Transportation Consumer Insights

Trend - In an attempt to minimize food waste in landfills, companies are exploring options for energy generation. Whether it is to power a vehicle, a production facility or something else, food waste can be turned into biogas through anaerobic digestion or other experimental methods.

Insight - Saving the planet is a priority for many and as consumer consciousness about environmental issues grows, so does the demand to be as eco-friendly as possible. Being efficient in countering climate change is of the greatest importance, hence individuals prioritize solutions that fill two needs with one deed. As a result, harnessing one problem to solve another creates an optimistic outlook for consumers, especially when the solution can be implemented on a grander scale.

Trend - Urban infrastructure is tailored to address the consequences of climate change and eco concerns motivate innovations in the process of paving. Whether it is highways that can charge your car or sidewalks that can handle heavy rainfall, paving is optimized to be eco-friendly, cost-effective and functional.

Insight - Changing climates and the sustainable shift in consumer lifestyles necessitate the building of new, functional, and planet-minded infrastructure for urban centers. Supercharged weather conditions are a consequence of climate change and in order to keep citizens safe and comfortable, urban architecture needs to be designed in light of the possibilities of these occurrences.

Implications - Where once, the major risks associated with mobility stemmed from automobiles, today a rise in popularity of transportation alternatives like e-bikes have necessitated new forms of insurance coverage. By providing coverage or support for loss and damages or injury for electronic bikes, these companies are aligning with the values and transportation preferences of consumers, while more importantly, driving forward the economic and social progression of the future of mobility.

Implications - Brands and small entrepreneurs that specialize in, or function with, delivery services are now compacting such services by offering electric bike delivery options. This shift comes as a direct response to urban populations rising, with brands seeking eco-efficient and personalized methods of catering to local consumers.

Implications - The increasing necessity of bikes in urban areas -- both for economical and environmental reasons -- has led to cities going further than adding bike paths in their approaches to urban planning. Instead, architectural projects are accommodating bike usage in their designs in ways that are both creative and aesthetically attractive. These enhance the quality of life for bike users, and show an acceptance that these design shifts must occur in order for urban environments to keep up with the habits of rising populations -- working towards minimizing eco and traffic-related footprints.

Implications - While urban technology is making the transition to more green energy, city infrastructure is taking even larger steps towards shrinking its carbon footprint through proactive air purification. Taking advantage of the buildings and vehicles that are prevalent within cities anyways, smart technology is being adapted alongside these elements to counterbalance the pollution often associated with crowded downtown city centers. The shift towards active air purification denotes a paranoia in health-conscious consumers who demand cleaner environments for themselves and their families.

Implications - As solar technology becomes more advanced, durable and scalable, its integration into consumer-friendly products has become more prevalent. This product integration particularly suits the lifestyle of the outdoor adventure connoisseur. The niche use of this technology shows that eco-consciousness is applicable to many different lifestyles as it becomes a general priority for those of all walks of life.

Implications - Hybrids have become a common form of eco-friendly transportation, however the next wave of green driving does not require consumers to charge their automobiles or purchase additional accessories. Autos made of recycled materials provide a more convenient, less demanding method of green driving. This speaks to a need for a smoother transition into environmentally friendly living.

Implications - A challenge those in the auto industry are currently facing is boosting car ownership in metropolitan areas. As a result, specialty automobiles and car-related services specifically for city dwellers is observed. This becomes all the more important when one considers that Millennials -- large in numbers and just entering the age of disposable income -- tend to skew more toward city living.

Implications - Moving away from the compact "supercar" model, electric vehicle manufacturers are introducing eco-friendly options with more space. These offerings are not only more accessible; they also speak to the growing levels of conscious consumption among families. Consumers today increasingly champion their values through their purchasing decisions, and this tendency extends to parents who "perform" sustainability for their children, using products and services as a way to lead by example.