A Post-Car Society

02008-08-13 | Bicycle | 3 comments

A Post-Car Society | Newsweek International Edition | Newsweek.com
Kimiyuki Suda should be a perfect customer for Japan’s carmakers. He’s a young (34), successful executive at an Internet-services company in Tokyo and has plenty of disposable income. He used to own Toyota’s Hilux Surf, a sport utility vehicle. But now he uses mostly subways and trains. “It’s not inconvenient at all,” he says. Besides, “having a car is so 20th century.”

Suda reflects a worrisome trend in Japan; the automobile is losing its emotional appeal, particularly among the young, who prefer to spend their money on the latest electronic gadgets.

3 Comments

  1. steve1

    “Suda reflects a worrisome trend in Japan; the automobile is losing its emotional appeal, particularly among the young, who prefer to spend their money on the latest electronic gadgets. ”

    I can definitely identify with that: I love electronic gadgets and my fixed gear bike.
    Having a car is SO VERY 20th century … :^)

    Reply
  2. Rik

    Having not ridden one, I do not understand the apparent trend with the fixies(?).

    Reply
  3. Brenda Ashworth

    I believe it is a monetary decision. Unfortunately, society consists of the “haves” and the “have nots”. The “have nots”, sadly do not have a voice or choice.

    Reply

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