In Pursuit of Sustainability: Annual Report on the Development of an Automobile-Dependent Society in China (2013)

Abstract

Since China became an automobile-dependent society in 2012, the automobile development has been gaining momentum. The increase in car ownership is astonishing while the car use environment is worsening. China as an automobile-dependent society faces the following troubles: the contradiction between people’s growing willingness to purchase cars and the increasing car use cost; the contradiction between the robust growth prospects of the car industry and the promulgation of car restriction policies as an expedient means; the lack of systematic and scientific management of the automobile-dependent society; the automobile-dependent society with underdeveloped rules faces increasing risks; the car being regarded as a social status-conveying label; the car problem escalating into a social problem; the lack of the road right consciousness and want of civility. In view of these problems, we should promptly formulate comprehensive policies and plan for the development course of the automobile-dependent society in China.