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
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."
61Comments
Apr 14, 2012 9:34AM
When you look at all the sources that were used to support this article one has got to question the validity of this article. I am a gen y and love cars. I feel that cars though for years have gotten severally boring. There is no excitement. All the exciting vehicles are severally over priced. I will continue to drive my ten year old car that I have maintained since I bought it new in 2002. When I find a car that is sporty and not over 40 grand I will consider getting something new.
Apr 14, 2012 9:32AM
Apr 14, 2012 8:27AM
Apr 14, 2012 7:46AM
As part of Gen Y, I can say some of these comments are ridiculous. We know "how to work," we just aren't afforded the opportunities. Lots of us are in college, or are fresh out of college (I'm a college grad myself), and have a very hard time finding a job, because every place wants experience over a degree. We don't drive because we love the internet more, it's just hard to afford one. I currently have a job, that I'm completely overqualified for, and I drive a car. But while I was in college, I simply lived close to campus and walked to class, and took a bus to work. Who can afford a car in college, or if you can't find a job outside of it? It has nothing to do with all the other reasons listed, and everything to do with our economy at the moment.
Apr 14, 2012 7:26AM
i just can't afford a vehicle. and i live out in the country with my parents. my brother gave me his 97 ford explorer and i hate it. horrible on gas and makes a bump/rattle noise all the time. i work for my parents but they don't pay me enough. they say a bed and a roof over my head are enough. i tend to disagree. i mean, in comparison, gen y has to be the poorest generation thus far. i mean i was $25,000 in debt for school loans at one time. for something intangible. i didn't even get a degree. what can be said for me? i just threw $25,000 out the window that i don't even have. let it be known that i was only 18 when i made such a risky decision and it was only a mere year or two before the recession. i knew i couldn't afford out of state tuition, but when the recession hit i knew i really couldn't afford it. but i made good grades in high school. but still, $25,000 on something you can't even touch? i could have bought a car or a quarter of a house for that money. i'd leave the country but i can't afford it. i'd leave home but i'm scared of death. there's little hope for this Gen Yer. Romney for prez? i don't know. Obama's not cutting it. get more done with a republican gov't even though i'm democrat. but hey, i just discovered creatine and it's doing miracles for me. that's what Gen Y is all about. Health and sex. ha.
Apr 14, 2012 7:26AM
Apr 14, 2012 7:23AM
They do not need cars because they do not know how to work. Not all genY people are like this however my kids all work and or go to school and they only buy American. History has not been forgotten by all of the poor me generation. Vote for Romney before it is a crime to be a whitey or a legal American.
Apr 14, 2012 7:18AM
Apr 14, 2012 7:15AM
Report
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
EXPLORE NEW CARS
MORE ON MSN AUTOS
Chrysler relents, recalls 2.7M JeepsAutomaker recalls 2 Jeep models for fire hazards, but says they’re safe.
advertisement
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.
