• Survey by Audi Abu Dhabi reveals 20% respondents open to online shopping for a car through trusted retailers• 32% of UAE drivers are considering second-hand car purchases

 

UAE, 26 December 2021 – Over 70% of consumers in the UAE intend to purchase a new car in the next 12 months, according to a survey commissioned by Audi Abu Dhabi. The YouGov survey of 1,000 UAE residents explored intent to purchase new and used cars in 2022 and how the consumer sentiment towards car purchase has changed amidst the ongoing pandemic.

 

In a major shift for the automobile industry that has traditionally relied on the physical experience of buying a car, 20% of residents said they are now open to buying a car online through trusted retailers. Both social distancing measures and the desire to limit human contact are contributing to these results. 

Commenting on the findings, Audi Abu Dhabi General Manager, Mark Austin, said, “The automotive industry has had its share of setbacks in the past couple of years, but the strong intent to purchase new automobiles among a majority of consumers in the UAE not only highlights a positive recovery in the auto-sector for 2022, but also the overall healthy spending habits in the country.What’s especially noteworthy is the beginning of shift in car purchases online. More customers would like the option to pick and purchase the vehicles they want on the internet. With a computer or smartphone, buyers can shop at their convenience, explore and select the features they want on a vehicle and get the financing they need.”

 

While people’s intent to buy a brand-new vehicle seems strong, 32% of respondents shared they are open to exploring second-hand car options. Specifying the budget allocation for a new vehicle amid the pandemic, 23% said they have a lower / limited budget now compared to last year, with 22% of respondents considering ‘buy now pay later’ schemes.

 

“The demand for used automobiles is rising, particularly for vehicles four years old or newer. These vehicles have lots of the latest automotive technologies but are not as expensive as new vehicles. We are home to one of the regions’ largest inventories of certified pre-owned Audi vehicles that look, feel, and function like new cars albeit at a reduced cost,” Austin added.

 

Additional insights from the survey showcase that with the ongoing pandemic and the resulting apprehension around taking public transport, 27% of consumers are looking to become first time car owners. Also, a general awareness regarding environmental issues is impacting the increased intent towards buying electric vehicles in the automotive sector, with 29% looking for more environmentally friendly models.

 

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The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 17 locations in 11 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm, Germany), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’AgataBolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy). 

 

In 2020, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.693 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 7,430 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 48,042 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2019 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of € 55.7 billion and an operating profit of € 4.5 billion. At present, about 87,000 people work for the company all over the world, 60,000 of them in Germany. With new models, innovative mobility offerings and other attractive services, Audi is becoming a provider of sustainable, individual premium mobility.

 

AUDI AG’s commitment to the region was established through the foundation of its fully owned subsidiary in 2005. The current Middle East model range comprises the Audi A3 and S3, A4 and S4, the A5/S5 Coupe and Sportback, RS5 Sportback, the A6, S6, RS6 Avant, A7, S7, RS7, A8, A8 L and S8, the Audi Q3, Q3 Sportback, RS Q3 Sportback, Q5 & SQ5, Q7, Q8, RS Q8, R8, e-tron and e-tronSportback.