News that many Americans believe their car has its own distinct personality is perhaps not that surprising given the popularity of sentient automobiles - such as KITT, Herbie and Pixar's Cars - in US popular culture.
But the poll of Americans' relationships with their cars suggests that the TV and Hollywood executives have got it wrong all these years - it turns out that women, rather than men, enjoy the closest bond with their vehicles.
They are also more likely to attribute personal traits to their cars and give them nicknames - usually female - such as Betsy or Nelly.
So perhaps anyone thinking of reviving Knight Rider should ditch David Hasselhoff and do a spot of rewiring on his camp sidekick to transform him into KITTY.
Then again, considering the car crash that was Herbie: Fully Loaded, starring Lindsey Lohan (did the title refer to her alcohol comsumption?), perhaps not.
Do you have a nickname for your car, and does it have human traits? Let us know below.
