CARY, N.C. -

Dealerships specialize in highlighting a vehicle’s features and performance. Store personnel can show off many great components of late-model vehicles — features such as blind-spot monitoring, turbocharged engines for improved fuel economy and power as well as touchscreens that connect to music and other entertainment options.

The COVID-19 pandemic also is creating vehicle value that’s much less tangible to measure than horsepower or even residuals, but it’s also value that might keep dealerships active well beyond when the current upending of daily life subsides.

Vehicle subscription provider Fair recently released results of a new online consumer survey conducted by Researchscape revealing surprising Americans’ viewpoints on transportation preferences and habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The data showed that while 10% of Americans don’t feel safe in any mode of transportation right now, 80% feel safe while in vehicles. In addition, nearly three in four Americans surveyed reported using their vehicle as a mental health escape while in quarantine.

With travel restrictions lifting in some locations but social distancing still recommended, AAA recently noted that it’s no surprise that 97% of summer travels are road trips. That’s up from an average of 87% over the last five years, according to AAA.

“While COVID-19 has made public transportation a non-starter for most Americans, an overwhelming majority of us are looking to our personal vehicles to provide safety and peace of mind during essential travel — and even to serve as escapes from the stresses of this moment,” Fair co-founder and president Georg Bauer said in a news release.

“While we all look forward to whatever ‘normal’ will look like post-pandemic, it’s clear that our cars will remain a staple of our American life for a long time to come,” Bauer continued.

More evidence of intangible vehicle value

Fair’s survey wasn’t the only recent source highlighting what having their own vehicle perhaps purchased at dealership means to individuals nowadays.

According to Deloitte’s study titled “How the pandemic is changing the future of automotive,” U.S. consumers are rethinking their relationship with personal vehicles, digital transactions and transportation, including mobility services.

Deloitte said in a news release this week that the growing use of digital tools could be supportive of overall demand, but a growing affordability issue may cause consumers to stay out of the market longer than expected. At the very least, consumers may be recalibrating their expectations relative to which vehicle segment and/or option package they can afford.

The Deloitte study indicated:

— Lingering health concerns make the idea of owning a vehicle very attractive: 74% of U.S. consumers agreed that the idea of vehicle ownership is valuable to them. This trend is being seen globally, including France (79%), U.K. (69%) and South Korea (63%).

— Personal vehicles serve as a way to maintain physical health barriers: Over half of U.S. respondents plan to limit public travel, including rideshare services for the next three months. For those in the market for a new vehicle, used vehicles may give cash-strapped consumers an interesting option to consider.

— For those consumers that remain intent on acquiring a new vehicle, expectations may shift in terms of either downgrading to a more affordable vehicle segment, and/or reducing the number of features included on the vehicle.

— Financial concerns in the face of a potentially lengthy recession magnified: 37% of U.S. consumers are delaying large purchases, such as a new car, and 21% are worried about making upcoming payments.

— Job security anxiety still lingers: 30% of currently employed U.S. consumers are fearful they will lose their job; this number is even higher across the globe, including Chile (74%), India (71%) and Mexico (65%) which are even more worried about a potential loss of employment.

— Consumer pullback impacts their vehicle ownership: 47% of U.S. consumers are planning to keep their current vehicle longer than expected. This trend also can be seen in other large automotive markets around the globe including China (65%), Japan (48%) and Germany (40%).

Other ways Americans are seeking refuge in their cars

Along with helping people feel safer on their daily commutes and errand-running, Fair’s survey showed more Americans are turning to their vehicles to be a personal safe haven. The survey was conducted online within the United States by market-research consultancy Researchscape on behalf of Fair from May 7-8 with 1,046 adults ages 18 and older.

During the recent periods of sheltering at home, the results determined:

— 30% of surveyed Americans said they used their vehicle to take a mini-break by driving around their neighborhood.

— 24% reported taking a long drive to clear their head.

— 16% responded that they have sat in their car outside their house listening to music or audiobooks.

Furthermore, Cars.com released new research revealing that 42% of in-market car shoppers plan to visit a drive-in movie theater this summer. With in-home entertainment losing its luster as summer in full gear and social distancing guidelines still in place, Cars.com pointed out that Americans are looking for new — or old — ways to safely get out of the house.

And many have turned to their vehicles for a quick escape and safe entertainment.

“Drive-in theaters are making a comeback this summer as the destination of choice for movies, music and other forms of live entertainment that people can experience without ever leaving the safety of their vehicle,” said Matt Schmitz, Cars.com’s assistant managing editor for news.

“Since the pandemic began, we've found that Americans are using their cars as an extension of their homes. They’ve resurrected the Sunday drive, are using their cars to socialize from a distance through birthday and graduation parades, and now they're using their cars as a new way to see live entertainment, too,” Schmitz went on to say.

Similar consumer findings in Canada, too

Seeking refuge within the confines of a vehicle isn’t limited to the United States. Toyota Canada uncovered similar trends in that country, too.

While road trips have long been a Canadian summer staple, a recent national survey has discovered that this year’s family vacation may look a little different, with almost three-quarters (74%) of Canadians having changed their summer travel plans due to the pandemic. With a desire to explore locally and reconnect with family, friends and nature, the day trip has emerged as this summer’s new preferred getaway, according to a national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Toyota Canada.

With only a quarter (24%) of Canadians saying they’d feel comfortable taking a plane at the moment, according to the Toyota Canada survey, the automaker insisted it’s clear the car will be the go-to mode of transportation for the summer of 2020.

The majority (70%) of Canadians, however, feel comfortable travelling by car outside of their city or town, and almost half (49%) are planning at least one day trip over the next two months. This year, though, Canadians are looking for closer-to-home destinations to explore, with less than half (42%) comfortable venturing out of their province and only 21% who would visit the U.S in the near future.

Of those planning to hit the road this summer, Toyota Canada found that most are opting to stay within a 100-kilometer radius of home, making day trips the new preferred excursion.

Just because Canadians will be taking to the road this summer, Toyota Canada emphasized that it does not mean they are throwing caution to the wind when it comes to COVID-19.

An overwhelming majority (94%) of those planning a road trip who participated in the Toyota Canada survey said they will be taking extra precautions to protect both themselves and those around them. Of those going on a road trip, two-thirds (65%) said they will limit contact with people outside their immediate circle and limit their exposure to crowds (64%).

Other precautions Canadians plan to take on their road trips include wearing a mask while out in public (54%) and taking extra time to clean and disinfect surfaces inside the vehicle (43%).

“While this may not be the summer we had all envisioned, we’re excited to see Canadians getting back behind the wheel, slowing life down and exploring more of the incredible beauty Canada has to offer,” said Stephen Beatty, vice president at Toyota Canada, speaking through a news release from his cottage-turned-office somewhere near Algonquin Park.

“Whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer journey, there is no shortage of amazing, off-the-beaten-path treasures that offer great fun without the crowds,” Beatty continued. “As we continue to adjust to the new normal, the road trip is a great option for Canadians who want to get away safely, experience a change of scenery and start making new memories with loved ones again.”