Pensioner is hailed UK’s most dedicated Peugeot owner
Added: 25 September 2019
Simon Bailes Peugeot has hailed a pensioner as the brand’s most dedicated customer, having only ever owned Peugeots throughout her 50 years on the road.
Elizabeth Hutchison’s love affair with the marque began in 1970 at the age of 17 when her father bought her a “small blue one” – likely to have been a 204, the range’s most compact car at that time - after she passed her test.
Since then the 67-year-old, of Thornaby, near Stockton, has lost count of how many she’s owned over the intervening half century.
Between 1998 and the present she has purchased nine new models ranging from a 207 to a 2008 in a variety of colours ranging from Babylon Red to Nimbus Grey.
Before that she struggles to recall exactly how many Peugeot’s she has owned but does recall driving 405s and the 106.
“I’ve always loved Peugeots ever since my father bought me my first one. They are just great cars.
“It’s hard for me to remember the exact number going back 50 years, but I do know I would never consider driving any other make.”
She and partner Peter Johnson, 71, have just taken delivery of their latest 69 plate Peugeot 3008 from Simon Bailes Stockton, their fifth from that dealership.
Peter, a former Stockton market trader, previously owned several Ford Granadas and an Austin Montego prior to meeting Elizabeth but now admits that he is a willing convert to the famous French automotive giant.
He said: “Cars are normally a male passion but in this case, Elizabeth is dedicated to Peugeot. They are such reliable cars that I’m more than happy to support her.”
Elizabeth, who grew up in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, recalls using her first Peugeot for short trips into town and to nearby Knaresborough. Since then her longest journey has been to Scotland on holiday.
She mentioned her lifetime of dedication to the brand to CEO Simon Bailes when she went to the dealership to collect her latest car.
He said: “I was completely taken aback as it’s rare for anyone to have only bought one make of car over such a long period.
“She has driven a variety of models over the years and it is a tribute to Peugeot that she has never once considered switching to another manufacturer.
“In fact, Elizabeth may well be the most devoted Peugeot driver in the UK!”
The couple are delighted with their new Peugeot 3008 Allure – in a fetching Sunset Copper - and are already planning a series of day trips to their beloved North York Moors, Scarborough, Whitby and York.
“Peugeot was my first car and it will definitely be my last,” added Elizabeth. “People might think it’s a little odd, but I know what I like and I’m more than happy to stick with them.”