Why You’re More Likely To Find A Chevy Than A Porsche In The Average C.E.O.’s Parking Spot

When most of us think about the head honchos of companies, we get a vision of a person in a big office making lots of money and showing off by piloting an expensive Beemer or Hummer into a reserved parking spot in the lot.

But as it turns out, that may not be true.

According to a new survey, C.E.O.s are more likely to drive a Chevy than a Mercedes. The research, from cars.com, shows that while 59 percent of those asked expected their boss to own an expensive vehicle, only 19 percent really do.

So what does the person in charge prefer? Like many of us with growing families, the number one choice is a simple passenger car (29%), followed by an SUV (24%).

Just 19 percent drove a luxury vehicle, while a full 13 percent chose a pickup truck. Only a few (6%) confessed that they splurged on an expensive sports car.

In fact, while the perception is that those in charge shelled out $70,000 or more for their wheels, most really forked over about $25,000. And one in four only spent 20 grand.

But workers aren’t alone in getting the wrong impression.

“When it comes to the perception of what C.E.O.s drive, the respondents who believe a black Mercedes-Benz is the car of choice for C.E.O.s aren’t the only ones,” reveals cars.com’s Patrick Olsen. “A similar majority of C.E.O.s thought that their peers were mostly driving expensive luxury cars as well.”

Despite the misconception, the research indicates most bosses aren’t concerned with status on the road.

So can you tell a corporate bigwig by what they’re driving? Here’s what the study claims is the norm.

• Those who work in the banking or financial industries tend to buy luxury cars.
• People who run healthcare facilities are more likely to get to work in an SUV.
• And execs who oversee the construction trade tool around town in pick-up trucks.

But if their car choices are similar to yours, what’s the biggest difference between them and you at the showroom? The answer is telling.

Most C.E.O.s agree they make their car choices based on features, roominess, styling and engine performance.

And the rest of us? We look mainly at one thing – the price.