According to a survey conducted by Nielsen, almost 90% of people prefer compact cars for urban mobility, reducing their travel time in the city and solving many of the challenges they face during their daily commute. The survey, titled the Urban Mobility Happiness Index (UMHI), was commissioned by MG Motor India, and the results mirror the challenges faced by commuters in major Indian cities and the state of urban mobility in India.
The survey was conducted in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Calcutta, and respondents included males and females aged 18 to 37 years who had at least one car in their household. The results showed that vehicle parking is a common issue faced by car owners in Indian cities, with only 26% of survey respondents finding it easy to locate parking. Meanwhile, 74% of respondents struggled with the availability and management of parking spaces in their cities.
Approximately 64% of individuals reported that they either decided not to use their cars due to the unavailability of parking or had to adjust their plans according to parking availability. Interestingly, 71% of car owners in India travel alone or with only one co-passenger, with only 1% of the respondents reporting always traveling with more than one passenger. This data is contrary to the belief that Indian families prefer to travel together in multi-utility vehicles or sports utility vehicles.
Despite growing environmental concerns related to fossil fuels, 50% of respondents own petrol vehicles, while 35% own diesel vehicles. Nonetheless, there is a rising trend among car owners to shift towards alternative powertrain technologies.
The survey also found that about 81% of respondents reported using the luggage space for carrying a laptop bag, and about 77% of respondents use the luggage space of their car every day. Approximately 71% of respondents reported spending more than 30 minutes to an hour for their daily commute. As many as 61% of respondents admitted to experiencing increased travel times as compared to their usual travel time from five years ago.
Gaurav Gupta, chief commercial officer from MG Motor India, said: “The findings of the survey have provided us with valuable insights into the driving behavior of Indian consumers and their preferences for mobility solutions. The survey clearly reflects that car owners prioritize convenience, safety, and overall driving experience.”
The survey results highlight the importance of compact cars for urban mobility in India, where parking and traffic congestion are significant issues. It also sheds light on the trend of car owners prioritizing convenience and driving experience over other factors. The rising trend towards alternative powertrain technologies also shows the increasing awareness among Indian consumers regarding environmental concerns related to fossil fuels. The findings of the survey can help automobile manufacturers in India to design and market their products according to the preferences of Indian consumers.