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More Families Ditch the 2nd Car

Analysts see rare year-over-year drop in US vehicle fleet

By Sarah Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 17, 2008 11:03 AM CST
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(Newser) – As more US families give up second vehicles in favor of public transportation, “it’s very likely the fleet will shrink next year,” an industry analyst tells Bloomberg. The number of cars on the road has gone down only nine times in the past century, and another decrease would mean even more bad news for automakers.

“Gas prices have plummeted, but that’s definitely not going to last for all eternity,” says one woman who decided she and her husband could get away with sharing a car. The shrinking US motor pool also means less money for states that rely on vehicle registration fees to maintain roads.

Unsold Dodge Caravan minivans are shown at a dealership in Detroit in June. There are likely to be fewer cars on the road next year.
Unsold Dodge Caravan minivans are shown at a dealership in Detroit in June. There are likely to be fewer cars on the road next year.   (AP Photo)
With this year's spike in gas prices and the economy in recession, the US is nearly certain to see a drop in the number of vehicles on the road, analysts say.
With this year's spike in gas prices and the economy in recession, the US is nearly certain to see a drop in the number of vehicles on the road, analysts say.   (AP Photo)
New York's MTA tests a new electric hybrid bus.
New York's MTA tests a new electric hybrid bus.   (AP Photo)
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Americans cut back on driving
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