Changes in the Behavior of Individual Car Users in Poland as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose:The aim of the article is to determine changes in the behaviour and preferences of individual automotive consumers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.The specific objectives are characterise the group of individual car users, showing preferences in the use of cars by individual users before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, presening plans and intentions regarding car purchases, determine the nature and durability of changes in the behaviour of individual car users.Design/Methodology/Approach: Car users with a driving licence were purposively selected for the study.The data source was 450 online surveys conducted in June 2023.Surveys were shared through social media and car user groups.Findings: As a result of the COVID-pandemic, car users have stopped using their cars for commuting to work and school.Weekly driving time behind the wheel also decreased.The pandemic did not result in a change in the main areas of car travel or in the main reasons for purchasing a car.Changes in the behaviour and preferences of individual car users during the COVID-19 pandemic were short-lived.Practical implications: The results will fill a gap regarding changes in car user behaviour and preferences during the crisis.Originality/Value: New information on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the behaviour of car users has been emerged.