The desire to own and drive your own car used to be a life-defining characteristic for young Brits – but its importance is fading. And it’s the same case in other countries too, from the US and Germany to Japan and Australia. But why? And how is the car industry responding?

France may not be keen on Uber, but the country has fallen in love with another ride-sharing platform, BlaBlaCar, which allows people to take up free car seats on other people’s journeys. Boasting 20 million members across 19 countries, what’s behind the start-up’s success?

While tech has revolutionised purchasing in many retail sectors, the car buying process remains entrenched in the past. Can all-digital dealership Rockar – which offers a convenience normally associated with shopping for clothes or food – bring the auto industry up to speed?

Choosing a family car is an important decision. After all, it's central to many parts of everyday life – from ferrying the kids around to going on weekend adventures – and the associated costs are a major drain on household finances. So what are family buyers looking for at dealerships?