Assistant Prof. Xiaoyue Liu (first author), Prof. Jeongsoo Yu(corresponding author), Minoru Makuta (D3), Zhuojiao Yu(D3), Specially Appointed Assoc. Prof. Naomi Shimpo (cross-appointed with the University of Tokyo), all from the Department of International Politics and Economy, along with four other co-authors, have published a collaborative research paper in the international academic journal Travel Behaviour and Society (Q1; CiteScore Top 10%).

 

This study analyzed the relationships among travel styles, car-sharing use, and preferences for next-generation vehicles among driver's license holders in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka. The researchers identified three distinct groups: “Private-car users,” “Public-transport users,” and a “High-carsharing group.” The findings suggest that car sharing may not only substitute for private car use but also complement existing car use. The study also found that age, frequency of car use, and income strongly influence car-sharing use.

Furthermore, users tended to prefer nearby stations and light or compact vehicles for daily and business trips, while minivans and SUVs were more preferred for tourism and visits to family or hometowns. However, willingness to pay an additional amount for electric vehicles (EVs) was limited. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring station locations and vehicle fleets to different user groups and trip purposes, as well as adopting a phased approach to vehicle electrification.

Publication Details:
Xiaoyue Liu, Minoru Makuta, Jeongsoo Yu, Zhuojiao Yu, Tadao Tanabe, Naomi Shimpo, Mohammad Sujauddin, Shuoyao Wang, Hongxia Chen
An Analysis of Mobility Styles and Carsharing Adoption Intentions in Major Urban Areas of Japan: Evidence from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanagawa. Travel Behaviour and Society, Vol. 46

For further details, please visit: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2026.101370