Study Finds Fewer Young People Want Cars

A survey of American consumers suggests changing perceptions of cars and driving as part of daily life. Of the 1,000 people surveyed by Arity, a Chicago-based transportation technology firm, almost half say they “do not enjoy most of the time they spend driving.” Mary Wisniewski reports that the generational differences are apparent:

The numbers are starkest for millennials. More than half of adults between the ages of 22 and 37 say a car is not worth the money spent on maintenance, and that they would rather be doing something other than driving.

In addition, more millennials than older drivers use ride-share services and say they could live without a car.

The main reason for this shift in attitude toward cars and driving appears to be largely economic and a reluctance to commit to the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle. Still, millennials continue to buy cars, partly a result of delayed purchases as a result of the recession a decade ago.

But, many younger people also are considering whether owning a car is really necessary, particularly in cities and with the varied transportation options available today.