Consumer Mobility Preferences Shift as the Pandemic Forces Changes

The acceleration of consumer mobility preferences have rapidly shifted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to PwC. The findings in the report focus on how Connected, Automated, Smart Mobility and Electric (CASE) strategies have had to be re-evaluated due to the global pandemic.

As a result of shifting mobility modes, the survey findings reveal most consumers are hesitant to use shared transportation. Consumers prefer to use their own vehicle over shared mobility and public transportation as a result of COVID-19. Shared mobility decreased the most in Germany with 77% of respondents intending to use less car sharing while the same holds true in both the US (56%) and in China (51%). In both China and the US, consumers prefer the use of their own vehicle, while in Germany, the increase of commuting in cars is still equal to commuting on both bike and foot. Overall, seamless mobility solutions are still key for consumers.

Additionally, the total number of vehicles is expected to decrease in Europe (-1.2%) and increase in both the US (+1.1%) and China (+3.9%) until 2035. This is primarily due to mobility growth (highest in China), consumer preferences for shared mobility (lowest in US) and the average life of a vehicle until it is deposed (highest in Europe). Though mobility preferences are changing, shared mobility providers can take steps to win back consumers, such as regular cleaning and disinfection. Consumers shared that these things are more important than lower prices in light of the pandemic.

Safety and navigation rank the highest for consumers, followed closely by vehicle management and vehicle features as a service. While connected services are important, the survey findings reveal that only consumers primarily in China (58%) are willing to pay for these services. Gasoline continues to be the most preferred powertrain in both Germany and the US. In China, 68% of consumers under the age of 40 prefer electric powertrains, while only 46% in Germany and 37% in the US prefer electric powertrains.