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).

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported that its flagship electric roadster – the MG Cyberster, touted as the world's fastest MG and India's highest-selling sports car has gone home to over 350 customers since its launch in July 2025.

The model sold under the brand's luxury retail channel, MG SELECT, is priced at INR 7.49 million and is now seeing a waiting period of four to five months for new customers.

Milind Shah, Head - MG SELECT, said, “The phenomenal response to the Cyberster from sportscar enthusiasts has been extraordinary, particularly due to its striking design language and innovative features - including the iconic electric scissor doors and impressive acceleration from 0-100 in just 3.2 seconds. This remarkable success underscores that today's buyers are seeking high-performance sports cars that combine sustainable luxury with cutting-edge engineering. We have built a healthy order book and are efficiently working to cater to the current demand and upcoming bookings. From sports champions to movie stars, the Cyberster continues to capture the imagination of new India and its aspirations, drawing the attention of people from different walks of life. Beyond the vehicle itself, we are also creating immersive, curated experiences exclusively for our customers - ensuring that the MG SELECT ownership journey extends far beyond the drive."

The MG Cyberster draws on the heritage of the MGB Roadster. Powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup it delivers 510 PS and 725 Nm of torque. A claimed acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in 3.2 seconds. It features electric scissor doors, soft-top roof and a low drag coefficient. In terms of braking power, it gets Brembo 4-piston front brake callipers stop the car from 100 kmph in 33 metres. It sports 20-inch staggered alloy wheels paired with Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

The company said that the combined success of the MG Cyberster and the MG M9 Presidential Limousine has established JSW MG Motor India as the second-largest brand in the Indian luxury EV segment.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has launched the all-new Tata Sierra at introductory prices starting INR 1.14 million. The iconic SUV has been introduced in a new avatar as 'Premium' offering in the mid-size segment.

Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “With the new Sierra, we are setting a new benchmark for what Indian mobility can be. The Tata Sierra stands as a testament to our belief that customers deserve more than the ordinary: they deserve innovation that inspires, design that resonates emotionally, and a premium experience that elevates every journey. This legend returns to inspire pride, express individuality and embrace progress, while enjoying the highest standards of comfort, technology, and safety. The Sierra is our commitment to lead, to challenge conventions, and to deliver an icon that truly moves India forward with purpose and distinction."

Sierra first debuted as a premium SUV offering in the country in 1991. The new model carries forward its identity while updating design, technology, capability and craftsmanship. The new Sierra aims to elevate the mid-size SUV segment by enriching space, comfort, safety and daily usability.

The SUV has already received the Red Dot Design Award and is available with three powertrain options across six versions:

• 1.5-litre direct injection petrol (Hyperion)
• 1.5-litre Revotron petrol
• 1.5-litre Kryojet diesel

The new Sierra has a monocoque design and five doors, unlike the original, which had three. It measures under 4.4 metres in length. In terms of safety, the Sierra gets over 20 ADAS 2+ features, including the ability to read speed signs and inform the driver. Six airbags and a sealed fuel system are standard.

On the inside, it gets tonnes of tech, including a triple screen display system laced with Dolby Atmos audio. Depending on the trim, Nippon-Desay and Harman (JBL) audio systems are available.

The design highlights include the slimmest headlamps in its category, a pillarless design past the B-pillar and a substantial glasshouse. The interior uses soft materials to create a living room feel and draws inspiration from contemporary Indian art. The SUV also offers water wading ability and good approach and departure angles.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis-owned French auto brand Citroen India and Milo Drive have signed an MoU to deploy 500 units of the Citroen e-C3 electric car.

Milo Drive operates ‘Fleet OS’, a platform that supports driver entrepreneurs and local fleet operators in managing cars across ride-hailing, travel and corporate mobility platforms.

The collaboration combines Citroen’s engineering with Milo Drive’s technology, which includes demand routing, utilisation analytics and driver performance tech. This is designed to create a scalable ecosystem.

Shishir Mishra, Business Head & Director - Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Business, Stellantis India, said, “Scaling electric mobility in India requires strong, future-ready partnerships, and our collaboration with Milo Drive reflects exactly that. The Citroen e-C3 offers the ideal balance of range, comfort and operating efficiency making it a proven performer for shared mobility. Together, we are enabling EV access at scale and contributing meaningfully to India’s transition toward a low-carbon mobility ecosystem.”

Monil Jayeshkumar Khatri, Co-Founder, Milo Drive, said, “With Citroen, we’re blending affordability with intelligence. Their support extends beyond vehicles to real-time battery insights and performance data; helping us further enable hundreds of entrepreneurs to build and run their own mobility businesses through Milo Drive’s tech platform. This collaboration is a significant milestone in our journey to electrify India’s urban mobility landscapes.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Spinny, a used car retail platform, has opened new car parks in Sonipat, Karnal and Ambala, increasing its presence in North India. The expansion gives customers in these cities and surrounding regions access to the company’s collection of inspected used cars.

The new car parks are located along the GT Road corridor, improving regional accessibility for customers across the North region.

The new parks function as single destinations where customers can explore, test drive, buy, or sell cars. The expansion aims to serve growing demand for pre-owned vehicles along this corridor, complementing Spinny’s customer base in Delhi NCR and Chandigarh.

Hanish Yadav, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, “With our new parks in Sonipat, Karnal and Amabala, we’re excited to bring Spinny’s trusted car experience closer to our customers. These parks not only expand our reach but also make it easier for customers to explore our 200-point inspected cars in person. At Spinny, we’re committed to making every step of buying or selling a car transparent, comfortable, and filled with joy.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!