Inchcape delivers insights into the global mobility transition
Inchcape unveiled the findings of Drivers of Change, a global study on consumer sentiment toward personal mobility and consumer readiness for new energy vehicles (NEVs). This first edition from Inchcape’s Centre for the Future of Mobility delivers actionable insights into how the global mobility transition can only be achieved through a localised approach. Findings show that the transition can be achieved faster, more equitably and more effectively through collaboration among policymakers, OEMs, distributors and the energy industry. Personal vehicle ownership is increasingly important for economic development and social inclusion, particularly in countries with limited public transport or ride sharing options.
Vehicle ownership opens opportunities for education and employment, as well as connecting people to their communities, friends and families. At the same time, tailpipe emissions from road vehicles still account for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The industry is evolving to embrace this challenge, seizing the opportunity to play a role in this mobility transition by working to enable sustainable mobility and lower carbon technologies across vehicle categories.
To explore the findings in detail, you can download the report or read further below for key insights.
Drivers of Change
Drawing on surveys conducted across Latin America and Asia-Pacific (APAC) in early 2025 – reaching nearly 6,000 respondents across 13 countries – the research highlights:
the central role that mobility plays in improving quality of life, social inclusion and access to essential services, especially in emerging markets;
how consumers perceive and value NEVs, and their motivations and concerns around adoption;
the differences between regions and markets and how there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; and
the role of global distributors, OEMs, policymakers and the energy industry in driving the transition.
The transition to sustainable mobility is not just about technology—it is about people. By listening to consumers and understanding their expectations, concerns, and motivations, we can enable solutions that respond to both global sustainability goals and consumers' mobility needs.
Liz Brown Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer
Sharing insights to close the knowledge gap
The research underscores how personal vehicle ownership is closely tied to improved quality of life, social inclusion and access to essential services. The role of the personal car is especially important in areas with less advanced public transport – where vehicle ownership opens opportunities as a complement to shared mobility and public transport options, allowing people to connect with others, pursue their goals and maintain personal freedom.
In APAC, 71% of respondents say they “can’t live without a car”, and 83% prefer ownership over car-sharing or ride-hailing.
In Latin America, 91% identified the ability to move freely and according to their own schedule as the main benefit of owning a car. Beyond transportation, mobility enables individuals to connect with employment, education, and their communities – contributing to economic participation and personal independence.
For many markets in Latin America and APAC, owning a vehicle reflects broader desires and the role of mobility for autonomy, control and wellbeing.
The research highlights the similarities and differences between regions in consumer attitudes towards NEVs. Sentiment toward NEVs is broadly positive (above 75%, on average) in both regions and ‘environmental awareness’ is a primary motivator for NEV adoption, cited as the primary driver by 62% of the APAC respondents and 37% of Latin Americans.
Despite positive sentiment, barriers to adoption remain. The intent to purchase NEVs in Latin America remains modest due to affordability challenges, limited infrastructure and lower awareness of NEV technologies. By contrast, consumers in APAC show higher ownership rates, greater trust and greater readiness – driven by higher familiarity with NEVs and stronger policy support. In APAC, the cost of NEVs is cited as the main barrier for adoption.
Achieving an inclusive transition requires a localised approach, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The research reinforces why strategies must be tailored to local realities, considering consumer preferences, infrastructure maturity, policy frameworks and local contexts.
Due to their low motorisation rates, emerging markets in Latin America and APAC have a unique opportunity to transition directly to lower carbon transport solutions. Drivers of Change highlights the need for a coordinated approach that combines targeted government policies – such as purchase incentives and tax relief – with robust infrastructure planning and strong collaboration across public and private industry.
By developing locally tailored plans that support global sustainability goals, these regions can accelerate NEV adoption in a way that is both inclusive and effective, creating long term value for the economy, people and planet.
Inchcape’s role in the future of mobility
This research marks the first in a series of studies to be published by Inchcape’s Centre for the Future of Mobility, a new knowledge platform dedicated to exploring how mobility transformation can be achieved sustainably, equitably and effectively across the globe. This is in line with Inchcape’s ambition of delivering solutions tailored to the real conditions of the communities we serve, bringing mobility to the world’s communities – for today, for tomorrow and for the better.
