There are significant challenges in the near future to continued use of the car:

• Car use is a significant factor in pollution, and contributes to global warming.
• Increasing population and prosperity are increasing traffic congestion.
• Reserves of fossil fuels, particularly oil, are finite.

• The smart car and driverless car making driving easier and safer.
• Cars linking up to form platoonss.
• Cars platooning on guideways for increased speed, safety and economy.
• Dual-mode cars able to use relatively small electric motors and fuel supplies or battery reserves for door-to-door service off electrically powered arterials.
• Cars may be able to use low carbon fuels such as hydrogen, fuel cells, and electricity instead of the internal combustion engine. (see hydrogen car, electric vehicle)
• Magnetic levitation or maglev guideways with off-line stations for on-demand, independent travel is an attractive but distant goal.
• The flying car, such as the Moller Skycar