Research reveals how Aussie driving habits are changing as costs of living soar

Uber Carshare offering $1 million in trips for Aussies so everyone can join the carsharing party

New research from Uber Carshare reveals that Aussies are turning their backs on their cars, with 59% of car owners saying they’re driving less as costs of living continue to rise. Of these, almost two fifths of Aussies (39%) say that they have cancelled or are less likely to take a road trip.

As a result, cars are sitting unused on driveways for an average of 161 hours out of 168 hours a week – that’s a lot of idle time that could be better spent! 

Uber Carshare gives Aussies convenient access to cars for borrowers to rent by the hour or day, while generating revenue for car owners – making it easy to turn any car into a shared car. And to shine a light on the opportunities for Aussies to save money, make money and discover new, flexible alternatives to car ownership, Uber Carshare has suspended a disco car in front of some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. 

There are approximately 20 million cars in Australia*, but two fifths (41%) of Aussies use their cars less than four hours a week. Many are unaware of the impact car ownership is having on their wallets, with just 38% of car-owning Aussies saying they understand all the costs their cars incur each year. Car owners estimate that the cost of having a car is a whopping $14,799 a year. The rising cost of living has even driven 1.1 million Aussies** to consider hanging up their driving shoes and selling their cars.

But despite a 148% increase*** in cars listed on Uber Carshare, almost half of Australians (48%) have not heard of or tried car sharing, a cost-effective way to get on the road when you need to, without the burden of owning a car full-time – or when your current car just isn’t up to the task at hand. 

As Aussies celebrate the arrival of Summer and begin making those all-important travel plans, Uber Carshare is today suspending a mirror-balled disco car nestled between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House at Campbells Cove, and offering $1 million in Uber Carshare trips for new users to try the platform for themselves.**** 

The stunt also serves as a reminder to car owners across Australia about the value of their underutilised cars. They could be earning cash by sharing their car on the app, creating a new income stream to make the most of Summer. Nationally, Uber Carshare (formerly Car Next Door) has paid more than $60 million in earnings to car owners in Australia.

Will Davies, CEO of Uber Carshare, said: “We want everyone to think differently about how they get around, and our research shows that the current cost of living crisis has gotten Aussies rethinking many aspects of their spending, including the costs of owning a car. 

“Uber’s latest addition down under is Uber Carshare – the affordable car sharing option that lets people borrow a car that’s right for the trip or job at hand.  So whether you don’t own a car – or your current car just isn’t right for a longer trip up the coast – there’s an easy, affordable option for you.

“We want everyone to join the carshare party, which is why we’re kicking off our introduction to Australia by giving away $1 million worth of trips.”

About the research

The research was carried out by Censuswide. Surveying 1000 Australians between 4 November and 9 November 2022.

How to claim your $200 driving credit 

  • Simply join for free, and enter your promo code DISCOCAR at checkout between 30 November and 4 December. 
  • If you’re a new user, this limited-time offer will provide you with $200 worth of driving credit off your first trip, valid for 30 days from date of entry. 
  • Visit: ubercarshare.com/disco to redeem or for more information about this offer.
    Terms & Conditions apply.

Promotion T&Cs

  • The offer starts 1:00 AM AEST on November 30 and expires 11:59 PM on December 4 – so if you’re a new user, make sure you use your promo code within this outlined redemption period. 
  • Once the code is applied, the $200 credit is valid for 30 days the date it is applied.
  • Promo code usage is limited to the first 5000 users, with 1 redemption per user (new members only).This offer is only available to new users of the Uber Carshare service (formerly Car Next Door). You must complete the sign-up, ID and credit verification process with Uber Carshare.
  • Visit: ubercarshare.com/disco to redeem or for more information about this offer. 
  • See here for full terms and conditions. Promoter is Carshare Support Pty Ltd of Level 30, 580 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000
  • Questions about this offer: Contact Uber Carshare Live Chat.

 

*Motor Vehicle Census, Australia, 31 Jan 2021

**1.1 million calculated by applying 5.6% of respondents to the full population of Australia (20,044,872)

***Compared to the same time last year

****Terms and conditions apply