Public confidence in shared transport options and commuting on trains and buses has fallen since the global pandemic with individuals now keen for a more private travel experience.

That’s view of an influential report titled ‘Covid-19 and the fast changing automotive consumer’, which sought the views of some 11,000 consumers from 11 different countries to gauge their views on travel and transport.

The report by Capgemini found that 87 per cent of consumers admitted they were rejecting public transport options, and that half of those surveyed would look to buy a new car in the next 12 months.

The key issues for drivers in the past 12 months have been safety and physical well-being of themselves and their family, which for 87 per cent of those surveyed is best served in a private vehicle.

These attitudes were reflected in a bumper summer of used car sales across global markets with access to a private vehicle more important now than before the pandemic for 72 per cent of those questioned.

“The pandemic has increased consumer expectations around hygiene and wellness-related mobility features, along with the digitisation of the vehicle sales and aftersales process,” said Markus Winkler from Capgemini.

“The automotive industry has to adapt to these emerging needs. While the pandemic did affect short-term automotive demand, it has accelerated critical long-term trends: digitisation, electrification, and connected cars.

“Companies that take the lead in these areas will emerge stronger when the crisis finally recedes. Automakers will need to develop engaging in-car experiences like in-vehicle connectivity and driver assistance features and think of new ways to incentivise and stimulate purchase demand.

“By tapping into emerging micro markets with targeted offers, automotive brands will be able to reach whole new customer segments — much needed in their recovery.”

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