I recently read a study by Michael Sivak of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute that analyzed vehicle ownership rates per household and per individual, and number of miles driven per household and per individual. The years covered were 1984 through 2015.
The findings? Maximum vehicle ownership per person and per household peaked in 2006. In 2015, rates were lower than in 2006, but higher than in 2013, when they reached their lowest point. Distance driven per person and per household peaked in 2004 but it, too, began to climb again in 2013.
I immediately wondered what a study of the next three decades of ownership and miles driven will show. Have we already reached peak ownership rates? How about miles driven? Will ride-sharing and similar phenomenon cause a decline in both? Will there be a year when that decline becomes precipitous? For sure, this study will be interesting to follow going forward.
Meanwhile, people are still buying cars at dealerships. This week, we have a profile of Freedom Auto Group, whose co-owner has the title “Servant Leader” on her business card. That outlook – that serving customers, community, and employees should motivate a business – was one reason the group was formed, and it has helped Freedom Auto Group succeed and grow.
Also this week, Partner Engineering and Science looks at the importance of properly handling hazardous materials at a dealership, including storage, labeling, and employee training among other aspects. Not doing so can be costly in both monetary and reputational terms.
And don’t forget Transaction News.
Enjoy!
