India counts on connected mobility for safe commute: Deloitte Report 2019

• 51% of Gen Y/Z users in India are questioning the need for an owned vehicle. Currently in India, 47% of consumers use their own vehicle everyday which is expected to increase to 50% in next three years.
• While 64% of consumers feel that media reports of accidents involving AVs(autonomous vehicles) have made them more cautious of the technology, 48% of Indians in 2019 agree that autonomous vehicles will not be safe.
• 48% of Indian consumers find relative comfort in original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to manage the data being generated and shared by connected car.
• 70% of consumers are somewhat/very concerned about the concept of biometric data being captured and shared with external parties while indulging in connectivity.

Mumbai, 24 June 2019: According to the Deloitte’s 2019 Global Automotive Consumer Study, consumers in India feel empowered trusting the power of digital solutions that make their commute safer. Our report shows 84% 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.

76% of Indian consumers are in favour of connected vehicles. Shared mobility,, is another trend which is gaining momentum in India. The report uncovers 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 and launch of the report, 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”.

Another important trend is concern on vehical safety, 48% of Indians in 2019 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.

“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,” says Joe Vitale, Deloitte Global automotive sector leader.

Despite technological advancements, consumer opinions diverge on specific concern aboutsafety. According to the report, around 70% of consumers in India are alarmed about the misuse of their biometric data by external parties. Unlike last year, this year’s study reveals a decline in consumers’ trust in autonomous vehicles. Indians are increasingly questioning if AVs are safe, which is causing some people to take a more cautious approach to the idea.

With respect to electric mobility, the study highlights that the concept has captured interests of the consumers globally as well as in India, where 39% of survey respondents prefered a hybrid, battery, or another alternative to traditional drive-trains for their next vehicle.

Key highlights of the report:

• Consumers “pump the brakes” on interest in AVs - As the technology gets closer to scalable, real-world application, consumers are questioning if autonomous vehicles (AVs) are safe, which is causing some people to take a more cautious approach to the idea.
• Electric vehicles to revolutionise future of mobility - Electric vehicle (EV) demand is growing in Asia Pacific (AP) and the European Union (EU) due to supportive environmental policies, big-brand bets, and shifting consumer attitudes. But low fuel prices in North America (NA) are keeping consumers away
• Consumers may be reluctant to pay for connectivity - Consumer opinions are mixed while interest in time-saving features is high, but significant concerns remain over privacy and data security. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) also face an uphill battle getting people to pay for it.
• Mobility revolution faces significant headwinds - Overall consumer behavior is proving difficult to change. A shared mobility future may hinge on younger people that have fully embraced the precepts of a digitally enhanced existence.

About the Global Automotive Consumer Study

Deloitte recently 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 overall goal of the study is to answer important questions that can help companies prioritize and better position their business strategies and investments.