Press Release
Continental Mobility Study 2015:
Electric Cars Facing Image Problems
 Drivers mainly see electric cars as eco-friendly
 Only a few consider them sporty and fun to drive
 Many older drivers do not want an electric car, and younger drivers increasingly reject
them
 Continental to release the full study results on January 29, 2015
Hanover, January 7, 2015. Electric cars have a special "green" image among drivers in Germany,
but so far they barely evoke any emotions. In the 2015 Continental Mobility Study, a clear majority
see fully electric-driven vehicles as environmentally friendly (72%) and sensible (67%), but the
perception of image factors that play a key role in the purchase decision, such as driving pleasure
(26%), attractive design (26%), and sportiness (23%), is low. In addition to the higher purchase
price compared to conventional vehicles, the unbalanced image dampens drivers' expectations as
to when they themselves will actually use such a vehicle.
For the 2015 Continental Mobility Study, the international automotive supplier Continental had the
market and social research institute infas conduct a representative survey of motorists in Germany
and the U.S.A., and a qualitative survey in France, Japan, and China. Experts from science and
the automotive industry were also interviewed.
Compared to the 2011 Continental Mobility Study, significantly fewer drivers in all age groups
expect to use a pure electric car in the medium term (four to ten years). The expectation figures fell
from 47% to 34% among those 16 to 30 years old, and from 46% to 35% among those 31 to 59
years old. The reluctant attitude amongst drivers 60 and over – of all the groups, a population
segment featuring an affinity for cars as well as high purchasing power – leveled off at 40%. At the
same time, there was a strong increase (from zero to 20%) over the past three years in the number
of young drivers who would switch to an electric car only if vehicles with internal combustion
engines were no longer available.
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Your contact:
Vincent Charles, +49 511 938-1622
-2"After several booming years, the pure electric car is currently facing image problems," says José
Avila, Continental Executive Board member and head of the Powertrain division, commenting on
the findings of the study. However, with hybridization – the combination of ultra-modern
combustion engines with electric motors – he sees a way out. "Increasing hybridization, including
48-volt technology, will clear the way for electromobility. It allows a reasonable cost/benefit ratio
and gives drivers their first experience with electromobility.
Avila is also confident that the image of e-vehicles' will improve. "Hybrid vehicles can create
acceptance for electric cars. Drivers have the possibility to travel stretches of road in hybrid
vehicles using only electric power and experience first hand how much fun they are to drive." Avila
feels the study confirms that further consumption potential for combustion models can be
developed while simultaneously moving forward with the strategy for the gradual electrification of
the powertrain.
Release of the study results by webcast on January 29, 2015
How significant is driving worldwide? In the future, will the motives behind mobility be more rational
than emotional? Do young people even want to own cars anymore? How accepted are new
technologies like electromobility, digitalization, and automated driving? These are the core
questions that this year's edition of the study answers in detail. Continental will release the results
of the study by public webcast on January 29, 2015.
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner,
the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides safe, comfortable,
sustainable, affordable, individual solutions. In 2013, the corporation generated sales of approximately €33.3
billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental
currently employs around 189,000 people in 49 countries.
About the study:
In the second half of 2014, international automotive supplier Continental had the infas research institute
conduct a representative survey of 1,800 motorists and non-motorists in Germany and 2,300 in the U.S.A.
A qualitative survey was done of 400 vehicle owners in France, Japan, and China. Interviews with experts
from the automotive industry and research fields add expert views to the study results.
/
Your contact:
Vincent Charles, +49 511 938-1622
-3Press Contact
Hannes Boekhoff
Vice President Media Relations
Continental AG
Vahrenwalder Strasse 9
30165 Hanover, Germany
Phone: +49 511 938-1278
Fax: +49 511 938-1016
E-mail: hannes.boekhoff@conti.de
Vincent Charles
Press Spokesperson for Innovation &
Technology, Continental AG
Vahrenwalder Strasse 9
30165 Hanover, Germany
Phone: +49 511 938-1622
Fax: +49 511 938-1016
E-mail: vincent.charles@conti.de
This press release is available in the following languages: German, English
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Your contact:
Vincent Charles, +49 511 938-1622