Section 4 - Epilogue

And tomorrow?

2 minutes of reading

So, is a divorce impossible? Looking at the results of this 2021 edition of L’Observatoire Cetelem, everything points to this being the case. The final answer obtained from respondents suggests that the auto industry’s resurgence will look nothing like its previous glories. The cars of the future must bear little resemblance to those of today if they are to find favour among consumers. What people dream of are ultra high-tech vehicles that will be more economical and more sustainable (Fig. 53). And they will love them for it.

Fig. 53:

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While cars continue to divide opinion, the sector also remains divided about its own future.
On the one hand, we are seeing a proliferation of new safety, communication and entertainment features, as well as increasingly sophisticated powertrain and pollution control technologies, which have led to cars becoming larger and heavier. Thus, SUVs and premium models have tended to account for a growing proportion of global sales.
On the other hand, as our findings suggest, used vehicles are proving more and more popular. The low-cost market ceased to be a niche segment a long time ago. Lightweight motorised four-wheelers are becoming more common on our streets.
Debates that pit ecology against the economy often result in Manichean discussions around radically contrasting arguments.
But in real life, the issue is often less clear cut. Mobility, automobility and cars will continue to inhabit a more nuanced reality, even in a post-COVID-19 world.

Sub-section 13

A more virtuous future

In order to bounce back and enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with motorists, the automotive sector must have no hesitation in going green. Almost half of those surveyed say that their next car

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End of study

Cars: an impossible divorce?

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