FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Americans Still Prefer the Freedom of the Road

Report says that despite growing transportation options and automatic driving, most like the control of being behind the wheel of their own cars.

August 30, 2024
Americans Still Prefer the Freedom of the Road

Most survey respondents said they see privately owned cars to continue to be their choice for getting around in 10 years and that they prefer to be doing the driving.

Credit:

Pexels/Daniel Andraski

1 min to read


Though ride-sharing, public transportation use and other alternative forms of transportation may be on the rise among some parts of the U.S. population, especially younger generations, people are driving themselves more than they did five years ago, according to a new study.

The “On the Move” survey by transportation services provider Enterprise Mobility shows the millennial and generation Z cohorts report driving more today than before the pandemic, 41% and 47%, respectively, compared to 33% of generation X and 16% of baby boomers.

Ad Loading...

The survey further found that, true to the American individualistic spirit, a personally owned vehicle is preferred for the freedom and control it affords, 73% of respondents saying they see privately owned cars to continue to be their choice for getting around in 10 years.

That desire for control makes about the same percentage of respondents, 72%, say they prefer to be in charge of the driving in their cars, not automatic systems, though such technology excites them for its possibility to allow them to do other things on the road and make travel easier for those who can’t drive.

 

 

 

 

More Industry

Tires hung up on wall in factory.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 28, 2026

Future-Proof Your Business

A new industry outlook details several ways that automotive companies can use the rise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to their advantage.

Read More →
'for sale' written on a building window
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•September 23, 2026

Dealership Buy-Sells Keep Going Up

First-half transactions reflect continued high appetite for acquisitions despite falling profits, the most sought-after franchises bringing record prices.

Read More →
White road sign that says California and points to highway 400.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 23, 2026

California Makes Electric Moves

New laws in the Golden State aim to advance consumer access to public electric-vehicle chargers and reduce costs and barriers to its infrastructure.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Closeup photo of an orange car battery
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•September 21, 2026

Rare Earths Independence

Automakers seek alternatives to sourcing battery raw materials in volatile markets roiled by trade wars and disrupted supply chains.

Read More →
Smiling executive sitting at table with folded hands.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 21, 2026

Volvo Appoints President and CEO

Klaus Zellmer will replace Håkan Samuelsson as president and CEO of Volvo Cars in 2027 as the company makes strategic shifts toward profitability and cash generation.

Read More →
Open hood of a Volkswagen vehicle with a mechanic's rag draped over the front
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•September 18, 2026

Fix Up Your Fixed Ops

The department may hold untapped potential for your dealership. This issue of the magazine shares ways to unearth it and turn it around for more profits.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White drawing  on brick surface of car with a charger cable sticking out of it
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•September 16, 2026

Easier EV Charging Touted

Wireless charging pad provides automatic powering by just parking, says its maker, which sees a cable-free charger future as global EV demand grows.

Read More →
Toy car in front of four stacks of coins with wooden arrow showing increase.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 16, 2026

Vehicle Ownership Costs Rising

Fuel prices, car prices and depreciation are all factors for new vehicles, and this year’s average annual numbers are up with the inclusion of electrics and hybrids.

Read More →
red Toyota logo on front of white dealership
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 14, 2026

Toyota Tops Longevity List

Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura came out on top in iSeeCars’ latest longest-lasting car brand study, all eclipsing the overall average chance of reaching 250,000 miles.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
two men in Army uniforms looking under the hood of a car
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 10, 2026

From Military Service to Service Bay

Shifting Gears aims to alleviate the strain caused by the auto industry’s technician shortage while easing the sometimes jarring transition that veterans face after leaving the Army.

Read More →