Car : increasing ownership and decreasing use?

This chapter considers car ownership levels in European countries. Comparisons are made between countries of a) the number of cars per 1000 inhabitants, b) the number of cars per household and c) the average annual distance travelled. The factors which determine car ownership and use are discussed. Income is shown to be the most important determinant of ownership and use of a car. Car cost structures are considered including taxes, tolls, parking fees, car life expectancy, fuel types and fuel efficiency. New car prices and tax levels are compared. The distribution of driving licenses is compared. A number of findings are outlined and the possibility of limiting the growth of car ownership assessed.