SOLVED. Dystopian novel about business executives that secure their place in the social and business hierarchy by battling to the death in their vehicles during their commutes. [s]

[Forrest]

This is a dystopian novel set in the "future", but I believe it was written at least 30 years ago - I read it sometime around 2008. The story follows a young business executive as he climbs the corporate ladder in a series of vehicle battles, often to the death, during his commute. These challenges are legal as long as they follow the rules, and have become a societal norm. There are heavy themes of class warfare. The main character's girlfriend also works as his mechanic, but she does not approve of the convention. This is a major source of strife between them, and it ties into the climax of the book, which is a battle he barely survives.

[Wilma]

Sounds a little like Harlan Ellison’s Beyond the Scenic Route.

[Justanotherbiblophile]

You should look for a list of fiction that inspired or was inspired by Car Wars.

[Forrest]

Thank you John, it is indeed Market Forces. I am not sure why I was so certain it was written in the 80's, but that made it impossible to track down.

[Blue]

This sounds like a weird book. Glad it was found because this is exactly what my Dad would love to read.