While motorists have clocked far fewer kilometers in 2020 – as lockdown limited movement and working from home has become more popular – an analysis of AutoTrader data has revealed interesting trends.
Based on data from AutoTrader during the month of October, the most driven cars are all commercial vehicles or people carriers. The analysis reveals the top 10 most driven cars with a 2019 registration year – listed in October 2020.
Globally, motorists have driven less in 2020, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent survey by Hyundai in the United Kingdom, for instance, revealed that – whereas the average UK car was driven an average of 583 miles (938 km) per month – it dropped to 90 miles (145 km) a month during lockdown.
But, according to George Mienie, AutoTrader CEO, some vehicles are still being driven a great deal. “Specifically, some vans, taxis, bakkies and people transporters are clocking up meaningful mileages. The vans are, of course, understandable. All over the world, lockdown has translated into an increase in online shopping – which has created a demand for delivery vehicles,” he said.
According to Deloitte’s 2020 Digital Consumer Trends survey, about 40% of consumers have done more online shopping during lockdown.
Taxi traffic is also understandable; some stores have remained open throughout lockdown and store workers have utilised taxis to get to and from work. So, it’s not surprising to see the perennially popular Toyota Hi-Ace make an appearance on the list.
A number of bakkies also feature on the list and this too does not come as a big surprise; these workhorses are tools that can generate profits.
However, what is particularly interesting about the list of the top 10 most driven cars with a 2019 registration year is the fact that the two most popular new bakkies in the land – the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger – don’t make an appearance.
Thus, while they may rule the popularity rankings, they’re not necessarily driven as much as some other bakkies.
Top 10 most driven cars with a 2019 registration year
Ford Transit Custom – 106,792km
Toyota HiAce – 84,798km
Nissan NV200 – 63,900km
Fiat Doblo Cargo – 53,000km
Renault Trafic – 51,500km
Fiat Fullback – 50,580km
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 49,329km
Isuzu D-Max – 46,937km
Fiat Fiorino – 45,000km
Volkswagen Kombi – 43,291km