From Own to Use

Mobility in the 21st Century

FOTU was a very 'off the wall' scenario written at the end of 2000, when the future of motor retailing looked set to change dramatically within 2 years.  The profitability of auto makers and their upstream and downstream partners was already under threat.  We anticipated frenetic change and our scenario reflected what we felt might happen.

Thus, FOTU is a forecast of an alternative way of making and putting customers into cars - showing a clear path for a return to profitably.  It suggests a radical way in which one fictitious auto maker (Global Auto) could return to profitability, with some detail of their operations and those of their suppliers - and a quite different kind of auto retailing network.

Areas which the scenario explores include;

  • The current status of the auto manufacturing industry
  • Consumer needs and wants
  • Vehicle design and manufacture
  • Marketing and distribution
  • After-sales requirements
  • Profitability in manufacturing and distribution
  • The future scenario - From Own to Use
  • Future considerations in systems, technology and marketing

The scenario content including research was fully written by Mike Wattam, from an idea by Neil Morrick.

Looking back to 2000, in the light of recent developments the concept appears to be undeniably naive and over-ambitious.  Yet FOTU still provides many useful suggestions for the future, whether adopted as a complete suite of ideas, or in part.  

As one management board director of a major European car maker put it personally to me "we'd love to do this but we'd have to shut down our production lines for at least 6 months in order to do it".

FOTU is still available in 'classic' 2001 issue paper version at £199, or with an electronic copy for limited reproduction by the purchaser at £295.  Academia and reference libraries are invited to apply for copies of this edition.

A new and comprehensively re-written scenario - with a more realistic grasp of the future - is planned for release in April-May 2002 to reflect the many recent developments in the industry.  If you would like to be sent further information on this new publication when available, please let us know below.

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

Information Request Form

Select the items that apply, and then let us know how to contact you.

Send literature on FOTU 'classic'
I would like to buy FOTU 'classic' at £195 + VAT
I would like to buy FOTU in electronic format for internal use at £295 + VAT
Please send information for academia/library use
Please send information on the new scenario when available
Send company literature
Have a partner contact me
Use snail-mail
Use phone number below
Use e-mail address below

Name
Title
Company

Address

E-mail
Phone

 
Send e- mail to noddy@mikewattam.com with all questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2001, 2006, 2009 Mike Wattam & Associates
GREEN CREDS: This website is written entirely on re-cycled electrons.  When disposing of them, please do so responsibly.
Last modified: September 01, 2010