Automotive industry More people want to buy new cars according to survey

Global demand for new cars could rise again somewhat in the future - including those with electric drive systems. This is the result of a recent survey by the consulting and auditing firm EY.

According to the survey, 40 percent of respondents stated that they intend to buy a new car by mid-2026. This was seven percentage points more than in the survey a year earlier. The study surveyed 19,000 people in 28 countries. The survey was conducted in the summer.

24 percent of those intending to buy a new car stated that they were likely to buy an electric vehicle. This was a slight increase compared to the previous year's survey. Back then, a fifth were leaning towards an e-car. Cars with a petrol engine are still the most popular at 29 percent. A total of 33 percent of potential buyers would opt for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles and eight percent for diesel cars.

Due to the poor economic situation, many people are currently keeping their money together. Expensive car purchases are often being postponed. Sales of the world's largest car manufacturers have fallen recently.

Expert: car market could turn around

According to EY industry observer Constantin Gall, the survey shows that the market could soon turn positive again. "Interest in e-cars is also fundamentally present in Europe - even if new registrations are currently declining," he said. This is also plausible, as better and better electric cars are coming onto the market, some with a long range and short charging times.

According to Gall, car buyers in Europe could also see a price slide across the board in the coming year. Many manufacturers would have to significantly increase their sales of e-cars in order to avoid fines. "This could lead to a positive price trend and higher discounts from the customer's point of view over the course of the coming year," said Gall.

SDA