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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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has introduced the updated Baleno hatchback in India with pricing starting at INR 609,900 (ex-showroom). The company has opened bookings for an initial amount of INR 11,000.

The new Baleno features exterior design changes, including a revised front grille with horizontal chrome slats, modified lower bumper styling, chrome fender accents and a shark fin antenna. It is offered in seven paint options, including a new Enigmatic Teal shade.

The hatchback is powered by a 1,197cc Z12E 3-cylinder engine equipped with idle start-stop technology and dual variable valve timing. The engine produces 61 kW at 5,700 rpm and 112.4 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or an Auto Gear Shift automatic transmission.

The Baleno comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.80 kmpl for the manual variant and 24.77 kmpl for the automatic model. A CNG variant, the Baleno S-CNG, produces 51.3 kW of power in CNG mode and achieves a fuel efficiency rating of 33.61 km per kg with the five-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of safety, it features a Level 2 advanced driver assistance suite that utilises radar and camera sensors to operate functions such as emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, vehicle sway warning and forward collision warning.

The Baleno gets six airbags, electronic stability program, anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, hill hold control, reverse parking sensors, three-point seat belts, emergency stop signalling and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as standard.

On the inside, it incorporates ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, dual-tone trim, a 22.86 cm infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Clarion sound system, a wireless smartphone charger with active cooling, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system and Suzuki Connect telematics. The vehicle measures 3,990 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width and 1,530 mm in height, with a 2,520 mm wheelbase.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The Baleno has been a definitive pillar for NEXA and the premium hatchback segment over the course of a decade. The Stunning new Baleno is now here to redefine customer expectations with the introduction of segment-first features including Level 2 ADAS, and an unmistakable new identity established with a modern rendition of the signature NEXWave grille. The stunning new Baleno’s ‘Dare to go Glam’ philosophy is formed around the ambitious, young customers of today who dare to challenge the norm and express their individuality in an unapologetically original manner.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has entered the three-row sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment in India with the launch of the Kia Sorento, priced from INR 2.79 million rupees for the diesel variant and INR 2.94 million for the hybrid model.

The Sorento SUV is manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh, and marks the introduction of Kia's initial hybrid powertrain in the Indian market alongside the global deployment of its voice-controlled generative artificial intelligence assistant.

The SUV is built on Kia’s global N3 platform and measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,785 mm in height, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase.

It can be had in two powertrain options – a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid delivering 180 PS from the engine and 65 PS from an electric motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, or a 2.2-litre diesel producing 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both come with all-wheel-drive capability.

On the inside, it gets a curved panel combining two 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation, integrated with NVIDIA computing hardware. Available in six-seat and seven-seat configurations, the cabin includes ventilated seats in the first and second rows, a windshield head-up display, digital rearview mirror and level-two driver-assistance systems comprising 30 features. The SUV is fitted with up to 10 airbags and provides wireless software update capability across 30 onboard control units.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “The arrival of the Kia Sorento represents a defining milestone in Kia India’s journey as we enter the premium three-row SUV for the first time. We are doing so with one of Kia’s most successful global nameplates, bringing Indian customers the most advanced Sorento yet. Built in India, for India, its arrival offers customers a compelling new choice in the segment, while also bringing two important firsts for Kia India — our first Hybrid offering and the global debut of Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities with the India-spec Sorento. More than expanding our portfolio, Sorento reflects our commitment to bringing globally proven products and future-ready technologies to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark for the segment and further strengthen Kia’s premium journey in India.”

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Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated India's first 'Mercedes-Benz Studio' in Gurugram, Delhi NCR, establishing a new global brand experience format in the country. Located at DLF One Horizon Centre, the studio is designed to bring the luxury automaker closer to customers in key metropolitan areas through experimental and immersive interactions. The opening ceremony also featured the Indian debut of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX supercar and the launch of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 e-bike range, developed in partnership with EMotorad.

The studio offers more than a traditional showroom, housing a curated vehicle display alongside a design and material library, a Mercedes-Benz lifestyle collection and exclusive Mercedes-AMG X adidas merchandise. An exclusive Lavonne Café enhances the experience, serving 16 patisserie creations inspired by the brand's design language, featuring sculpted lines and a luxury palette of black, silver and gold. This innovative space allows visitors, from enthusiasts to families, to discover the brand at their own pace within a warm, modern luxury environment that embodies the 'Welcome Home' promise.

This Gurugram studio is part of a worldwide initiative that has established similar destinations in over 14 leading cities across four continents, following the first studio in Copenhagen. Each location is tailored to its city's character within a global framework, ensuring market-specific execution while maintaining brand consistency. The primary objectives include raising awareness among new audiences, deepening long-term customer relationships and reinforcing the brand's presence in India's premier metropolitan markets.

The studio concept is integral to the 'Welcome Home' narrative and coincides with Mercedes-Benz's 2026 celebration of ‘140 Years of Innovation’, commemorating Carl Benz's original patent. These physical destinations serve as convergence points for culture, innovation and urban life. At prime global locations, customers can engage with the latest products, exclusive events, and strategic partnerships, allowing genuine immersion in the Mercedes-Benz brand within their familiar urban environments.

The initiative strategically strengthens urban brand leadership by creating visible touchpoints where brand perception is formed. Visitors can book test drives prior to their visit through the Mercedes-Benz India website and purchase collection items and F1 merchandise at the studio. The collaboration with Lavonne Café results in precision-engineered patisserie, with each creation plated and finished to reflect the automotive brand's aesthetic, including metallic lacquers and signature colour tones.

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX, finished in sunset beam orange, showcases the brand's sensual purity design philosophy with a dynamic fastback silhouette and six circular deep red taillights. The AMG e-bike range, assembled in India by EMotorad, includes City, Track and Rallye editions, all featuring a 250W motor and 25 kmph assistance speed, requiring no registration or insurance in India. Pre-orders are open with deliveries starting mid-September 2026, supported by EMotorad's service network across 55 locations.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Customer engagement with luxury has been evolving, as they desire specially curated spaces to enjoy spending time; experience the latest products, connect with the brand and immerse in an unmistakably familiar ‘Welcome Home’ feeling synonymous with Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz Studio presents this unhurried discovery, spending quality time, experiencing elevated culinary delight, making visitors feel welcome and interacting in novel, experimental ways. We are equally excited to showcase our alluring cars in the heart of the city, where customers can experience them in a relaxed and inspiring setting. We are confident ‘Mercedes-Benz Studio’ will create an immersive brand experience for customers as we plan to expand this concept to other metropolises gradually.

“The Studio opens with a distinct AMG flavour for enthusiasts. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX showcases Mercedes-AMG redefining standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations, underlining an entirely new dimension of a sustained electric future for customers. The launch of AMG F1 PETRONAS e-bikes in India is a natural extension of the AMG brand. These world-class F1 e-Bikes will enable more AMG enthusiasts to connect with the brand’s unique DNA of performance, design and craftsmanship.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has reintroduced the Octavia RS sedan, making 50 units available nationwide following an initial allocation in 2025 for INR 5.66 million (ex-showroom).

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Octavia nameplate and follows a showcase event on 18 August alongside the Slavia and Superb models, where bookings for the batch opened. The company is set to begin deliveries next week.

The Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 370 Nm of torque. Mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission, it has a claimed acceleration of zero to 100 kmph in 6.4 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 250 kmph.

It features LED matrix headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and a 600-litre luggage compartment. The Octavia RS measures 4,709 mm in length, 1,829 mm in width and 1,457 mm in height. Exterior finish options comprise Mamba Green, Velvet Red, and Magic Black.

On the inside, it gets suede and leather upholstery, sports seats with heating and massage functions, a 32.77 cm infotainment display and a head-up display. Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and park assist.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Octavia RS is not just a car for Skoda Auto India; it is an icon that has shaped the aspirations of driving enthusiasts in the country. The response to the first batch last year was extraordinary, with demand far exceeding availability and reaffirming the deep passion Indian customers have for Skoda’s performance-led, driver-focused cars. Bringing a second limited batch to India is our way of celebrating that enthusiasm and giving more customers the opportunity to own a nameplate that carries a powerful legacy. As the Octavia marks 30 years globally, and the RS badge continues its journey of over five decades, the Octavia RS stands as a rare combination of performance, everyday usability and emotional connection. We are delighted to bring back this limited set for customers who understand, value and truly live the spirit of RS.”

The Octavia RS comes with a four-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty.

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