As I mentioned before, one of my passions is cars. However, it is said that recent young people haven't shown much interest in them. We are now in an aging society with a declining birthrate, so this tendency might be normal in a way. I came across interesting research regarding mobility needs and would like to share it here.
This survey was conducted among the younger generation in Germany, China, France, America, and Japan. The results showed that many young people realize cars are a must-have item. In Germany, 54% of young people aged 18 to 34 treat cars as a symbol of their status, which is twice the rate of those over 45 years old. Additionally, 67% of urban respondents recognize cars as a symbol of their fame, while the rate in small towns and the countryside is only about 49%.
There are some future technologies that they expect. One is a self-driving system, as they believe future cars should not only be safe transportation but also spaces where they can relax and work. Another is an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant system for cars. Seventy-four percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 expect that AI assistants will provide services to help them find tourist attractions, restaurants, gas and charging stations, check the status of parking lots, and relay messages from others. AI trip guidance is welcomed in most countries.
The article suggested that cars might be considered high-tech electrical appliances for young people in the future. Personally, I really hope that the cost of eco-friendly cars decreases in the future, as they are currently too expensive and difficult for many people to buy.