Americans are holding on to their cars for longer than ever, with the average age of vehicles on US roads reaching 11.5 years. But people’s lives can change dramatically in that time. Offering a flexible alternative to ownership or renting, Clutch lets people pick the perfect car for any occasion.

Facing a future in which Gen Yers are likely to pay for a piece of a car as opposed to the whole thing, the auto industry is at a crossroads. But motoring giant Ford is paving the way with its car-sharing initiatives, attracting young drivers without adding any extra vehicles to the road.

Car experts think that Europe is already experiencing 'peak car'. With smartphones and the internet offering young people freedom, renting rather than owning feels more appropriate to free-wheeling Gen Y. Could Audi’s sharing scheme signal a turning point in the industry?

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?