I've seen similar data for Germany, and I muss say that the number of registered cars per 1000 persons varies greatly depending on how densely populated the region is, and how well developed the public transit system is.

Here in Berlin, we only have about 350 cars registered per 1000 persons. There are however counties, especially in rural, small and middle town Germany, which have much higher numbers.

But Italy in 4th place?? No offense, but seriously, the data doesn't tell too much, as we don't know what the average price per car is, so we can't estimate what kind of cars they are driving. Also consider this, Italy and France have a large number of small cars on the roads, then does Germany. This is due to the fact that Italian and French manufacturers tend to traditionally produce smaller cars, and that the have a large share in their respective domestic markets. These cars are also cheaper, so probably more people can afford to buy, and maintain one.

Japan is supposedly going through a post-car era. Japan is also more urbanized then the US, and better served by public transportation, so there is no point of comparing yourselves with them.

What we should take home from this hole chart is that country with more then 400 cars registered per 1000 inhabitants are probably very well motorized! The chart is not really telling anything else, as the differences are too small to be really relevant.

PS: South Korea was a shocker. But I guess it's fair, given that about half the country lives in the metro of Seoul.

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Shocking Indeed!

I feel betrayed by my media for making me feel like a gas guzzling, car fanatic for all these years! And to think the Maple Leafs up North actually have more cars per 1000!

I'm writing a strongly worded letter! ;)

Does make me feel less guilty about driving a Hemi though! heh

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Um, where are you getting your numbers from and what are they counting?

The most recent number for the U.S. I've seen is 478 cars per 1000 people.

(source World Bank 2002)

http://www.swivel.com/data_columns/spreadsheet/2045088

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Either he is dyslexic or thought no one would check!

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@Epyx,

The article takes the numbers from an US DOT report, but obviously misinterprets them, see the report here:

http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_01_11.html

You can see that in US there are 135 million "passenger cars" and another 99 million "2-axle 4-tire vehicles" (trucks and SUVs) registered as highway vehicles.

In other words the article quoted here ignores half of the passenger vehicles registered in US, hence the erroneous ranking.

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I stand corrected.

Thanks for the link. It's a fascinating chunk of data.

Cheers... = )

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You have no idea what you are talking about.

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While he may not have been hitting on this point exactly, Europe and Italy in particular has very low birth rates. In fact, I remember the Pope at one point a few years ago implored Italians to have kids. So if you've got a family of 2 with 2 cars in Italy and a family of 4 with 2 cars in the US, you've got a big portion of the disparity right there. Combined with all the other factors mentioned, these numbers do make a little sense.

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Exactly. I can afford a car and I'm a gearhead, but I don't need one. I doubt this survey takes into account people who use Zipcar and other car-shares. Personally, I couldn't imagine settling for just one vehicle to drive, especially since I usually drive for fun.

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agreed!

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And Al Gore.

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Here in LA we're trying to make up for Manhatten's lack of cars. From the traffic last night, I can tell you we're doing a good job.

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