Worrying trends for Japan's auto industry

Seems as though the youth in Japan are far more interested in communication tools – phones, computers etc – and are far less interested in cars. Domestic sales are down in Japan as they are in the rest of the world; sales have fallen below 5 million units in 2008, the lowest in three decades. But it's the attitude that cars are merely things that get you from Point A to B vs. status symbols that is worrying automakers. There is even a Japanese word for crisis 'kuruma banare' or 'demotorization.' 

The article in Detroit News is interesting and I suggest that you read it. Something that was not mentioned in the article is why young people are changing their attitudes. It's a direct result of high youth unemployment and underemployment. In the old system of their parents and grandparents, companies groomed you for a lifetime of employment. The 'Lost Decade' of the 90s decimated that system, forcing more youth to work as contract labor with minimal training and fewer opportunities for advancement. This article in Japan Focus addresses the changes in-depth. If one does not have a stable job and has few prospects for one in the future, why take on the burden of vehicle ownership when the public transportation system is excellent? 

Manufacturers are pulling out the stops to make cars more attractive. If there's any country that will start building highly customized cars, which I've been exploring in this blog, it will be Japan.' Interesting trends afoot. 

Hat tip [Autoblog]