Looking down the road: A projection of how five major factors will impact the car of tomorrow

Predictions often appear ludicrous, even shortly after they have been made. Nevertheless, to make sound decisions concerning policies and their implementation, one must consider the range of “probable futures.” Since the automobile plays such a dominant role in U.S. society and economy, it is particularly necessary to consider the future in formulating policies that affect it. Just as Government actions have had a large influence on the development of the automobile transportation system in the past — in areas such as highway construction, vehicle safety standards, emissions control, and fuel economy — so will future Government actions continue to influence the use and characteristics of the automobile.