Why One-Third of Americans Can’t Afford a New Car—and What Dealers Must Do Next | Public Policy Day 2026
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At Public Policy Day 2026, Kyle Mountsier and Paul J Daly sit down with Jamie Darvish, owner of Darcars, to unpack the growing affordability crisis facing the automotive industry. With the average new car price now hovering around $50,000, Darvish delivers a sobering reality: roughly one-third of Americans are effectively locked out of the new car market. He explains why car shows still matter more than ever, how they spark real showroom traffic, and why dealers increasingly sit at the crossroads between OEM strategy, consumer reality, and public policy.
The conversation digs…
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