Europeans are driving again – but miles travelled is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels before 2025
Estimates from Astutus Research show that in 2022 vehicle kilometres travelled (VKMT) in Europe increased by almost 200 billion kilometres, or 5.1%. Whilst VKMT continued to recover from the sharp declines associated with the Covid pandemic, volumes remained 3% below the level achieved in 2019.
In part this reflects lingering economic consequences of the pandemic and changes in consumer behaviour (such as increased prevalence of working from home / hybrid working and an increased share of home shopping). In 2022, the pace of recovery was also impacted specifically by higher fuel prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the impact of higher inflation in general on household disposable income.
The harsher economic environment will continue to limit growth in 2023. However, the pattern of recovery varies significantly by country. Although some markets are already ahead of 2019, across the region aggregate mileage is now only expected to reach its pre-pandemic peak in 2025.
Please contact us on +44 203 388 7199 for more information on vehicle miles travelled / vehicle kilometers travelled.
Currently we offer coverage of 24 countries in Europe, with data from 2000 and forecasts to 2028.
Data refers to light vehicles (cars and light commercials to 3.5t GVW).
