| The world motor industry faces a series of crises that threaten its existence. The two main threats are chronic lack of profitability and environmental concern, both demanding accelerated change in an ever more tightly regulated market. The Death of Motoring? identifies the industrys concern with technology, particularly body technology, as a major weakness, making the industry dependent on volume demand. This leads to a reassessment of the role of Henry Ford as the father of mass production and the reinstating of E.G. Budd as the true originator of the paradigm of mass production in todays car industry. This analysis is set within the context of the causes and implications of globalisation and of changes in the relationship between car makers and their suppliers. The authors explore the solutions for more sustainable mobility. Using existing ideas about alternatives to the modern car they formulate future scenarios dependant upon technological as well as legislative and social change. They confirm that the industry can survive, but can only do so by shifting towards selling personal mobility instead of just cars. |
