Three views on 'Peak Car'

Abstract

Three current views are that trends in car ownership and use in developed economies (a) are still in long-term growth with only temporary interruptions due to economic circumstances; (b) have reached their peak and will show little or no further growth; or (c) have passed a turning point and are now in long-term decline. The evidence is not yet conclusive, but is amenable to properly designed research. The author judges the third view to be a viable possibility with useful policy implications.