Trendsetters. The word seems to best describe the image of today’s generation of young working adults who many refer to as the ‘millennials’.
As of 2019, around 35% of corporates’ workforce consists of a new batch of innovators taking the workplace by storm. With these numbers, it is safe to say that the working class in the near future will most likely comprise today’s generation of young blood.
While the addition of employees corresponds to a thriving economy, the worsening traffic situation erodes the potential of the country to reach new heights.
That is why millennials invest in owning their own automobiles to be able to put up with the logjam in our country’s biggest conga line called EDSA.
The Manila Standard asked several millennials about the “dream car” they are aspiring and looking for.
Practicality, efficiency, simplicity, and class are the things they look for in automobiles. In a quick survey, 3 out of 4 males preferred a sport utility vehicle (SUV) rather than the other style and design of an automobile.
One of the respondents, Renz Mariano, 22, a medical school student, liked the Honda BR-V due to its slick exterior that he admired ever since.
Honda BR-V is one of the known trendsetter SUV/MPV-type cars, it has a spacious interior that can seat up to seven people with emply elbow-legroom, an infotainment system fitted with the latest navigation tech, and an affordable price.
Renz added that the color black is perfect for its design showing class and style. While he believed that gasoline-powered cars are much easier to find stock parts in the market, however, they cost much than diesel.
Mark Lesther Dela Cruz, 22, an engineering student, would rather have an SUV of any brand due to its durability and low maintenance with diesel for a cheaper cost.
“I like the color blue because it’s my favorite color but with an SUV I would prefer the color grey and black to look more classy and “pogi”, shared Mark Lesther.
Mark Lesther’s views were shared by Arnold Mariano, 23, a computer programmer, who goes for an SUV of any brand for its spacious interior. Great for family outings and friends night-out.
He would rather have a dark shade of blue for the exterior color to make it simple and not attention-grabbing on the road with diesel energizing the machines.
The only one who prefers a subcompact sedan over an SUV was Richard Mendoza, 26, an admin worker in a cooperative.
“Since high school, Honda City is my dream car. I love the color black great for it simple design,” said Richard.
Honda City has been around since the 80s and early 90s subcompact hatchback, before being reintroduced in the market in 2014 as the generation of City sedan. It closely resembled the well-known design in Jazz and Civic.
“I prefer to use gasoline because some gasoline good for the conditioning of the machine,” he added.
Meanwhile, for young professional women, traveling, femininity, and personal time are some of the factors to consider in choosing their dream car.
Manila Standard asked four millennial women on how they describe their ideal cars”• type, color, engine, and the reasons for buying it given the chance.
Out of the four ladies, more preferred to have their dream car as a coaster or a mini bus due to its spacious feature perfect for a quick break from the busy metro.
“I’m not into cars but I’ve always wanted a vintage Volkswagen minibus,” said the 26-year-old March Ortuoste, Media Relations Officer of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
March is referring to the classic 1965 Volkswagen Type 2, which can also be called as “Transporter,” “Kombi,” or the “Microbus.” This minibus was first introduced by Volkswagen as their second car model.
This vintage minibus became popular in the 60s specially with the “hippie” vibes it brings. It has a simple design but it can bring a large number of people in a long-distance trip while having a comfortable seat with spacious legroom and area fit for luggage and other travel necessities.
“I’ve always lived in the city and it feels like 90 percent of my life is all about chasing dreams and climbing career ladders in this fast-paced urban landscape. It wouldn’t hurt to treat myself to a sweet break, drive away, and spend a few days or weeks in a peaceful place and I know I need a spacious minivan to help me with that escape,” shared March.
In terms of color, March wanted to be more personal with this one as she preferred to have it yellow since it’s her favorite color.
“There is a vast scope of vans and big cars now but, at least for me, nothing beats the charm of the classic VW camper van. I’d go for a yellow one – it’s my favorite color and I would like to make myself believe that it is not too flashy. I think it would blend well with nature,” she explained.
In 2017, Volkswagen revealed that it would start producing a series of electric vehicles called the ID. series which includes the ID Buzz based on the retro design of VW Type 2.
Meanwhile, Graciela Ramirez, 21, a nursing student from Our Lady of Fatima-Antipolo, also opted for a coaster van.
“Coaster van is my ideal car because it’s comfy and spacious. Perfect car for travelling,” said Graciela.
Definitely the perfect car to choose as a mode of transportation in travelling since it can accommodate 17 passengers with a lot more space for luggage.
Graciela preferred to be minimalist in choosing her dream car”•black or white.
As for Sarah Joy Policarpio, a 25-year-old teacher from The Happy Hive Learning Center, an SUV is her choice.
Sports utility vehicle is a “four-wheel drive off-road vehicle built” perfect for long-drive or quick getaway with the barkada.
Sarah described her SUV Jeep as “simple and can be driven anywhere” and a black one to avoid paying too much for car wash.
Another sports utility vehicle dreamer is Faith Espino, contractor at the age of 22 in a private company, She wanted to bring women empowerment to the max even only in her dreams by choosing the flaming red color on her Hyundai Santa Fe.
The modern-design of Santa Fe, named after Sante Fe, Mexico, was first introduced in the year 2001 as Hyundai’s first SUV.
“The model of the car is Santa Fe, because of its high-end specs and height perfect for women like me. It also brings comfortability while driving,” said Faith. “Red because, for me, the color red represents feminism.”
However, there’s one thing that these women have shared in common. A diesel-powered engine is perfect for their dream cars because it is efficient, price-wise.
All told, five out of eight millennials chose SUV as their dream car, taking into account such factors as spacious interior, price range, and design.
As the random survey concludes, millennials defy the expectations of having young adults longing for luxury cars. They’d rather go for an efficient, affordable and reliable vehicle for themselves and their families, a trend that has been on every generation. With Charles Dantes
(Editor’s Note: Villanueva and Dantes are among the most prolific writers in the Manila Standard’s pool. Also, our sincerest and most profound apologies go to the late Beatle John Lennon who wrote and published the book “In His Own Write” in 1964.