As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop worldwide, many countries and specifically the United States has seen staggering declines in their metropolitan public transportation systems. The decline is not only due to the present lockdowns and shelter in place orders but to the overall confidence in ridership. Many riders do not feel comfortable using public transportation and have indicated that once the easing of restrictions begins, they will not return anytime soon to the role of mass transit commuter.
Early opinions indicate that the road to recovery for mass transit may take years, with the need for long-term investments in cleaning, sanitizing, and reengineering of capacity to accommodate for social distancing.
Impact COVID-19 has on personal vehicle ownership
As the return to work and easing of restrictions begins across the U.S., people are starting to think about what the next stage of this new normal will look like for them and what changes they are going to need to make.
While access to public transportation systems vary by country and especially by state across the United States, expats who have been using public transportation as their primary means of getting to work may start rethinking their options as safety and the need for consistency will be a primary concern. Owning their own vehicle will become a more favorable and safer alternative over mass transit. Drivers will know where a personal automobile has been, who has been in it, and who they are sitting next to.
Across the United States, many dealerships have seen an uptake in sales from front line workers, essential employees, and families who previously considered or used public transport and rideshare to get to work. These individuals are now looking for alternative options and financing or leasing new vehicles as their primary means for mobility. Incentivized payment plans, deep discounts, and reduced down payments are making new vehicle purchases and leases an affordable and safe option.
Get Protections and Assurances for You Vehicle Purchase
It’s time to start thinking about what these changes mean for you and what primary form of transportation you will choose. For expatriates who have recently relocated or currently planning their move to the U.S., there are many advantages to considering car buying as the primary means of transportation. Buying a car as an expatriate typically comes with its own set of challenges including lack of credit history and navigating the complexities of buying a car in the United States. The IAS programs are tailored to help overcome these challenges with flexible programs to get expats behind the wheel of their own vehicle that fits their needs and budget without a U.S. credit history. During these changing times, IAS has you covered with added relocation assurances and protections in place to help internationals navigate their vehicle purchase hassle-free and with peace of mind.
To learn more about the International AutoSource programs, benefits and to explore your vehicle options contact us today.
