German tier 1 supplier Continental recently commissioned a representative mobility study in August 2024 to understand the perception about young people on mobility needs.

For the Mobility Study 2024, infas was commissioned by Continental in August 2024 to survey a total of around 5,000 people aged 18 and over in Germany, China, France, Japan and the USA about their mobility habits and attitudes to a variety of mobility issues. In each country, the respective sample is representative of the population; for China, it is representative of the urban population. The aim of the Continental Mobility Study, now in its eighth edition since 2011, is to provide an international comparison of people’s attitudes toward current and future developments in mobility and their personal usage habits. The range of topics covered in this year’s study included automated driving, user experience, AI in cars, sustainable mobility concepts, mobility in urban areas, the affordability of mobility and attitudes toward government regulation in the mobility sector.

The key findings found that overall, 84 percent of car owners in Germany, regardless of age, believe that it is important to own a car. For almost 90 percent, having a car is essential for shopping and running other errands. The majority of young people in Germany are particularly enthusiastic about technological advances in cars. They look forward to the benefits self-driving cars will offer in terms of being able to read, play video games or work (51 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds). In addition to autonomous driving, artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of digital voice assistants is very popular with this group. There is a similar level of approval in the four other countries surveyed in the study.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, Executive Board member responsible for the Automotive group sector, Continental, said, “The findings show that the response to new technologies such as automated driving, large displays and AI in cars varies greatly between generations and also between countries. That’s why we aim to provide customised solutions – market-specific, tailor-made and modular.”

The findings of the study also reveal the current status of the trend toward lower-emission mobility worldwide. Particularly striking is that acceptance of fully electric cars remains low.

In Germany, only 3 percent of all car owners have an electric vehicle. However, just over a third of respondents who do not yet own an electric vehicle believe their next car will be fully electric (39 percent, compared with 34 percent in 2022). By contrast, hybrid drives are highly popular across all countries. In Germany (48 percent) and the USA (47 percent), nearly half of respondents who do not own an electric car can imagine their next vehicle being a hybrid with a combustion engine and an electric motor.

In China, that figure rises to almost nine out of 10 respondents (86 percent). This means that hybrid cars could increasingly bridge the gap to e-mobility and give it a renewed boost. With a share of 68 percent, younger people in Germany aged between 25 and 34 are particularly interested in electric cars – also compared with their international peers.

Vehicle as a status symbol 

On the one hand, younger people up to the age of 34 in Germany do not feel that attached to cars. For them, more than for older respondents, it is one of many means of transportation available. On the other hand, generation Y and Z drivers born in the 1990s and later have a clear emotional connection to their cars: for more than half of 18 to 34-year-olds (54 percent) in Germany, cars are regarded as a status symbol – twice the share among respondents aged 45 and over. People aged between 18 and 34, particularly those living in large cities, see cars as a prestige item (67 percent). In small towns and rural areas, the approval rate is around 49 percent. This view of the car is accompanied by growing expectations. Of the 25 to 34-year-olds surveyed, for example, 51 percent believe that cars of the future should not only be a safe means of transportation, but also a place to relax and work.

Tech attracts young people

The study also found that younger people in Germany also had a positive attitude toward highly automated and autonomous driving, with around two-thirds (65 percent) of 18 to 34-year-olds seeing this as a useful development. Among older respondents aged 55 and over, 39 percent share this view. Around two-thirds of younger people up to the age of 34 also believe that state-of-the-art technologies should be mandatory in newly registered cars in order to make traffic even safer – a viewpoint that signals approval of the EU directive requiring certain advanced driver assistance systems in new cars, which has been in force since July 2024.

Another future technology that is particularly popular with younger people is AI assistants in cars. Almost three-quarters of respondents (74 percent) between the ages of 18 and 34 would welcome an AI voice as a service that, like a virtual travel companion, provides useful information about sights and restaurants along the route, finds the nearest gas or charging station, searches for free parking spaces or even compiles personal messages.

“Younger people in particular have changing expectations of cars. These are closely linked to pioneering technologies such as automated driving, which deliver new user experiences. At Continental, we’re already equipping cars with AI. Together with our partner Google Cloud, we have developed a virtual companion for drivers. We are particularly proud to be one of the first automotive suppliers worldwide to integrate Google Cloud applications directly into our vehicle computers,” added Hirschheydt.

Autonomous & AI

The comparison between countries reveals a widespread openness to highly automated and autonomous driving in Asia across all age groups. In China, nine out of 10 respondents (90 percent) view the relevant technologies as a useful development, while in Japan, almost three-quarters (72 percent) share this sentiment. In France (60 percent) and the USA (56 percent), more than half of those surveyed have a positive attitude. In Germany, around one in two respondents (49 percent) feel the same. An AI-powered virtual travel companion is particularly popular in China, where nine out of 10 respondents (91 percent) say they would like to have such a service. In the USA (66 percent) and Japan (63 percent), around two-thirds express this wish, while in France (58 percent) and Germany (57 percent) more than half would be happy to have the technology.

There is broad agreement across all countries on the ideal size of a car display for infotainment content. Most people prefer larger displays, with 90 percent of respondents in China favouring this option.

In Germany (81 percent), France (79 percent) and the USA (80 percent), eight out of 10 respondents would like their navigation, vehicle data and music to be shown on large screens.

In Japan, the figure is more than two-thirds (69 percent). However, preferences differ significantly when it comes to technological details. While the majority of respondents in Japan (79 percent) and more than half in Germany (57 percent) prefer a simpler display on car screens, a slight majority in the USA (58 percent) favour more colours. By contrast, many features are popular in China (69 percent). In Japan (70 percent), the majority prefer a more straightforward digital design, while in Germany, around half feel the same way (55 percent).

There are also differences between countries when it comes to the question of whether a display should be controlled by voice or manually: voice control is particularly popular in Japan (67 percent), more than half are in favour of it in China (59 percent), while the number is significantly lower in Germany (43 percent). In the USA, just over half (55 percent) also prefer to operate a display manually.

Hybrid

The study shows that hybrid drivers in Germany have an above-average interest in all-electric mobility – a strong indication that hybrid cars can play a key role as a bridging technology for the transition to fully electric drives.

For example, 43 percent of respondents who currently use a vehicle with a combined combustion engine and electric motor say that their next car will definitely be an all-electric vehicle. Those who drive a gasoline or diesel vehicle are significantly less open to such a switch (12 and 19 percent respectively). In addition, a clear majority (58 percent) of hybrid drivers would be willing to buy an electric car without a government subsidy.

The data suggests that hybrid vehicles are boosting people’s confidence in e-mobility and may help reduce any reservations about fully electric vehicles. One group with significant future potential for this development is the 48 percent of respondents who do not drive an electric or hybrid car and for whom an all-electric car is not currently an option, but who are considering a hybrid as their next car.

Varying degree in e-cars

The shift to electric mobility is under pressure in Germany, where sales of all-electric cars are faltering. According to the latest figures of the Continental study, electric cars represent a significant share (10 percent) of the overall passenger-car fleet in China, while only 3 percent of respondents in Germany drive an all-electric car and 91 percent a car with a combustion engine (China: 80 percent). There is potential for higher sales of electric cars in Germany, particularly among those aged 18 to 34. In this age group, around two-thirds (64 percent) of respondents believe it is certain or likely that their next car will be fully electric – a trend that gradually diminishes in older generations.

A look at age-dependent attitudes toward electric mobility reveals that, like many other technological developments, e-mobility is more appealing to younger drivers than older ones. They are more willing to forgo subsidies: 50 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds would consider buying an electric car without government assistance. However, the willingness to fully finance an electric vehicle decreases significantly among those aged 45 and older.

EVs and subsidy

The study found that two-thirds of respondents in Germany link the purchase of an electric car to a government subsidy is an expression of their concerns about being unable to finance an electric car on their own. In Germany, 71 percent of respondents worry that mobility will no longer be affordable due to rising energy prices. In the 2022 Mobility Study, 73 percent of people in Germany expressed their concerns about the affordability of mobility.

What’s more, 65 percent of respondents fear that they will not be able to afford an electric car in the near future and 56 percent are worried that driving could soon become too expensive for them. As a result, a clear majority (80 percent) expect policymakers to create the framework conditions to ensure that driving remains affordable. At the same time, they believe driving should be made more sustainable in the most cost-neutral way possible. Almost three-quarters (73 percent) of respondents think that the cost of environmentally friendly cars needs to fall. Regulatory interventions such as a speed limit of 130 kmph on highways are met with acceptance (62 percent), provided they do not lead to price increases. Younger respondents are less price-sensitive. They are much more prepared to pay a premium for environmentally friendly cars, especially if they are completely carbon-neutral in production and operation (40 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds compared with 13 percent of 45 to 54-year-olds).

Sustainable tyres

Sustainability is an important concern for people with cars is also demonstrated by their attitude to tyres. According to the study, almost eight out of 10 drivers in Germany (84 percent) who also value tyre recycling consider it important that their tyres contain an increasing share of environmentally friendly materials. When purchasing tyres, younger people (61 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds) are more concerned than older people about what happens to the tyres at the end of their service life.

Furthermore, 44 percent of car owners in Germany would be willing to pay a premium for tyres made from a higher share of renewable and sustainable materials. Here again, this willingness is most pronounced among 25 to 34-year-olds (65 percent).

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Honda Cars India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the price and start of deliveries for the Honda ZR-V e:HEV at INR 4.79 million (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The ZR-V e:HEV is currently being sold as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) imported from Japan and serves as Honda's flagship SUV in India.

It features a 2.0-litre e:HEV sports hybrid powertrain delivering 184 PS of power and 315 Nm of torque, with a fuel economy of 22.8 kmpl and zero to 100 kmph acceleration in 7.9 seconds.

The ZR-V e:HEV comes with a 9-inch touchscreen, Bose audio system, hands-free power tailgate and Honda SENSING driver assistance technologies.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "Today marks another important milestone in Honda’s journey in India as we commence the deliveries of the all-new Honda ZR-V e:HEV. Positioned as our flagship model in the India line-up, ZR-V embodies Honda’s global advancements in Strong Hybrid technology, design, comfort and safety, offering customers a truly sophisticated and engaging driving experience. The enthusiastic response to the ZR-V pre-bookings, with first two batches for Indian market already booked, has been extremely encouraging. We are deeply grateful to our customers for their trust and enthusiasm and remain committed to delivering an exceptional ownership experience as we start to fulfil these orders and welcome even more customers into the Honda family.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has launched the new updated Brezza compact SUV with prices starting at INR 739,900.

The new Brezza introduces Turbo Boosterjet engine option, K15C engine variants and S-CNG models featuring an underbody fuel tank configuration.

The Turbo Boosterjet model is powered by a 1-litre engine delivering 81 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a new 6-speed manual transmission and Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology.

The K15C powertrain is available with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options, while the S-CNG variant offers a fuel efficiency of 26.9 km/kg. Safety features include a Bharat NCAP rating focus, 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program and a 360-degree camera system.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new Brezza, is an SUV that truly resonates with the aspirations of young India. With the new Brezza Turbo Boosterjet we add a new dimension of driving excitement that matches the energy and vibe of Young India. The new Brezza has been curated to find favour with diverse customer preferences as it switches effortlessly to appeal to the different moods and occasions of customers. It is an SUV that appeals to every side of a customer’s personality, be it at work or play, appealing to various aspects of their lifestyles and enabling them to ‘Lead Every Play’. This is the true hallmark of a great product, one that adapts to customers. I am confident the new Brezza will continue to build on the brand’s legacy as India’s favourite compact SUV.”

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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that its premium hatchback, the i20, has crossed the 1.5 million-unit cumulative sales mark in the domestic market since its debut in 2008. The model has been a defining force in the premium hatchback space, consistently raising benchmarks through forward-looking design, technological upgrades and robust safety provisions. Over nearly two decades, the i20 has adapted to changing consumer lifestyles, earning particular favour among young urban professionals and families seeking a sophisticated ownership experience.

The sales figure reflects deep-rooted customer confidence in the Hyundai brand and underscores the manufacturer's ability to anticipate market demands. Through three generational iterations, the i20 has introduced several segment-first features, ranging from connected-car functionalities to safety technologies once absent in this category. This evolutionary approach has ensured the model remains a trendsetter while maintaining a loyal customer base nationwide.

Hyundai has strategically expanded the i20 lineup to cater to varied buyer preferences. The i20 N Line infuses a sportier character, drawing inspiration from global motorsport and targeting drivers who desire heightened performance alongside everyday usability. The i20 Knight Edition offers a distinct aesthetic with its black-themed styling, appealing to those favouring a bolder road presence. These variants collectively address a wide spectrum of tastes while preserving the comfort and technology expected from the brand.

The standard i20 is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, available with a five-speed manual or an intelligent variable transmission. The i20 N Line features a 1.0-litre turbo GDi petrol unit, paired with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a noticeably more spirited drive. This dual powertrain strategy caters to both efficiency-minded buyers and driving enthusiasts.

The i20 comes equipped with six airbags as standard, a 26.03-cm HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a voice-enabled smart electric sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone connectivity. Additional highlights include over 60 Bluelink connected services, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, a dashcam and a tyre pressure monitoring system. With its stylish design, advanced amenities and strong safety suite, the i20 continues to hold a prominent position in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and sustains robust demand nationwide.

Sunil Moolchandani, National Sales Head, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “The Hyundai i20 has been one of the most iconic products in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and has consistently represented innovation, aspiration and premiumness. Crossing the milestone of 1.5 million cumulative sales is a testament to the immense trust and loyalty that customers have shown towards the brand over nearly two decades. We thank our customers for making the i20 a preferred choice in the premium hatchback segment and remain committed to delivering products and experiences that exceed expectations.”

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Stellantis-owned American brand Jeep India has introduced the Jeep Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition at prices starting INR 3.60 million, which is limited to just 85 units. Based on the Overland trim, the collector's edition features Gloss Black 18-inch alloy wheels, an all-black cabin with Mayan Gold accents and curated Anniversary AXS packages.

The vehicle introduces CARA AI, a voice assistant supporting 52 languages

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "For 85 years, Jeep has represented far more than a vehicle. It has symbolised freedom, exploration and the confidence to go wherever the journey leads. The Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition is our tribute to this remarkable legacy and to the passionate community that has helped shape the Jeep story over generations. With only 85 units available, this collector's edition offers customers a unique opportunity to own a distinctive piece of Jeep history while experiencing the premium craftsmanship, capability and sophistication that define the Meridian."

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