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EY Japan's Latest Insights into Human Mobility

In a significant move for the commercial vehicle sector, EY Japan has unveiled a new report titled "Bus World 2025," focusing on the dynamics of human mobility. This report comes from extensive interviews conducted at the IAA Transportation 2024, highlighting key industry trends and challenging the traditional paradigms of vehicle usage.

Trends in Commercial Vehicles

The analysis identifies several crucial trends impacting the commercial transportation industry:

1. The Rise of Ride-sharing and On-Demand Buses

The ongoing shift towards utilizing vehicles for commercial purposes is evident, particularly with the advancement of ride-sharing and on-demand bus services. This shift indicates a transition from vehicle ownership to usage, where personal vehicles are increasingly employed for business functions. This development has triggered significant changes in consumer behavior and expectations in mobility solutions.

2. Polarization of Mobility Needs

Another notable trend is the division of the population into two groups based on their mobility preferences. One group seeks value in the journey itself, while the other perceives transportation merely as a means to an end. This polarization continues to evolve, with intersections forming between consumers focused on transportation and those concerned with the movement of goods, leading to the emergence of new market segments.

3. Transformation of Mobility Dynamics

As the landscape of mobility evolves towards a more liberated framework, the structures for providing value and revenue generation are also changing. New players are entering the field as the “heroes” of human mobility begin to shift, requiring existing stakeholders to adapt to these changes swiftly.

EY’s Commercial Vehicle & Mobility Team

EY Strategy and Consulting (EYSC) has a dedicated team focusing on commercial vehicles for over 15 years, making it a rare asset in the industry. This report comprehensively reviews recent trends and provides insights into future directions for bus operations, taking into consideration the complexities of mobility, particularly in light of the latest CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) trends.

Insights from EYSC Partner Keisuke Hayase

Keisuke Hayase, Partner at EYSC, emphasized the rapid developments in commercial vehicle trends, particularly highlighting the unexpected acceleration of vehicle virtualization prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter a post-pandemic world, he points out the necessity for businesses to re-structure their strategies and operations based on existing mobility trends rather than viewing them as mere forecasts.

Hayase noted, "While it’s widely recognized that buses play a pivotal role in driving this change more than trucks, the global market lacks a clear definition of buses, making it challenging for stakeholders to understand the landscape."

Key Findings from the Report

• - Standardization of Systems and Vehicles: There’s a pressing need for a common platform and optimal operational management through standardized systems and vehicle structures.
• - Investment in Paradigm-Shifting Resources: Aligning resource allocation with changing vehicle usage patterns is essential for the bus business.
• - Technology Innovation: The emergence of increased travel demand necessitates targeted technological advancements, including developments in energy utilization and spatial requirements.

Conclusion

This extensive report will serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders across the global commercial vehicle industry. As transportation modalities intertwine with various sectors like healthcare and entertainment, it is crucial for industry players to adapt quickly to these trends while collaborating across different domains. For those interested in obtaining the full report, please contact EY Japan via email at [email protected].

The future of mobility is not just about transportation; it’s about creating a collaborative ecosystem that enhances the quality of life through innovative and sustainable solutions.