Oil does deteriorate even if the car is not being used. This is because the byproducts of combustion that find their way into the oil will react with the oil and, given enough time, will neutralize the chemicals (detergents and dispersants) rendering the oil ineffective after a certain time.
Short driving trips are not good for the oil also. It is when the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature that the production of combustion byproducts is at its highest. Therefore, a lot of short trips and warm-up periods between oil changes will indeed shorten the life of the engine oil.
Because most of my driving are short trips, I will have my oil changed every 5000 km (3000 miles) just as the Owner's Manual says.
I hope this helps.
