The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly changed a lot of things, including how people view transportation.
Now, many folks realize the importance of having a car, a secure means of transport that you do not need to share with anybody.
A 2020 survey by Deloitte found that 74 percent of Americans support the idea of owning a car, with 56 percent of public transportation users stating that they intended to stop using public transport during the pandemic.
This, however, did not translate into an increase in car sales in 2020 because people managed to accomplish tasks from the comfort of their homes and travelled less.
From virtual showrooms to mobile car repair, here are ways car manufacturers have evolved since the pandemic.
Introduction of New Digital Services
With the change in how people perceive transport, there is more focus on the experience of buying and owning a car than there was before the Covid era. Car buyers are looking for a test drive and delivery practices that do not require them to have a stranger in their vehicle.
To this end, car manufacturers introduced digital services that allow buyers to experience their brand of choice and interact with the brand’s dealer without physical contact.
According to Forbes, these digital tools and services have gained noteworthy significance to the consumer, owing to the pandemic.
Preparing for An Electric Future
The pandemic accelerated the shift to electric vehicles (EVs). Although the changeover was already going on fueled by the motivation to use cleaner energy, consumers were drawn to the idea of having charging stations at home, away from the threat of infection from gas stations.
As The New York Times reports, car manufacturers may very well plan for an electric future, even as governments around the world continue to endorse the use of electric cars.
EV Start-Ups on The Increase
With more car manufacturers developing interest in EVs, EV start-ups are taking precedence in the traditional car market. In 2019, Tesla made $24.6 billion in income, swaying manufacturers to explore the EV marketplace.
Huge brands like Bentley have already announced that they will only sell EVs starting from 2030.
Besides, the crisis has changed the type of vehicles consumers prefer, and now shoppers have a greater appreciation for battery-powered, environment-friendly, and sustainable vehicle options.
More Robust Car Manufacturing Online Presence
Car manufacturers are doing all they can to keep their websites up and running, with AMOnline reporting an increase in e-commerce in the Covid era. Consumers are seeking seamless interactions when looking for information and buying vehicles online.
Additionally, car manufacturing plants are now exploring their online spaces to launch their latest car models. This activity was sidelined during the pandemic when the plants were forced to close down thereby delaying launches.
More Mergers and Reforms
In the wake of the crisis, car manufacturers are dealing with an upsurge of consolidations, reforms, and mergers, as the Business Insider explains.
Financially-impoverished car manufacturing plants are looking to share a load of research and development costs, in addition to resolving their own financial woes. Mergers are becoming more prevalent as smaller industries cannot afford to put money into new technologies.
