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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Mahindra has unveiled a new, highly limited edition of its BE 6 Electric Origin SUV, drawing inspiration from Christopher Nolan's acclaimed The Dark Knight Trilogy. 

In a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the automaker has created a 300-unit limited-run vehicle that is being positioned as a unique collector's item, merging a passion for cinema with cutting-edge electric mobility and is priced at INR 2.77 million.

The BE 6 Batman Edition is far more than a simple re-badge. It is a meticulous reinterpretation of the vehicle, designed to evoke the aural and visual essence of the Caped Crusader's world. This special edition features an exclusive Custom Satin Black finish, complemented by Alchemy Gold-painted suspension and brake calipers, which provide a striking contrast and a touch of luxury. The Bat emblem, as seen in The Dark Knight Trilogy, is discreetly yet pervasively incorporated throughout the vehicle, from the hub caps and front quarter panels to the rear bumper and an illuminated 'Infinity Roof'. Even the welcome lights project the iconic symbol onto the ground.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra, said, "The BE 6 has always been about boldness and forward thinking. With the Batman Edition, we wanted to go further — to create something so personal, so visually arresting, that owning it feels like owning a piece of cinematic history. We’ve obsessed over even the smallest detail, so that every time you look at it, you discover something new.”

Inside, the exclusivity continues with a brushed Alchemy Gold plaque on the dashboard, individually numbered to highlight the car's rarity. The cabin is upholstered in suede and leather with gold sepia accent stitching and an integrated Bat emblem, creating a rich and tactile experience. Gold accents are also found on the steering wheel, in-touch controller, and the custom key fob. For a truly immersive experience, the car features a Batman Edition welcome animation on the infotainment display and even custom Batman-inspired exterior engine sounds.

Vikram Sharma, Senior Vice-President at Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, APAC, said, “Batman is more than a pop-culture icon – he represents innovation, resilience, and an unyielding drive to push boundaries. This collaboration brings that spirit to the road in a bold, electric way. With this limited-edition range, fans in India can now experience the thrill of Batman every time they drive. It’s a collector’s statement on wheels.”

The BE 6 Batman Edition is based on the top-of-the-range 79 kWh variant, ensuring that its performance is as impressive as its styling. Bookings for this highly sought-after vehicle will open on 23 August, with deliveries beginning on 20 September, in a nod to International Batman Day. This limited-run SUV is not merely a mode of transport; it is a tangible piece of pop culture history, reserved for those who want a story behind their steering wheel.

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Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its new’R store in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh un,der its ‘renault. rethink.’ transformation strategy.

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President Sales & Marketing, Renault India, said, "Andhra Pradesh is a priority market for us with the encouraging response our products have received in the state. The opening of the new’R store in Vijayawada is a step forward in scaling up our business expansion under the renault. rethink. strategy, which focuses on delivering outstanding customer experiences while showcasing Renault’s global brand values tailored to local aspirations. As we continue to expand our footprint, we intend to set new benchmarks in automotive retail.”

The new facility is spread across 21,720 sqft, with a total showroom area of 5,400 sqft, with a dedicated five car display and delivery bay area.  

The new’R store features Renault's New Visual Identity (NVI), featuring a sleek black façade and an updated logo designed in line with global standards.

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new C3X, an updated version of its popular SUV at introductory prices starting INR 525,000. The move is part of the company's ‘Shift Into the New’ strategic plan.

The new model comes with 15 new features designed to improve comfort, safety and convenience while maintaining its position as an accessible vehicle in its segment.

A standout new feature is the Proxi-Sense Passive Entry and Push Start system. Unlike conventional keyless entry, this technology automatically unlocks the car when the key is nearby and locks it as the driver walks away, offering true hands-free convenience. The C3X is also claimed to be the only SUV in its class to offer Cruise Control with a Speed Limiter, which is designed to make long motorway journeys more comfortable.

Additional enhancements include:

• An auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror for reduced glare.
• The HALO 360-degree camera system with seven viewing angles for improved visibility.
• Upgraded LED Vision projector headlamps and fog lamps.
• A comprehensive safety suite that now includes six airbags and a perimetric alarm system.

The new C3X maintains the distinct SUV-inspired design of the original model, with a 180mm ground clearance and a compact turning radius of 4.98m, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. It is available with two engine options: a 1.2L PureTech 82 naturally aspirated engine and a 1.2L PureTech 110 Direct Injection turbo engine. The turbo model can go from zero to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds and has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 19.3 kmpl.

Inside, the car features a best-in-class cabin with a spacious 2,540mm wheelbase and theatre-style rear seating. The 26cm Citroen Connect Infotainment System offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new tropicalised automatic air-conditioning system is also included, which has been specifically designed to cope with India’s hot climate.

Shailesh Hazela, MD & CEO, Stellantis India, said, "With Citroen C3 range starting at the aggressive introductory price of INR 525,000, we’re redefining what value means in this segment. This is not just about affordability – it’s about delivering aspirational features, smart design, and robust performance at a price point that truly resonates with Indian customers. Living by the ethos of the brand – ‘For everyone like no one’ – we’ve pushed for even greater localisation to ensure the best value, lowest cost of ownership, and a product that feels truly made for India."

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The New Citroen C3X represents our commitment to delivering premium features and meaningful innovation in a package that’s distinctly Citroen. With Proxi-Sense entry, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter and HALO 360 Camera, we’ve created a SUV that understands your routine, simplifies it, and elevates every moment behind the wheel. These upgrades don’t just speak to what’s expected – they reflect our belief in delighting the Indian customer through thoughtful engineering.”

The new C3X is now available to book at all Citroen dealerships across India, with deliveries set to begin in the first week of September 2025.

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European automaker Stellantis India has launched its second ‘Stellantis Brand House’ in Gujarat, bringing its Jeep and Citroen brands under one roof in Ahmedabad. This new showroom, located on the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar Highway, follows the debut of the dual-brand model in Surat.

The new facility aims to provide customers with a ‘phygital’ retail experience, combining both digital and physical elements. Visitors can explore the full lineup of both brands, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Meridian and Compass, as well as Citroen's offerings like the Basalt, e-C3, C3 and C3 Aircross.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands for Stellantis India, said, “Ahmedabad’s automotive landscape is vibrant and growing, making it the perfect location for our next Stellantis Brand House. This dual-brand facility is designed to serve the evolving preferences of today’s customers, offering the convenience of two premium brands, a seamless phygital experience, and world-class service – all in one destination. It reflects our ongoing commitment to building a strong, unified retail footprint in India.”

Sankalp Joisar, Dealer Principal, Stellantis Brand House Ahmedabad (Magnus Motors), said, “We are proud to be part of this transformative moment for automotive retail representing both Jeep and Citroën. The dual brand offering strategy allows us to offer an elevated and differentiated experience to customers—whether they're seeking rugged capability or refined comfort. Our team is committed to delivering the passion, professionalism, and personalized care that customers expect from global brands like these.”

The dealership is equipped with advanced infrastructure, including interactive digital tools like a 3D configurator, diagnostics and a full-service centre. Staff are trained by both Jeep and Citroen to provide specialised product knowledge and support to customers.

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