Many people fear that they will no longer be able to afford a car in the future. That's why many people want more fuel-efficient and smaller cars - and want politicians to put the brakes on fuel prices and lower taxes.
Around 60 % of Germans would like to see more fuel-efficient cars from the manufacturing companies.
Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH
As the cost of owning a car has risen significantly, the risk of mobile exclusion has increased. According to the results of the international survey Auto 2023 "Cars: Whatever it takes?" by Consors Finanz BNP Paribas, over 60 % of respondents fear that they will no longer be able to afford a car in the future. From the citizens' point of view, politics and manufacturing companies should intervene here to counteract this social-societal development with suitable initiatives. More than 16,600 people aged between 18 and 65 in 18 countries were surveyed for the consumer study in summer 2022.
Consumption and Costs Down
The majority (61 % in Germany and 64 % worldwide) believe that manufacturers have a duty to develop more fuel-efficient cars in order to contain costs. The fact that more smaller and lighter vehicles are coming onto the market is seen by 40 % of Germans and 32 % worldwide as a proven means. According to the survey, around a quarter also see lower sales costs as a way of driving down acquisition costs – by expanding online sales, for example.
According to the survey, around half of drivers in Germany and worldwide see a government fuel price brake as an effective means of counteracting mobile exclusion. 34 % and 38 % (Germany/worldwide) respectively also believe that lower taxes on cars are necessary. 23 % of respondents see a further expansion of public transport as a solution to rising car costs.
E-car Price Becomes Decisive Factor
In the view of Bernd Brauer, Head of Mobility at Consors Finanz BNP Paribas, the e-car price should be a decisive factor in the future when it comes to possible mobile exclusion. "Here, currently, it is primarily the manufacturing companies that are called upon to bring more affordable models, especially small e-cars, onto the market." The first developments in this direction can already be observed, he said. "However, these are mainly being initiated by Asian manufacturing companies. European supplier companies seem to be losing influence." Dealers would therefore have to position themselves broadly. Brauer: "It is important to be able to offer both a comprehensive e-brand portfolio and all conceivable services related to electromobility – from wallbox installation to subsidy consulting."