The production of motor vehicles is the largest single manufacturing enterprise in the United States. General Motors is the largest corporation of any kind in the world, and most major car-makers have plants here to serve the huge North American market. In terms of employment and gross national product, this industry with all its associated services represents about a quarter of all business. It is an operation concentrated in large units, with regional assembly plants and an elaborate system of distribution and service establishments in every community. In 1970 there were 34,000 franchised dealers, 28,000 used car sales places, more than 200,000 gasoline stations, and 100,000 enterprises in car repair. ^[48] In some extreme instances, any programs to curtail the presence and use of automobiles in communities have been interpreted as damaging to the national economy.

Automobiles are an intrinsic part of American life. Daily operations revolve around the use of this means of mobility, and every new development and construction project has to recognize its presence.

A diversity of models is available that should respond to every budget and taste. Since differences in styling are not too pronounced today, major attention is devoted in the market to reliability and affordable comfort features. The streamlining of the distribution and sales systems ensures quick consumer satisfaction, and the next steps are likely to be procedures that allow purchasers to state their individual preferences in appointments and features, which are sent back to the assembly lines for quick...