Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by multi-story parking garages in urban areas, particularly their inability to accommodate modern vehicles due to size and weight changes, leading to underutilization and safety concerns [1][7]. Group 1: Current Issues with Multi-Story Parking Garages - Many multi-story parking garages are underutilized, with significant portions of mechanical parking spaces remaining empty due to size restrictions that do not accommodate newer vehicle models [1][3]. - A specific case in Beijing shows that the dimensions for parking spaces are often too restrictive, causing car owners to avoid using these facilities for fear of damaging their vehicles [3][7]. - High maintenance costs and the need for qualified personnel to operate mechanical parking systems contribute to the abandonment of upper-level parking spaces by management [4][6]. Group 2: Financial and Operational Considerations - The maintenance costs for mechanical parking systems can be substantial, with one hospital reporting annual expenses of approximately 60,000 to 70,000 yuan for upkeep, which is not justified by the revenue generated from the parking spaces [6]. - The operational inefficiency is highlighted by the fact that many facilities do not fully utilize their available mechanical parking spaces, leading to a low utilization rate of 68.4% in one hospital [6]. Group 3: Future Directions and Innovations - The current design standards for parking garages, established in 2015, do not adequately address the growing prevalence of larger vehicles, including SUVs and electric cars, necessitating a reevaluation of design specifications [7][9]. - The industry is moving towards smarter parking solutions, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and intelligent parking systems that can better accommodate modern vehicle sizes and improve user experience [9][10]. - Experts suggest that retrofitting older parking garages to enhance their functionality and integrating advanced technologies will be crucial for their continued relevance in urban settings [10].