The Driving Boom is Over

[kach22i]

The Driving Boom is Over
By Robert Baillieul - June 12, 2013 |
The Driving Boom is Over - F, GM, TM - Foolish Blogging Network

Between 2004 and 2012, the total number of miles driven in the United States has flat-lined, while the number of miles driven per person has declined 2% annually. This presents a big challenge for automakers.

[redstrosekNic]

One thing I have noticed (at least within my family and friends) is that 15-18 year olds are just not interested in driving. They eventually start because they have to get to school/work. When I was able to get my temporary permit I did. When I was able to get my license I did so right away as well.

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by kach22i

[B][SIZE="4"]

Wait, I've seen something like this somewhere before...



To their assertion that the day of the driving auto is over I quote Mark Twain:
"The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated"

[72doug2,2S]

Originally Posted by kach22i

The Driving Boom is Over
[I]

Translation- Millions have no jobs, gas is too expensive, and Obama is the president.

Pretty much sucks all around.

Young people with no jobs, who can't afford a car and can't afford the Obama gas to put in it, aren't going to be into driving.

You could probably say the feeding-your-family-boom is over too.

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by 72doug2,2S

Translation- Millions have no jobs, gas is too expensive, and Obama is the president.

Pretty much sucks all around.

Young people with no jobs, who can't afford a car and can't afford the Obama gas to put in it, aren't going to be into driving.

You could probably say the feeding-your-family-boom is over too.

+1. At the peak I was making a very decent living! I was an outside sales rep driving 45k miles a year.


Now, I'm driving a 1/10th of that. and my income...

[scottmandue]

It's all Obama's fault!!!!

[KNS]

My commute is mostly highway (thankfully no bumper-to-bumper). I have noticed less traffic on the road compared to five years ago. I'm glad for it, makes the drive easier and less stressful.

[creaturecat]

No such thing as less traffic in this town.
unbearable.
everywhere.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

It's all Obama's fault!!!!

This is the only possible explanation.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by redstrosekNic

One thing I have noticed (at least within my family and friends) is that 15-18 year olds are just not interested in driving. They eventually start because they have to get to school/work. When I was able to get my temporary permit I did. When I was able to get my license I did so right away as well.

I think that's a regional thing. If you live in a dense urban area with multiple means of public transit and where keeping a car is very expensive then yes, I can see it. But many parts of the country are still very car centric. Even in the big midwestern cities if you don't have a car you aren't going anywhere.

[RWebb]

can you wankers confine your political comments to PARF

[cashflyer]

Why do I need to drive anywhere?
The internet brings entertainment and porn to my living room, which is also where my x-box resides if I need an exciting adventure.

Ok... an occasional run for pizza and beer.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

Why do I need to drive anywhere?
The internet brings entertainment and porn to my living room, which is also where my x-box resides if I need an exciting adventure.

Ok... an occasional run for pizza and beer.

I can order my pizza delivery via the internet. Just need to go outside for beer.

[Christien]

Sucks for you guys. I can get beer delivered here too!

[Jim Richards]

[speeder]

I've never made more $$ or drove more in my life. Must be 'cause I voted for Obama.

[72doug2,2S]

From the article.

Gas Prices: Between 2002 to 2011, inflation adjusted gasoline prices doubled. This has a two fold impact. In the short term, drivers will skip the opportunity to take multiple trips. Over the long term, consumers will change their lifestyles. They may choose to live closer to work, use public transportation, or purchase a fuel efficient vehicle.

Recession: Workers drive more than non-workers. During the boom years between 1970 and 2000, labor force participation increased from 60% to 67.3%. Since 2000, labor force participation has declined to 63.6%. While much of this is due to the recession, falling rates will continue as the baby boomer demographic begins to retire.

When the recession of jobs stops, I predict more driving.

[redstrosekNic]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I think that's a regional thing. If you live in a dense urban area with multiple means of public transit and where keeping a car is very expensive then yes, I can see it. But many parts of the country are still very car centric. Even in the big midwestern cities if you don't have a car you aren't going anywhere.

I live in an area that does not have easily accessible public transport. Many local high school kids depend on mom and dad to take them everywhere. I remember being so excited to drive during high school!

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by redstrosekNic

One thing I have noticed (at least within my family and friends) is that 15-18 year olds are just not interested in driving. They eventually start because they have to get to school/work. When I was able to get my temporary permit I did. When I was able to get my license I did so right away as well.

My 18 yr old has no desire to drive. Living in the city, there is easier access from public transportation. My 25 yr old drives a Honda. He would like a nicer car but given a choice between a new tablet, smart phone or car - the phone and tablet win.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by redstrosekNic

I live in an area that does not have easily accessible public transport. Many local high school kids depend on mom and dad to take them everywhere. I remember being so excited to drive during high school!

they are probably glued to a mobile device while being chauffeured around...