In the past two years we've started to hear automaker C-suite executives start hedging their bets. That's because with several forces at work, it seems like the industry may be due for a shake up.
In one corner we have we have the autonomous vehicle. In the second corner we have car sharing. In the third corner we have the connected car and in the fourth corner we have the traditional ownership experience.
Ford has been talking about its car sharing ideas, GM has partnered with Lyft and our friends at Volvo have partnered with Uber. Not to mention it seems like everyone is working on a connected car and autonomously driving automobiles.
While it seems the tide is changing and the industry may be due for a rude awakening, there's also the chance that this whole thing could be overblown. Will people REALLY want to share their second-largest household purchase?
Perhaps in an autonomous world but, until then, what say YOU, Spies? Is this just a lofty possibility or rooted in reality?
Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson believes the growth in car sharing will cause the world’s car market to split into four main sections.
Speaking at the launch of the Volvo S90 L in Shanghai, Samuelsson said the most popular form of car usage in the near future will be short-term rental.
“Like [ride-hailing services] Uber and Lyft, our role will soon be to provide autonomous cars that are part of that sort of mobility,” he said. “That’s why Volvo has partnered with Uber to grow in this area of the market..."
Read Article