Tracking monthly new vehicle sales numbers and SAAR will always be essential to automakers and dealers. July sales were great, but theres evidence that underlying trends are changing.
The rate of car ownership in America continues to decline.
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) just released two studies on the issues. One showed that the rate of vehicle ownership per person peaked in 2006, and another showed that vehicle miles traveled per year peaked in 2004.
The studies have found change is due to increased telecommuting, higher use of public transportation, greater urbanization, and changes in the ages of drivers.
As reported recently by other sources, GenY/Millenials are less interested in car ownership. The UMTRI study also showed that older drivers are driving shorter distances.
Check out details on these reports (and trends in the bellwether car market of Southern California) and the changing role automakers and dealers are starting to play..The Article Auto Industry Shifting from Building and Marketing to Smart Transportation appeared first on Automotive Digest.