Affordable and desirable automobiles have become the focus for Italians, according to recent reports, as they prioritize wallet-friendly purchases.
In a comprehensive study commissioned by Facile.it and conducted by the mUp Research institute, a sample of 1385 residents representative of the national population, aged between 18 and 74, were interviewed to understand their car-buying preferences.
One of the key findings was the high concern about fuel efficiency and costs, with 48.6% of middle-aged drivers showing a strong interest in minimizing fuel-related expenses. While the exact percentage of middle-aged drivers attentive to fuel costs and car management costs could not be determined from the results, the strong presence of autogas (a cost-effective alternative fuel) in Italy's market suggests a significant consumer base conscious of fuel and car running costs.
The concern about car size was another significant factor in the study. In large cities, this concern was particularly high at 30.4%, reflecting the challenges of navigating narrow roads and crowded streets. Interestingly, the concern about car size was not related to the brand, vehicle's performance, aesthetics, fuel type, or price in this context. Nationwide, more than a quarter of Italians (28.5%) expressed concerns about car size. In urban centers with less than 10,000 inhabitants, this concern was slightly lower at 32.1%.
The concern about car size was also linked to the risk of damage during parking in crowded streets. Overall, 38.6% of those interviewed were trying to calculate the management costs, including maintenance, consumption, and taxes.
Aesthetics, on the other hand, was a consideration for 19.8% of men and 15.4% of women. The brand only counted for a fifth of those interviewed (20.2%). Surprisingly, the "big loser" among the criteria for choosing cars by Italians was the brand.
The study also found that the concern about what type of fuel to choose was high, particularly to avoid wasting money. This concern was not specified for men or women in this paragraph.
In conclusion, the study indicates that Italian car buyers prioritize economy and practicality in their vehicle choices, with a significant focus on fuel efficiency and car size. While the exact percentage of middle-aged drivers attentive to fuel costs and car management costs could not be determined from the results, the strong presence of autogas in Italy's market suggests a consumer base conscious of fuel and car running costs.
- The interest in electric vehicles, known for their energy efficiency, could potentially attract more middle-aged drivers who are conscious of their car-running costs, aligning with the prioritization of economic considerations found in the study.
- Transitioning from traditional fuel vehicles to home-and-garden based alternatives, such as home-grown energy sources for electric vehicles, could further cater to the concerns of economically-focused consumers, as it may help reduce overall fuel costs.
- Considering the high concern about car size amongst Italians, lifestyle magazines focusing on home-and-garden tips could include articles offering suggestions for selecting compact car models that are suitable for navigating crowded urban streets, thus addressing the challenges faced by city drivers.
