Exactly. If I want a vehicle I don't have to drive, I will take a bus or a taxi. I drive a car because I like driving, I ride a bike because I like riding. Anyone here want a bike that steers, pedals, and stops itself?

As for the decline in driving in recent years, it has to do with higher gas prices, higher unemployment, and lower wages, not less desire to own and drive a nice car.

For a little economic perspective, take a look at the boom and bust cycles of the past three or four decades. Then look at the price of oil during those periods. The world's economy is largely energy-driven, and when the cost of energy increases, spending on other goods decreases, resulting in recession. And this also affects those of you who don't own cars (which includes me).

Increased energy costs increase the cost of transporting goods, and as everything you buy must be transported over great distances, everything you buy becomes more expensive. If you have to pay more for the things you buy, you are often forced to buy less. You may not work in an auto--related industry, but people who consume things from the place you do work may have jobs associated with the auto or transportation companies. This includes factories, mills, railroads, dealerships, parts stores, gas stations, repair shops, parking garages, etc. Cars are expensive to own and maintain, but they and their associated infrastructure make up a great deal of our economy. And when this part of the economy suffers fpr whatever reason, it makes the rest of the economy ill too.