The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in the automotive industry, with consumers increasingly preferring personal vehicles, health and hygiene features in cars, and digital modes of interaction throughout the purchase cycle. Sales of cars rebounded in March and April, but the recovery is only partial, with car sales still down year over year in recent quarters. Concerns over public and shared mobility are likely to persist as countries set up the infrastructure and technical support required to administer the vaccine for COVID-19. A survey of 11,000 consumers from 11 countries found that these trends are being sustained over the long term, and automotive companies need to respond effectively to these changes in consumer preferences.
