New Delhi : A survey on the impact of Covid-19 on car purchases has highlighted shifting buying behaviour of consumers. The survey was conducted by CarDekho, India’s leading full-stack auto-tech company.

According to the survey conducted through telephonic interaction, a significant number of respondents are ready to buy a car as soon as the lockdown ends. Further, 60% of respondents preferred their new vehicles to be equipped with health and hygiene features.

With a sample size of 1,300 respondents from the ‘in-market’ and ‘high intent’ audience, the survey further splits its respondents according to the price segments: Segment 1 (INR 5-12 lakhs), Segment 2 (INR 13-30 lakhs) and Segment 3 (INR 13-30 lakhs+) . It included first time buyers, one who wants to upgrade and other category car users.

While going to a dealership to test drive a vehicle remains the first option, increasingly customers prefer doorstep service from dealers. They also expect technology-driven features such as a chatbot, virtual showroom etc. on online platforms. Additionally, respondents are now seeking features such as inbuilt sanitizer slots, integrated Aarogya Setu app, and a sanitized car for test drives.

Says Mr Ranjit Yadav, President and Mentor CarDekho Group, “The Covid-19 outbreak has had a major disruptive impact on people which now is affecting their preferences for transportation. The survey has shown that people now prefer personal mobility over shared mobility in the country. Health and hygiene features, doorstep test drives versus dealership visits, online buying are some obvious trends. It’s also clear that the digital consumption has increased during COVID-19 since all of us are confined to our homes, changes of today will become a habit for tomorrow. As digital enablers we are geared to provide our clients with technology driven digital solutions to the extent of last mile.”

-Odisha Age