Consumers change their cars more often than they do their gadgets and gizmos, according to insight from automotive experts, hpi.

In recent years, the length of time motorists owns a car has declined rapidly, creating the world where consumers are likely to change their car more often than they change their mobile phone, tablets or even their mattresses and bedding.

The insight comes as motorists flock to buy September’s 67-plate vehicles.

Data produced by hpi reveals that some car manufacturers now see average returns of vehicles in 18 months. The average mobile phone contract lasts 24 or 36 months meaning that some motorists may change their vehicle twice before they change their phone contract again.

Ideally, a mattress should be replaced every eight years (or 96 months) meaning that in the lifetime of one mattress a consumer could have changed their car five times.

Increasingly, car manufacturers are managing volumes in the used market by varying contract lengths by model and remarketing channels.

James Dower, used car specialist at hpi, said: “We are continuing to see the iphonification of the automotive industry as consumers increasingly pay to drive rather than pay to own their cars. It’s the same model as the mobile phone industry where people are comfortable paying a monthly fee – only they are now doing this with cars as well as their mobile phones.”

Personal contract purchase (PCP) and other finance options are having a profound effect on car ownership which is why the motor industry is witnessing consumers changing their cars more often than household objects such as bedding and their mobile devices.

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is also on the increase, as consumers increasingly look towards usership rather than ownership. hpi estimates that around 80 per cent of new car sales is financed.

Added James Dower: “After buying a house, the car was traditionally the biggest outlay for most consumers, but now they are far more likely to change their car more often than their technology products or some regular household objects. The car is still a status symbol and getting a new one allows people to show off to a degree.

“Changing cars with such regularity was almost unheard of just ten years ago. Previously it was fairly common for motorists to have their vehicles for a minimum of five years or longer but that has now changed dramatically and dropped to just two years for millions of drivers.

“Consumer demand remains high in the used car market, and there are lots of used bargains still to be had particularly with an active month ahead for new vehicles with the annual September new plate introduction.”