Me and My Car: Michelle Vogt

Michelle Vogt, National Operations Manager, Momentum Consulting Group with her Vokswagen Passat in Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Michelle Vogt is Momentum Consulting Group's national operations manager

What do you drive?
A 2009 silver Volkswagen Passat. This is my third VW, so I think I may be addicted. I have the most pathetic reasons for loving my car ... the seat warmers in winter, the hooks in the boot for my shopping bags, all of the tiny conveniences that make life easy. And, on a more practical note, it goes well, has enough get-up-and-go when needed, is a great size to park and has every safety feature available to man, so what's not to love?

First car?
A Mitsubishi Mirage, I saved for it when I was 18 years old.

Your dream car?
A Bentley Sport in black - just because they are a work of art and complete luxury.

Who taught you to drive?
My older sister taught me, when I was 15 years old, in her Mini. She was awesome as my lack of skill caused my parents a lot of anxiety.

Manual or automatic?
I learned in a manual, but when I moved to Sydney and sat in traffic every day, I soon changed and now love an auto.

Most memorable road trip?
Driving from San Francisco to Las Vegas on the back roads through little towns and amazing national parks and Death Valley. Incredible.

If you could go on a road trip anywhere in the world with a celebrity ... where would you go and who would you take?
Europe with Jon Bon Jovi. My infatuation with Jon Bon Jovi started as a teen around his music (as bad as it was) and, to be honest, his looks. However, more recently I was blown away by his work to set up the Soul Foundation focusing on homeless and unemployed people across the States and particularly his work with troubled and underprivileged youth in skills training and schooling in New Jersey, his hometown. Oh, and he is still good-looking. Given his father was Sicilian, we would have to concentrate on an Italian road trip while listening to everything from Paul Simon to Pink - I may even allow a Bon Jovi single to feature.

Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
Probably a passenger, but I don't mind either way.

Great day trip out of Auckland?
A drive to Matakana is always stunning. I love the markets, the Matakana Market Kitchen cafe for coffee, the butcher and so many of the local restaurants.

What irritates you most about other drivers?
When they are clearly distracted by phones, radio stations, work papers, other passengers, putting on makeup when they need to concentrate on driving. And yes, I know we have all been there at one time or another.

Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I have lived in Auckland for only three years and am fortunate to live centrally, so haven't used public transport here.

Who else is allowed to drive your car?
My family and friends.

If you could change one road rule, what would it be?
A left-hand turn at traffic lights should be allowed on red if no traffic or pedestrians. Much like American law.

Cars and cycles ... is there room for both on Auckland roads?
Hmmm, this one is difficult for me as my husband has been knocked off his cycle and I have been terrified of taking mine out since. But, in saying that, so many larger cities than Auckland have really workable strategies around the two coexisting with designated lanes. It will, of course, take a long-term view by the powers-that-be to put lanes in and make them functional throughout routes in the city but is do-able if the commitment is there.