What will car buyers drive next?

Munich, April 2026
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hat will consumers expect from their next car – and how much of that expectation is shaped by where they live?

As the automotive industry moves beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, understanding local consumer preferences is becoming a decisive factor for success. From exterior styling to interior features and digital experiences, buyers across regions are configuring vehicles in fundamentally different ways. What resonates in one market may fall flat in another.
 
To better understand these evolving expectations, our global consumer survey explores how drivers define their “perfect car” – and how preferences vary across regions, cultures, and use cases. The findings reveal clear shifts in what matters most, from design choices to in-car experience, highlighting the growing importance of localized product strategies.
 
This article offers a preview of key insights into exterior and interior configuration trends – and what they mean for OEMs and suppliers aiming to stay relevant in an increasingly fragmented market.

Download the full survey now!

Insight

What will car buyers drive next? Understanding local customer desires
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Authors

Jonas Wagner

Partner & Managing Director

Theresa Stütz

Associate Partner

Henning Ludes

Associate Partner

Samuel Schramm

Senior Consultant

Moritz Praetz

Consultant