Millennials are reportedly losing interest in cars and car culture, and instead embracing ‘cool’ eco-friendly pursuits.
Like all sweeping generalisations, there could some substance in the claim.
But there is also plenty of evidence the claim is bogus.
Watch, for example, how many young people flock to the Auckland Showgrounds for this weekend’s CRC Speedshow.
Statistics suggest fewer 16- and 17-year-olds now hold a full driver’s licence compared with just a decade ago.
But that is more likely to have been the impact of the global financial crisis and less money in the pocket than any more generalised disenchantment with the joys of motoring.
In this country at least, especially outside the suburbs and away from public transport, the motor car remains the only way young people can get around.
Witness the number of small Japanese imports lined up outside secondary schools, especially in small regional centres.
That snapshot should be enough to reassure that the car retains a prime place in the life of many young people.
Cars have for decades been part of the right of passage for teenagers — their key to freedom from parental control.
Their cars often reflect their personalities.
So forget the rubbish being spouted about car culture being on the wane among the young.
Most are just as interested in the joys of motoring as the rest of us.