rboyd
Your link also notes that overall new vehicle sales are down.
The rapid buildout of China's HSR network & E-Buses in major urban areas is a huge step in the right direction. Shanghai is limiting all forms of personal vehicle ownership/ridership, and if this push is seen as successful it will be emulated in other Chinese Mega-Cities.
I've met any number of people that have never ventured more than 100 miles from where they were born. They never had need for a 2 ton beast that could cruise at 90MPH, but little else was available.
The once ubiquitous VW bugs weren't the best choice for cross country tours, but they were hard to beat for the kind of driving that most people did. Lower speeds, fewer seats, less trunk space, low operating costs, high mileage and high reliability.
We need a VW bug for this generation!
Terry