The car a person chooses to drive often makes a statement about him or her. What does your car say about you? Does your method of transport exude power, status, control, independence, stability, or intelligence? Your car is not just transportation as it says something about you. The specific brand or type of car you buy fulfill an emotional need; it is an extension of the driver’s image. To illustrate, my friend Kevin drives a BMW Z3. According to Kevin, the Z3 is a very smooth car, and he is a very smooth guy. My neighbour Ilene Griff drives a Toyota Prius hybrid. She thinks her car says that she is an intelligent consumer, that she cares about the environment, and now she is a part of a new cult, which is the Prius generation. In contrast, I personally am of the opinion that hybrids show off a lack of character, doing the right thing for fear of judgment. Furthermore, the car you drive says something to the opposite sex. A female in a Lexus RX 350 sport-utility vehicle is most likely a college-educated professional who is married with children. The woman driving a Jaguar XF is a lover of luxury who is just as likely to be single or married. If you are looking for love, you may want to avoid women driving sport-utility vehicles. Mike Michels, a Lexus / Toyota spokesperson, says 66% of the RX 350 SUV buyers are female, and 78% are married. Their median age is 55, and they have a median income of $141,000. Because 25% of female buyers have children under age 18, it suggests that many are empty nesters. In conclusion, the new generation of consumers views a car as a piece of clothing. My boss says his BMW is the last thing he puts on before he leaves; in addition, my friend who drives a Porsche spends $500 to colour coordinate her iPod with her Porsche. While some people care less about the impression they make, maybe it is time you think about what statement you make about yourself when you park your car in front of your client’s office, or take your new girlfriend out for a date. Does your car say what you want it to say or is it time for a change so everyone can admire the real you?