Increased desire for car ownership

THE impact of COVID-19 has created an increased desire for car ownership amongst Irish people, with over half (55%) of respondents stating that owning or having access to a car is now more important as a result of the pandemic, according to an online survey by motoring marketplace Carzone.

The Carzone Motoring Report is compiled by analysing data from the 81+ million car views carried out on Carzone in 2020, as well as an in-depth survey of over 2,000 people in Ireland.

The research shows that 64% of prospective car buyers still looking to buy a car and a third (36%) putting their car buying plans on hold. In terms of budgets available, 60% of people say their car buying budget has stayed the same or has increased since the beginning of the pandemic.

COVID-19 has also impacted those who don’t drive, encouraging 65% of non-drivers to learn to drive (83% amongst the 18-24-year-old group). 48% of people are less likely to use public transport compared to pre COVID-19 levels. The report suggests that travel restrictions in place over the past months may have helped motorists reduce their running costs.,