Americans shift to more affordable cars as prices, insurance costs increase nationally: report

Published On Oct 22, 2024, 7:05 PM

As inflation affects consumer spending, Americans are increasingly opting for more affordable cars, shifting away from luxury models. The average car price has climbed to $47,000, prompting nearly half of new-car shoppers to seek vehicles costing $35,000 or less. The rising cost of vehicle ownership—including a significant increase in auto insurance—has exacerbated this trend. Affordable models like the Chevrolet Trax are seeing strong sales, and car manufacturers are responding by introducing lower-priced vehicles, including Kia's upcoming EV4, priced between $30,000 and $35,000.

Stock Forecasts

The shift towards affordable vehicles indicates increased consumer price sensitivity, which could negatively impact the sales of higher-end auto manufacturers. Companies emphasizing lower-cost production and sales, like GM with the Chevrolet Trax, may benefit from this trend.

The rise in auto insurance costs may deter some consumers from purchasing new vehicles altogether, leading to a slower growth trajectory for the auto industry overall. This could negatively impact stocks in the wider auto manufacturing sector.

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