According to the latest Motoring Report conducted by Carzone, the impact of COVID-19 has created an increased desire for car ownership amongst people in Ireland. Over half (55%) of respondents stated that owning or having access to a car is now more important to them as a result of the pandemic.

The research outlines the impact that COVID-19 has had on car buying over the past year, with 64% of prospective car buyers still looking to buy a car and just over a third (36%) putting their car buying plans on hold. In terms of available budget, 60% of people say their car buying budget has stayed the same or has increased since the pandemic began in March 2020.

COVID-19 has also impacted those who don’t drive, with 65% of non-drivers now being more likely to learn as a result of the crisis, 83% amongst 18-24-year-olds. Nearly half (48%) of respondents are now less likely to use public transport compared to pre COVID-19 levels.

The research suggests that the travel restrictions in place over the past year may have helped motorists to reduce their running costs, with 53% of respondents claiming a reduction in running costs and only 30% stating an increase in mileage last year.

Commenting on the Car Buyer Behaviour during COVID-19 report, Karl Connolly, Audience Manager at Carzone said, “The data is encouraging for car sellers, with 55% of people saying that owning or having access to a car is now more important to them as a result of the pandemic. It seems we can take some positives from the past year,  with an increase in non-drivers planning to learn to drive as a result of the pandemic and a reduction in running costs for many motorists.”