This paper indicates some possible future developments in the private car and its role in human life. The interaction between the car and its surroundings will be much greater. Several sources of information will automatically provide drivers with information about what to do and how to act; some of this information will be transmitted directly to the vehicle. Much information, that is today provided manually or in static form, will be provided automatically and displayed dynamically. All these information systems will be expensive, and require major investments; thus they will be applied first in areas with the heaviest traffic. The author predicts that, at the same time, the car will take on roles other than transportation. Modern information technology will enable many driving operations to be conducted automatically, so that the car will also be used as a workplace and a place of relaxation, where the driver can be isolated from his normal surroundings and able to achieve more freedom. Although telecommunications provides scope for replacing many journeys to and from work, the author considers that work trips saved are likely to be replaced by other journeys.
Abstract