Planners and environmentalists have applauded the seven-year decline in America's auto ownership levels with understandable enthusiasm. But around the world, automobile production has never been higher.
"Two weeks ago, transportation researcher Michael Sivak brought us the news that there are fewer cars per person in the U.S. now than there were a few years ago – and that the number isn’t expected to rise again," writes Tanya Snyder. "But globally, the trend is in the opposite direction, and it’s alarming. The world is producing more cars than ever."
"The troubling new reality," she explains, "is that while the United States and other developed countries are beginning to lay off the gas, other countries are accelerating wildly. Though the U.S. still has by far the largest fleet of passenger cars, auto sales in China overtook the U.S. in 2011. In 2010, the number of cars in the world hit one billion."
"The number of cars per person in the U.S. has been declining since 2006. But in other countries, the trend is ever upward."
FULL STORY: Car Ownership May Be Down in the U.S., But It’s Soaring Globally
Peak Motorization: Measuring Rates of Auto Ownership and Distances Driven
Passenger vehicle ownership and vehicle miles traveled per person and per household remain below their historic peaks set in 2006 and 2004, respectively, but they have been on the upswing for the past four to five years, according to new data.
From Taxi Industry Disrupter to Auto Industry Disrupter
Car ownership is far from "a thing of the past," as Uber's CEO plans on making it, but a new survey shows that a substantial number of people who have tried transportation network companies are forgoing the purchase of a car.
Peak Car? Check Your Data
There is evidence that automobile travel is peaking while demand for non-auto modes is growing, but double-check your data sources to be sure.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
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Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
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