Stellantis Lost $26.3 Billion on EVs Nobody Wanted: Jeep and Ram Parent Company's Historic Failure
Stellantis posted a historic $26.3 billion loss in 2025 after canceling Ram, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo EV projects. The Jeep and Ram parent company discontinued all plug-in hybrids, brought back V8 engines, and left UAW workers with $0 profit sharing for the first time since 2011. CEO admits "over-estimating the pace of the energy transition" as company pivots back to combustion engines.
K-Shaped Car Market: Rich Buyers Push Prices to $50K While Working Class Gets Shut Out
The K-shaped economy hits the car market: wealthy buyers snap up $60K-80K luxury SUVs with 0% financing while working-class shoppers get priced out entirely. Bank of America data shows high-income households thrive as lower-income buyers face 9%+ rates, longer loans, and vanishing affordable options. Average new car price: $49,191. Cheapest available: $22,000. Two Americas, two car markets.
No New Cars Under $20,000 in 2026: The Last Affordable Models Just Disappeared
The sub-$20,000 new car is extinct. Zero models remain in 2026 after Nissan discontinued the Versa - down from 17 options in 2020. Average new car price hit $49,191 in January. The Kia K4 at $22,000 is now America's cheapest new car. Industry economists say $30,000 is the new affordability threshold, leaving first-time buyers and budget shoppers with vanishing options.
Millennials in Their 30s Hit Hardest: Car Payments Up 60% Since 2019 While Starting Families
Millennials in their 30s face a 60% jump in car payments since 2019 - the biggest increase of any age group. Bank of America data reveals younger millennials forming families are hit hardest by rising car costs, with new vehicles up 22% and used cars up 30%. Real stories of families forced to choose between reliable transportation and other essentials.
1 in 5 Americans Now Pay Over $1,000 Monthly for Cars: The Affordability Crisis Explained
20% of Americans now pay over $1,000 monthly for car loans - a record high. Average new car payments hit $772 with $50,000 price tags and 6.7% interest rates. Real stories of families trapped in debt, plus practical advice on avoiding the affordability crisis.
Lease vs Buy: What Will Actually Save You Money in 2026?
Leasing isn't a scam, and buying isn't always smarter. It's about matching the choice to your actual driving habits and financial goals. Low mileage, frequent upgrades, business tax benefits? Lease. High mileage, long-term ownership, building equity? Buy.