Automotive Industry in the next 50 Years

[GinPen]

Hello Auto Crew- I would like to hear your opinion about the future of the Automotive Industry. I am compiling a bunch of information and ideas on this subject for a report that will be placed in our local Time Capsule that will be buried and re-opened in 50 years. Just curious- what are your thoughts? Do you think family owned and operated franchises will be extinct? What about hybrids' - will they take over? How much more involved will techonolgy be in vehicles?

[mchastek]

Wow - 50 years is a LONG time. I would bet NO ONE in the 1950s could have predicted the current state of the automotive industry. Have you given any thought to doing this maybe 10-20 years out?

I think it's a great idea, but in 50 years we might be seeing flying cars and all sorts of wild things!

Welcome to the forum!

[Scott]

Hi There

50 years maybe a long time but to be fair I think the automotive industry is not likely to change too much.

The industry has transformed and mutated immensely since the 1950’s but so has everyday life and the economy.

To say there would be flying machines is not only impractical but something that will simply not hit the mainstream.

The issue over hybrids etc is interesting as until people’s pockets are affected then industry does not care about the cost on the environment. Yes there are some steps forward with recyclable materials but the main issue is and will be fuel. If the oil industry can justify war in the Middle East by large super powers then the practical uses or re-usable fuels will not come into place due to the destruction of the oil industry. The technology exists but the will to use it doesn’t.

The size and shape of vehicles will no doubt continue to change at a remarkable rate and no doubt the technology used within the vehicles will dramatically change and I wouldn’t even be surprised to see all cars fitted with a computer that drives you to your destination like your very own chauffer / taxi.

Also the main players in the automotive industry will also no doubt change heavily. Especially with what we have been witnessing recently and with new markets opening to the world such as China etc. the balance of power will take a major shift and we could find we are all in 50 years driving one or two makes.

Franchises will in certain areas always survive but unfortunately I can see they will be relatively limited depending on the population of the local area and accessibility. I would not be surprised to see manufacturers taking back family run businesses to produce one corporate image and control their marketplace as much as possible.

It is not all doom and gloom though and in a way a lot of changes and modernisation is needed in the automotive industry and will be welcomed with open arms. I am interested to find out how much politics will affect the industry and look forward to continue to work in this industry.

Sorry I know I have waffled a bit here but you have just provoked my response with an interesting subject worth considering on a realistic level

New boy to the site

Scott

[GinPen]

Scott- Thank you for your insights. They are very ineresting. I plan to include some of your comments in the Huntsville, Al 2005 Time Capsule- if you do not mind. It will be intersting to see if we were close in 50 years! Thanks

[Scott]

No problems, good luck with the time capsule

Scott