A couple of months ago we heard the news that the automotive industry in the Asian giant was collapsing. Production was halted and demand was frozen. Today the numbers speak of something very different: the figures show a market that has exploded in this sense. What is happening? We will explain it to you.

Panic has taken its toll, and combined with the lockdown in hundreds of cities, one of the most affected has undoubtedly been the economy. This can be seen in China, a territory with multiple industries and the scene where the outbreak began.

According to the consulting firm IPSOS, in its most recent report, for the month of February, the number of passenger car sales had already dropped by 80% in the Asian country.

But right there, where this sector seemed to have collapsed, today a completely opposite phenomenon appears, encouraging for all related markets. In this country where the emergency is slowly beginning to ease and normality seems to be returning, the intention to buy vehicles among people who previously had no interest has reached 72%.

The analysis reveals how people's transportation trends have changed. The explanation is clear: before the pandemic, 34% of respondents preferred a car for transportation, but after months of confinement and in the face of constant warnings about personal care and the urgency of asepsis, this figure reached 66%.

Similarly, the 56% of Chinese who previously claimed to be willing to travel by bus or subway has now dropped substantially. Now only 24% want to travel by public transport. Regarding motorcycles and bicycles, we can say that the acceptance rate is still 45%. What is happening? Sharing personal space with strangers is becoming less and less of an option. The preservation and care of personal space has undoubtedly become one of the highest priorities.

The numbers are clear. When potential buyers were asked why they were interested in a new vehicle, these were the answers: because it reduces the risk of infection, with 77%; to meet the needs of the family (51%); because public transport is not safe (50%); importance of flexible use (48%), among others.

Sales also changed depending on the situation

Not only have purchasing intentions changed, but there has also been a significant change in purchasing processes.

According to the pollster Ipsos, the purchase and sale of new cars has adapted to the new living conditions. They clarify that “42% of respondents reflect that, especially in regions most affected by the virus, they are more interested in buying a car online. 79% say they are in favor of home after-sales service and door-to-door delivery.”

Buying a vehicle online? Home deliveries? That's right, once again prevention and care dictate changes to the industry, which clearly not only returned to normal sales, but is surpassing the indicators previously sacrificed and today requires reinvention to modify the processes of access to these products.