https://medium.com/@carlodellaverson/6-predictions-for-mobility-in-2018-5d28e704865d > This time last year, the U.S. auto industry was in high gear with sales running at their fastest pace in 11 years. But 2017, despite an overall strong economy, high consumer confidence and low unemployment, has been unkind to the auto sector. Sales are expected to be down about 2 percent year-over-year and will have declined over year-ago levels in seven months, according to JD Power. > A confluence of other trends — such as a slow but steady rise in ‘no-car’ households (even in rural states) and declining rates of young people getting their license — paints an unsettling picture for the long-term future of the legacy auto industry. Is the recent downward trend in auto sales cyclical or part of something bigger? We’re betting our future on it being the latter.