Young India prefers shared mobility, data privacy in connected cars a concern: Survey

The concept of mobility globally it witnessing a paradigm shift, right from the concept of ownership to the choice of vehicle, powertrain and digital solutions in the vehicle. According to Deloitte’s 2019 Global Automotive Consumer Study, consumers in India feel empowered trusting the power of digital solutions that make their commute safer.

The study by the American professional service network surveyed over 25,000 consumers in September and October 2018 across 20 countries around the world to explore consumer preferences regarding a variety of critical issues impacting the automotive sector. The goal of the study was to answer important questions that can help companies prioritise and better position their business strategies and investments.

The survey saw over 84 percent of the respondents feel, connected vehicles will be beneficial in providing suggestions regarding safer routes, along with updates to improve road safety, and prevent potential collisions. Around 76 percent of Indian consumers are in favour of the connected vehicle, and shared mobility being another trend which is gaining momentum in India.

The report found that there is a clear generational divide when it comes to shared mobility. Compared to the older generation, younger consumers are more likely to understand the idea of shared mobility, and to question whether vehicle ownership is a necessity. Therefore, ride-hailing has been integrated in some markets and the concept is progressing in India.

Commenting on future of mobility in India, Rajeev Singh, partner, Deloitte India said, “ India is at the cusp of digital transformation as we see a whole new way of engagement, interactivity, and consumption pattern. With that, the future is truly going to be driven by mobile connectivity and digital power. Even though the daily usage of personally owned vehicles in India is quite high, the cumulative vehicle sales for the country have seen a sharp decline over the past year. It is expected that the younger audience would subvert the trend of personally owned vehicles in the time to come with their growing affinity, towards shared mobility and digital technologies”.

Misuse of data remains a concern
When it comes to vehical safety, 48 percent of Indians agree that autonomous vehicles will not be safe, there is positive shift in the attitude of Indian consumers towards connected vehicles as compared to most APAC countries.

Joe Vitale, Deloitte Global automotive sector leader, said: “Connected, electrified, and autonomous vehicles offer tremendous value for society, but consumers may be slow to adopt these advanced technologies at scale until there is clear and undisputed improvement in safety, cost, convenience, and superior customer experience from a trusted brand.”

On the other hand, despite the technological advancements, consumer opinions diverge on specific concern about safety. According to the report, around 70 percent of respondents in India are alarmed about the misuse of their biometric data by external parties.

In contrast to the report a year ago, this year’s study reveals a decline in consumers’ trust in autonomous vehicles. Indians are increasingly questioning if autonomous vehicles are safe, which is causing some people to take a more cautious approach to the idea said the study.

In respect to electric mobility, the study highlights that the concept has captured interests of the consumers globally as well as in India, it found that 39 percent of respondents preferred a hybrid, battery, or another alternative to traditional powertrains for their next vehicle.