, with more than a fifth (22%) cutting down or quitting smoking.
And more than a third (34%) of van drivers starting to cook healthier meals in a bid to improve their diet and lifestyle.
The Vauxhall Motors research also reveals that, in the past year, over a fifth (21%) of van drivers have tried alcohol-free beer or wine and almost two in 10 (19%) have eaten meat-free alternatives such as Quorn or jackfruit or vegan sausage rolls (20%). Other moves to improve their health include over a third (37%) of van drivers exercising at least once a week.
The survey also found that a third (31%) of respondents wished they could eat healthier during their working week. In response Vauxhall Motors has partnered with anarchist chef George Egg, who is touring the UK in the brand-new Vauxhall Vivaro to provide tradesmen and women with healthy fusion dishes to keep them going this year.
Patrick Fourniol, marketing director at Vauxhall Motors, said: “Van drivers often spend a lot of time at the wheel which can make it trickier to prioritise healthy eating and exercise, but our research shows many are making it a priority.
“With the new fully electric Vivaro launching at the end of this year, it’s great to see that so many van drivers have already taken steps to improve their lifestyles, and we hope they’ll continue to do so moving forward.”
