80% of car buyers in Middle East seek vehicle safety: Survey

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

A recent study commissioned by General Motors Africa & Middle East reveals that 80% of car buyers in the region prioritise vehicle safety and accessibility when purchasing a vehicle, with half of the respondents wishing to see increased availability of accessibility features added to new vehicles.

The research, conducted in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in collaboration with SEDRA Foundation and YouGov, sheds light on shifting trends in vehicle ownership, consumer priorities, and expectations.

Accessibility and safety: Top priorities for buyers

Safety tops the list with 89% of respondents citing it as the most important factor in their vehicle choice. Affordability (86%) and aesthetics (83%) follow closely behind. Notably, accessibility features such as power-adjustable seats, swivel seats, and blind-spot monitoring are gaining significant attention, especially among the elderly and people of determination.

The YouGov survey also reveals a strong interest in automotive safety education, with nearly half of respondents having already participated in safety training, and 61% being GenZ.

A further 45% expressed interest in learning defensive driving techniques, hazard avoidance, and other safety measures.

Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity

Understanding the pain points of individuals with both visible and non-visible disabilities is essential. Listening sessions with people of determination are a key part of this effort, enabling GM to break down barriers and misconceptions surrounding disabilities.

Actively building an inclusive culture for all, GM has partnered with the UAE-based SEDRA Foundation to facilitate car clinics with people of determination, conduct employee awareness workshops and offer exposure within the global GM Able community to bring out the voices of people with determination in the region and be heard. These sessions foster empathy and help build a more inclusive society by encouraging a deeper understanding and tolerance.

Recently, the two organisations hosted a car clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE revealing key reflections on the state of mobility, the need for better vehicle accessibility options followed by a hands-on learning session of the in-vehicle safety and accessibility technologies present in GM’s extensive portfolio.

Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director at General Motors, emphasised, “As a global leader in the automotive industry, we are proud to lead the charge in making vehicles more accessible for everyone as we further transform the customer’s experience from research to purchase."

Reem Al Fahim, CEO of SEDRA Foundation, remarked, “SEDRA Foundation is a committed accessibility partner providing comprehensive guidance to ensure inclusivity across all areas, be it in the built and digital environment is accessible or facilitating equitable spaces to enable research and development in this domain. At the co-hosted GM car clinic we heard the invaluable authentic insights from UAE based People of Determination, on what’s needed to make motoring accessible for all.