New Breed of Consumers Seek Intelligent, Connected and Hybrid Vehicles in 'Virtual Garages'
IBM Offers Five Imperatives for the Future of the Automotive Industry

TRAVERSE CITY, MI, Aug 13, 2008 -- The IBM Automotive 2020 Study, based on a global collaboration with 125 automotive industry leaders, today revealed an industry grappling with significant change driven by increasingly sophisticated consumers.

As these consumers seek out a comprehensive mobility experience, industry experts predict that flexible transportation services will replace the purchase of personal vehicles for multiple uses, and intelligent vehicles will cater to consumer demands for greater information, safety, and environmental responsibility.

The report was unveiled here today at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars conference.