Lockdown baby boom prompts growth in family car demand

By Matt de Prez

1 September 2020

Interest in family cars grew by 28% in the lead-up to September’s plate change, according to Auto Trader, suggesting a new post-lockdown baby boom is occurring.

Research shows that one in three couples admit to having more ‘intimate time’ with their partner during the Coronavirus lockdown and a bigger car is the most common change expectant parents make in preparation for their new baby.

SUVs, MPVs and estates returned a combined increase of more than 160 million ad-views year-on-year in the lead up to September’s number plate change, the most popular month each year for buying brand new cars.

While car buyers’ interest naturally dipped during the beginning stages of lockdown in April, Auto Trader says this came roaring back for family cars in the past two months, leading to the expectation that buyers are preparing for larger families come the end of 2020.

Auto Trader’s Rory Reid said: “September is one of the biggest months of the year for car buying as people flock to get the latest number plate. It’s no surprise, therefore, that soon-to-be parents are using this time to look for family cars in anticipation of the ‘coronnials’ baby boom.

“Research is key when finding the right family car; it’s important to find a vehicle that is spacious enough and suits the needs of the family without putting unnecessary strain on finances. But making the right upgrade could make the transition into parenthood that little bit simpler.”

When quizzed on the changes parents made when preparing for life with a new baby, more than half said the car upgrade provided the necessary space for fitting a car seat (56%) and for transporting baby gear such as a pram (53%).

As many as 41% also felt the bigger car provided a safer environment for their child and 40% saw it as an investment to create additional space if they were to have more children in future.

However, according to the data 15% of parents say they hadn't accounted for the cost of a bigger car when planning to welcome a new child into the world.