NewUsed

Find by category:

Exhaust Notes

Why Millennials Just Don't Care About Cars

Internet obsession is a big reason, but it's not the only one.

By Claire_Martin Apr 4, 2012 6:46AM
Smart ForTwo photo by Smart.It's true that members of the generation known as Millennials, or "Generation Y," are more interested in going online than getting behind the wheel of a car. A new study by the Transportation Research Institute of the University of Michigan shows an inversely proportional relationship between Internet use and driver licensing rates across this demographic. But the reasons for their automobile apathy go well beyond the Web. Here are the top six.

1. They don't need cars to get around: Millennials are drawn to cities, where public transportation is plentiful and parking is a hassle. "Millennials are more likely than past generations to live in an urban community," writes Jordan Weissmann in The Atlantic. "This may be part of what terrifies car makers." 

2. They don't think cars are worth the trouble: "They hate waiting in traffic and don’t love the cost of maintaining vehicles," says Neil Chambers of Treehugger.com. "They dislike the amount of land used for parking lots, roads and highways, and they loath the alternatives car companies are offering."

3. They like to share: They're drawn to the mobility and convenience of cars, but they seek out alternatives to car ownership. About 53 percent of Millennials recently surveyed by Zipcar said they would likely use a car-sharing service. "Millennials recognize the limited value of paying so much for something they use so little," says Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. "They want the freedom to drive, but reject the financial burden of car ownership." 

4. They value their free time: Even in car-centric Los Angeles, college students would swap car ownership for more time to do other things. "A [UCLA] student explained that taking a bus usually increases her travel time by 60 to 90 minutes," according to Chambers' research. Nevertheless, the student and her friends still do it. "[I]t frees them up to read, study, do homework, text friends, engage social media and, well, 'just stare off into space.'"

5. They're concerned about the environment, but they're broke: According to Zipcar's study, 55 percent of Millennials surveyed have made a conscious decision to drive less. Environmental concerns, increased use of social media and the expense of vehicle ownership were their reasons. But in addition, they're not buying hybrids or electric vehicles because they can't afford the high sticker prices and the costly maintenance. Instead, they avoid driving altogether. And if they do buy a new vehicle, it's something small, inexpensive and fuel-efficient, like a Smart car.  

6. They don't really have anywhere to go: Millennials suffered during the recession, so they don't need cars for one very practical reason. According to Dale Buss, of Forbes: "Millennials have been hard-hit by unemployment since the beginning of the Great Recession and so [they] have less need or occasion to use a vehicle to get to work."
< Back to Exhaust Notes
User Picture
Write a comment...
61Comments
Nasty Eddie
Apr 14, 2012 12:28AM
avatar
Been driving since 12 yrs old !!  Can't imagine being without a car especially here in So. Cal I have 4 and none of them "Green"  Gen Y can bite me !!
do I look stoopid
Apr 13, 2012 11:36PM
avatar
and no one thought about INSURANCE Costs?  really? 
oh pleazzz
Apr 13, 2012 10:22PM
avatar
I'm 57 yo and have never owned a car but have been more places around the world than most folks who do have cars.   I finally got my drivers licence last year but have yet put it to use... I guess I'm really a "Boomer Y" individual acording to the silly categories we have in the USA.
Scotty MC (Scotty MC)
Apr 9, 2012 8:24AM
avatar
It will be interesting to see what happens when the millenials start having children and have to deal with day care, school, activities, social events, etc.
jrhoh
Apr 9, 2012 7:33AM
avatar

Outside the Boxer. I think you may be putting your own spin on the "facts".  Large cities have had a resurgence in urban centers (and a decline in auto use) in spite of your representation to the contrary.

 

New cars last twice as long as decades ago, in spite of your representation that spoiled car companies create un needed demand.

 

But I think the fundemental flaw in your thinking, is that the general public is duped by corporations. Those natsy corporations are made up your your family, friends and neighbors, and our "general public" needs no help in it's relentless pursuit of self satisfaction.  That human condition seems hard wired in....100 years ago, or today

 

 

Don't confuse the past with the present...they are different

jrhoh
Apr 9, 2012 7:24AM
avatar
I'd personally like to see the actual data. My personal observation is that kids own cars very early in life compared to decades ago. My first new car was at age 32, and my first car period was at age 28.
Lee Cumbie
Apr 9, 2012 7:03AM
avatar

Pretty clueless analysis.

 

There is one major reason the love affair with the automobile is waning - the enjoyment is disappearing.

 

Driving a car was freedom, it was fun, it was exhilirating. Now there are a traffic lights everywhere and speeding has been elevated to the level of serious crime. Too many police dedicated to traffic duty instead of protecting us from real criminals.

 

I expect Europe, with the Autobahn, will be more resilient.

Melissa Stanislaus (JPMorganchick)
Apr 9, 2012 6:33AM
avatar
So glad I was part of GenX. I have a true love affair with my car, and I wouldn't trade it for taking the bus any day of the week. GenY may be connected and have all kinds of friends online, but I've been 49 states, have seen places that the bus just doesn't go, and learned the extent of my own will power to drive across the Salt Flats of Utah solo. It was a much better educational experience (each new place I traveled to) than any online blog or social media can deliver.
DXZ8643
Apr 9, 2012 6:26AM
avatar

See, this is why GM, Toyota are struggling while Apple is soaring. The Millenial Generation are much more interested in technological gadget than cars, and that's where they spend their disposable income. And considering the dismal job prospects for people in their 20s and 30s, this makes perfect sense, since these high tech gadgets cost significantly less than cars, don't require expensive gas for power,  and don't require expensive regular maintenance either!

Outside the Boxer
Apr 8, 2012 6:15PM
avatar
Every generation that precedes the current generation does always differentiate itself from the preceding generations. It (generation) is always efficient and a game changer.
The preceding generation always accuses blatantly that ""its their generation has had it tough and the following generation are lazy and have a lousy work ethic etc..etc.."
The older generation have sold their soul to the big corporates who sell products and services to buy stuff that we don't really need.
The current generation have figured this out, and having witnessed the 2nd major financial crisis in 2008. They have made their choices to live a simple life where they don't need cars, expensive homes and living up to the "Joneses".
If you preceding generation want to really help the X-Genrs, Millenialls, maybe Boomers should consider volunteer cushy Medicare/Medicaid programs that's bleeding this country dry.
Best Regards



Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

EXPLORE NEW CARS

MORE ON MSN AUTOS

High-performance pedal powerHigh-performance pedal power

11 cutting-edge bicycles from the world’s top automakers.

ABOUT EXHAUST NOTES

Cars are cool, and here at MSN Autos we love everything about them, but we also know they're more than simply speed and style: a car is an essential tool, a much-needed accessory to help you get through your day-to-day life. What you drive is also one of the most important investments you can make, so we'll help you navigate your way through the car buying and ownership experiences. We strive to be your daily destination for news, notes, tips and tricks from across the automotive world. So whether it's through original content from our world-class journalists or the latest buzz from the far corners of the Web, Exhaust Notes helps you make sense of your automotive world.

Have a story idea? Tip us off at exhaustnotes@live.com.