Car ownership to rise post-COVID-19

Car ownership is set to rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey of almost 3000 Australians conducted by carsales over April 18-27.

Concerns around hygiene, contact with others and convenience have made Australians rethink their previous everyday transport options.

As a result of COVID-19, almost half (45%) of non-car owners surveyed say their views on primary transport preferences have changed.

The survey found that 58.8 per cent of non-car owners are more likely to consider buying a car, and 38 per cent are ‘definitely’ likely to consider buying a car ‘right now’.

Meantime, 37 per cent of the same group stated they are less likely to use public transport, with around half that number (18%) less likely to use rideshare services in a post COVID-19 world.

“Australia is undoubtedly going to see many changes post-COVID-19. This research points towards an uptick in car ownership which is a good thing for the auto industry which directly employs over 66,000 Australians,” said carsales CEO, Cameron McIntyre.

“The survey results here in Australia are not dissimilar to other countries, however, the results are not quite as pronounced as they are in, say, the UK.

“Most Australians have valued the convenience of their own car for generations. This survey suggests that even more will in the future,” stated McIntyre.

In contrast, current car owners surveyed indicated they had little intention to change their use of public transport and ridesharing.

“There is no doubt those relying on public transport and rideshare as their primary transportation options clearly felt the impact of COVID-19 on their daily lives more so than car owners,” added McIntyre.

In recent weeks, carsales has logged increased auto consumer activity with consistent growth across sessions, searches, views and sales enquiries.

Via new carsales tools such as ‘Buy from home’ and a range of new measures by car-makers, Australian car dealers have rapidly pivoted to provide consumers with safer, more convenient car purchasing options during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Throughout this challenging period, Australians are continuing to adapt to new ways of working, living and buying, and as social distancing measures begin to wind back across the country, we anticipate that auto-related activity will continue to grow,” McIntyre stated.