Automotive Insights report reveals key findings regarding car purchasing, electrification, Chinese vehicles, and an outlook for the future of automotive.
The Automotive Insights & Research Services report research, led by executive director of research & insights Richard Walker, draws on responses from 12,000 drivers across 2025.
This edition features contributions from sixteen industry experts -including Andy Barratt, Pat Hoy, Tom Cheesewright, Chris Calendar, Mike Fazal, Ian Penny, Prof. Paul Smith, and Helen Bashford-Malkie.
Buyers are prioritising budget alignment alongside practical usage needs, arriving with a shortlist or clear idea of make and model before entering the market.
Cash purchases and flexible finance solutions dominate, highlighting a buyer base that values control, clarity, and low-friction decision-making.
EV adoption is driven by lower running costs and improving charging infrastructure. The majority of EV charging takes place at home, female EV owners are more likely than male owners to charge while out and about or at petrol stations.
In addition, EV owners are more environmentally conscious and highly loyal to electric as a fuel type.
Hybrid owners represent the next most likely group to switch to full electric while diesel owners remain the most resistant.
Growing interest in experimenting with new Chinese entrants, particularly where leasing reduces perceived risk, could have significant implications for market share, brand strategy, and retail models in the years ahead.
Chinese entrants have taken meaningful market share within the new car market in a short timeframe, offering strong value propositions, accelerated product cycles, and technology-led appeal.
Research found that 42% of motorists say they are unlikely to go electric next a concern for Zero Emission Vehicle mandate targets while 19% say they are likely to go electric. Reluctance is more prevalent among men than women.
Greater transparency around pricing, running costs, and market values is enabling more confident, informed decision-making throughout the ownership journey.
