[Expired]Can't Afford a New Car on a $100K Salary? US Average Price Exceeds $51,000

Living in North America without a car is like "having no legs"! But the latest data shows that buying a new car is rapidly becoming a luxury that ordinary people cannot afford. Due to the K-shaped economic recovery, middle-income groups are being squeezed out of the new car market.

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📊 Major Shift in US Car Buyer Demographics

According to Cox Automotive and CNBC data, market polarization is extremely severe:

🔹 Why Have Affordable Compact Cars "Disappeared"?

Besides inflation and skyrocketing insurance costs, the core issue is car prices. Automakers have gradually cut entry-level compact car production lines, leaving budget-conscious families with few options:

• Low-income households (≤$65K/year): Only about 110 "affordable" car models.
• Upper-middle income households (≤$105K/year): Over 250 affordable model options.
• Loan pressure: A record number of car buyers have monthly car payments exceeding $1,000.

🔹 Industry Warning: Beware of the "Backfire"

Ford CEO Jim Farley warns that over-reliance on high-profit large vehicles may generate short-term gains but will lead to market shrinkage. Experts predict manufacturers will feel severe pressure in the next 2-3 years if ordinary consumers continue to be pushed out.

Today's car market: The wealthy change cars as casually as grocery shopping, while working people are looking at used cars. Have you bought a car recently? Have you felt this "premium pricing" trend?