THE CONSUMER AND THE AUTOMOBILE

The energy crisis and legislation have prompted the automotive industry to develop new generations of more efficient vehicles. It is pointed out that this is contrary to the traditional industry-market relationship by which the auto industry productes what the consumer indicates he wants. The consumers needs and the ways in which the needs are communicated are considered. Changing the public taste defies simple formulas. Price is an important factor together with time, the economy and other exigencies. The recent oil embargo drove consumers to small cars, but as soon as a degree of security in gas supply was felt, there was a return to large cars. The trend and pace toward small cars is controlled by the public.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00189235
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

  3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5997
• Authors:
  • McWilliams, G I
• Publication Date: 0

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 93-95
• Serial:
  • IEEE Spectrum
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue Number: 11
  • Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  • ISSN: 0018-9235

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compact automobiles; Consumers; Economics; Energy resources; Laws; Transportation; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy crisis
• Old TRIS Terms: Small car
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Safety and Human Factors; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167620
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 27 1977 12:00AM