The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) today published the results of a new report supported by the FIA Foundation revealing the economic and societal benefits of personal motorised transport and mobility.
As part of its commitment to ensuring safe, sustainable and affordable mobility for all, the FIA’s ‘Research on the private benefits of personal motorised transport and mobility’ has identified continued growth in personal car and motorcycle ownership due to its role in increasing consumer choice, access to jobs and essential services, and greater social connectivity where alternatives are limited.
Emerging economies have driven growth in personal car and motorcycle ownership by ~15% and ~23% respectively between 2018 and 2023, which has been reflected across larger economies, such as in Europe, where up to 17% of total household spending is currently allocated to private mobility.
The benefits of these increases are especially pronounced in rural and underserved populations. For people living in rural parts of the Netherlands and England, doctors and food shops are reached within 15 minutes by car by 90-100% of the population compared with only 40% and 75% when using public transport in their respective rural areas.
A key factor increasing job opportunities and income levels, the report also finds a strong correlation between personal mobility and economic indicators such as GDP growth and employment. In metropolitan areas in the United States, jobs are 50 times more accessible compared with public transport, with 15 times more access in China, and 10 times in Europe.
At the same time, for populations with limited access to personal mobility, the study highlights the potential for increased inequality and reduced quality of life due a relative lack of independence, and social inclusion. In commuting zones across 82 European cities, 7.6 times more people can be reached within 30 minutes by car compared with public transport. However, the research also highlights that the best overall accessibility is observed in dense, urban areas with a balanced mix of transport solutions.
The FIA emphasises that with an increasingly diverse future for mobility, personal motorised transport will continue to play a complementary role as part of a balanced mobility system alongside public transport and active travel. Crucially, the FIA notes that without concrete, convenient and viable alternatives, private vehicles will remain an essential pillar of mobility.
Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility, Sustainability and Tourism said: “In an evolving mobility environment, personal motorised transport remains a powerful enabler of economic opportunity and social inclusion.
“This research highlights how access to a car or motorcycle can support access to jobs, essential services and help people better connect with their communities.”
Ian Jack, FIA Mobility Policy Commission President said: “This report provides clear evidence that personal mobility remains an essential transport option, ensuring that road users across all regions, populations and backgrounds are not left behind.
“A balanced, inclusive approach to the future of mobility that integrates privately owned vehicles with a range of accessible mobility options including public transport will be key to reducing inequality and improving quality of life worldwide.”