Europe's automotive sector at the crossroads

The car industry is one of the largest in the world, employing many people and playing a major role in many economies. The number of cars has grown and is likely to continue to increase, particularly in the developing world. The car is one of the most wanted consumer products but it has major impacts on the environment and human health. It is generally assumed that present trends will continue but there are a number of factors that could disturb the “surprise‐free” future. Europe's policy makers face a series of difficult challenges in seeking to balance our love affair with the car against its wider consequences.