Coronavirus Impact: Over 60% Buyers Want Health And Hygiene-Related Features In Their New Cars, Says Study

The automotive industry is constantly evolving to accommodate the demands of car buyers. Now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new trend has emerged among consumers. According to a recent CarDekho survey, more than 60 per cent of car buyers would like to see health and hygiene-related features in the cars of the future. 

The report titled ‘Impact Of COVID-19 On Car Buying Behaviour In India’ saw 1,300 respondents categorised into three segments based on how much they are willing to spend on a car: 

Segment 1: Rs 5 lakh to 12 lakh

Segment 2- Rs 13 lakh to 30 lakh

Segment 3- Rs 35 lakh and above

The above table reveals that over 60 per cent of car buyers are keen on having health and hygiene-related features in their future cars. This includes an AC unit equipped with a germ filter, a health monitoring system for occupants in the car, and use of antibacterial material in the interiors. Besides, more than 25 per cent of buyers want their cars to be equipped with all of the above-mentioned features.

Other requested features include a designated inbuilt slot for sanitisers, automatic sanitisers, and alarm sensors that detect whether a virus has contaminated the car. Another feature request is the integration of the Arogya Setu app developed by the government to fight COVID-19. 

Currently, India only has four cars under Rs 30 lakh that come equipped with air purifiers -- 2020 Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG ZS EV, and the Hyundai Venue. In the light of current events, expect more carmakers to offer such features in their future cars and even in their current cars in the form of an additional accessory kit. 

Car buyers are also demanding more online sales platforms, minimal contact doorstep test drives as well as deliveries of their new cars. Thankfully, some of these measures are being slowly introduced by car manufacturers, suggesting a bounce back once the pandemic situation stabilises.