Some car companies are operating without regard for a declining customer base
US carmakers are criticized for chasing short-term profits and expanding capacity even as demographics, urban planning, and changing attitudes toward driving point to a smaller future customer base. Commenters argue that high prices, planned obsolescence, and a shift to high-margin trucks and SUVs are pushing many people toward keeping old cars, using e‑bikes, or opting out of car ownership, while technologies like robotaxis and flying vehicles are seen as overhyped and unlikely to offset declining demand. Many expect political protection and bailouts to delay a reckoning, but believe long-term structural changes in mobility and income will ultimately force the industry to adapt.
US auto industry, competition, and politics
- Several commenters see major US automakers as “dead companies walking,” shielded by tariffs and bailouts instead of competing with Chinese EVs.
- Others argue US buyers still want big pickups/SUVs, buy on brand and monthly payment, and don’t universally believe EVs or cheap imports are better.
- There is skepticism that any political party will accept the short‑term pain of letting legacy OEMs fail or consolidate without rescue.
Demographics, demand, and ownership models
- Declining population growth and younger generations’ weaker attachment to driving are seen as long‑term demand headwinds.
- Some think fewer urban car owners will be offset by sales to robotaxi/rental fleets and rural buyers; others expect overall fewer cars, especially if utilization rises.
- Debate over Jevons paradox: some expect more travel when it gets cheaper and easier; others say car ownership and road capacity are already near saturation.
Robotaxis and VTOL “flying cars”
- Many doubt widespread robotaxi use will meaningfully displace private cars within 20 years, citing technical limits, lack of coverage, user preference for control, and cleaning/maintenance issues.
- Counterpoints note past tech shifts (smartphones, reusable rockets) went from “impossible” to normal quickly and argue most people would gladly abandon car ownership if a cheaper, almost‑as‑convenient alternative appears.
- VTOL urban aircraft are widely dismissed as unrealistic for mass transport due to noise, downwash, safety, infrastructure, battery limits, and public acceptance; some imagine they’ll remain niche for the wealthy.
Cars, pricing, and product strategy
- Many complain about soaring prices, disappearance of small cheap cars, and a deliberate shift to high‑margin, low‑volume models.
- Some argue constant redesigns and planned obsolescence inflate costs; others respond that regulation, safety improvements, supply‑chain realities, and design‑capability retention require regular new models.
- Anti‑features (subscriptions, in‑car surveillance, touch‑only controls, aggressive driver assists, OTA connectivity) are pushing some buyers toward older used cars or e‑bikes.
Urban form, bikes, and transit
- Strong disagreement over bike lanes and car‑centric design: some see bike infrastructure as underused, inequitable, and economically harmful; others cite European and US examples where “build it and they will come.”
- Several argue better rail and public transit would beat fleets of autonomous cars, but note political obstacles (funding, policing, treatment of marginalized riders).