Automotive and mobility industries picking up
The automotive and mobility industries took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. But according to the McKinsey Global COVID-19 Auto and Mobility Consumer Survey, consumers are back to buying cars. But what does car buying look like in 2021? Globally, intent to purchase new and used cars over the next 12 months is almost back to pre-COVID-19 levels.
When it comes to mobility, regular use of public transport has increased as compared to late 2020. That said, 51% of global respondents report that they intend to travel less than before the pandemic.
The research was conducted in June 2021. Read more.
Pandemic reading habits
In a survey conducted by Book Riot, more than 58% of respondents report that they are reading more since the pandemic. Almost half (47%) report that they changed reading formats during the pandemic, with 29% reading more e-books and 22% listening to more audiobooks.
When it comes to what they are reading, 33% report that they have changed genres of books during the pandemic. Romance and nonfiction are two genres with the biggest pull, with 17.5% reporting they are reading more romance and 17.3% reading more nonfiction.
American Millennials adjusting spending habits
In 2020, Clutch conducted a survey regarding changes to spending habits in the U.S. and found that 61% of Americans reported that they spent less money in March and April 2020. In a follow-up survey this year, only 28% of Americans report spending less money in 2021.
Clutch also looked at 2021 spending habits by age group and found that Americans between 18 and 34 years old are spending more money than other age groups. In fact, 48% of 18-to 34-year-olds report spending more money in 2021 than in 2020. Why the increase in spending? Millennials surveyed report that it has been driven by a sense of making up for lost time and relaxed pandemic-related restrictions.
The surveys were conducted in May 2020 and July-August 2021. Read more.
Views on vaccine mandates, delta variant
According to research published by Morning Consult, the share of adults who say the U.S. federal government should implement a COVID-19 vaccination mandate sits at 61%. Approximately three in five U.S. adults are in favor of such requirements from state and local governments as well as schools, employers and businesses.
Eight-five percent of vaccinated U.S. adults are concerned about the delta variant. On the flip side, only 59% of unvaccinated adults are concerned about the delta variant.
Americans concerned about climate change
As a result of the global pandemic, 46% of Americans say they are more concerned about climate change. The study, published by Toluna, reports that plastic waste is at the top of environmental/sustainability concerns, with 58% of Americans reporting they are concerned with plastic packaging. But who is responsible for reducing plastic? Sixty-two percent say that plastic reduction should fall on brands/manufacturers, while 59% say everyday people and 43% say government.
A majority (63%) of respondents report that they would switch to plastic-free options if they were available. Forty-three percent say that there aren’t enough plastic-free options available to shoppers, and 42% say that plastic-free options are more expensive.