What are the challenges and opportunities caused by these changes in everyday life, as well as whether we, the Latvian society, have become part of the new mobility revolution, explains Arnis Jaudzems, “SIXT” leader in the Baltic States.
We are gradually renouncing car ownership
A car for everyday use provides freedom of action, comfort and necessary flexibility, allowing people to plan their time and routes independently of public transport schedules or other constraints. It is true that the regular expenses related to the maintenance and upkeep of the car, tire change, repair expenses or even loan payments for a possibly old new car – cause unnecessary worries.
The European Car and Mobility Barometer, which surveyed 6,000 respondents from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain, reveals that a third (32%) of car owners surveyed would consider not using a personal car in the future, while 8% are ready to do so give up completely. People need the wide range of mobility and convenience that a personal car provides, but the need for car ownership will gradually decrease over the years. We can already observe such a trend in Latvia.
One year since the car subscription – what has changed?
Car subscriptions have experienced a rapid rise in demand in a short period of time, marking a new and significant step in the expansion of mobility opportunities in Latvia. This is one way to get the wide range of mobility and all the conveniences of a personal car, while keeping control of your budget. When subscribing to a car, you have to make a fixed monthly payment every month and you only have to worry about filling up fuel and window fluid yourself.
During the year since the service has been available in the Baltics, the demand for “SIXT+” (www.sixtplus.lv) car subscriptions has grown rapidly and more than 500 customers have already used it. In addition, the research carried out by “Norstat” reveals that 40% of respondents are interested in car subscription and have a strong desire to try it. Of all customers, more than half are small and medium-sized companies, which are not ready to make long-term financial commitments for the costs of purchasing and maintaining a car, do not want to buy a car in their own possession. At the same time, the opportunity to change the car as needed is welcomed, as the offer includes cars that are suitable for everyday use in the city, spacious cars for larger families, while SUV-type cars are especially popular in the autumn and winter season.
The demand for electric cars is increasing
Latvia shows a convincing growth in demand for electric cars during the first six months of this year. Comparing the number of newly purchased electric cars in the first half of the year with the same period last year, the increase in demand is 119%, or the total number of electric cars has increased by 901, according to the data collected by the electric car charging network “Eleport”. Buying an electric car is undeniably a practical and forward-thinking choice when it comes to investing in a more sustainable future. No less important are the benefits and benefits available to their owners. Financial support from the state for the purchase of an electric car, lower car maintenance and servicing costs, vehicle operating costs of 0 EUR – these are just some of the advantages that promote the replacement of an internal combustion engine car with an electric car. Before making a decision on the purchase of a personal electric car, around 10% of all “SIXT+” (www.sixtplus.lv) customers choose to subscribe to it to make sure of the benefits and readiness for life with an electric car. In addition, car subscription is also a great way for many to test a particular car model before buying it.
Along with the growth of demand for electric cars in Latvia, we are observing significant changes in the mobility scene. The rapid popularity of electric cars shows the growing public interest in more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport alternatives. This trend goes hand in hand with modern solutions and benefits offered to electric car owners, making these vehicles a valuable and promising means of mobility in the Baltic States.
2023-12-21 12:21:00
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