从半年收入买不起卡罗拉看日本

Core Viewpoint - The Toyota Corolla, once a symbol of affordable cars for the masses in Japan, has seen its price index rise significantly, reflecting the stagnation of Japanese wages compared to rising car prices, making it less accessible for ordinary consumers [2][13]. Group 1: Historical Context - The first-generation Corolla was launched in 1966 with a price index of 0.90, indicating it was difficult for the average person to afford, as the average annual income was 548,500 yen and the car's price was 495,000 yen [6]. - By the time the fourth generation was released in 1979, the price index had dropped to 0.30 due to rising average incomes, which had increased to 2.79 million yen [8]. - The Corolla's price index reached its lowest point of 0.27 in 1982, coinciding with the car's cumulative sales surpassing 10 million units, solidifying its status as a representative vehicle for the masses [9]. Group 2: Recent Developments - The twelfth generation Corolla, launched in 2019, has a price index of 0.55, making it difficult to classify as an affordable car for the average consumer, as it incorporates hybrid technology and advanced features, with prices reaching 2,403,500 yen [13]. - In contrast, the Corolla remains accessible in the U.S., where the average annual income is approximately $80,000 and the car's price is around $27,000, resulting in a price index of about 0.30 [17]. - The price of the Corolla in the U.S. has increased by over 20% in the past five years, while Japanese wages have only grown by 6%, highlighting the disparity in purchasing power between the two countries [17]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The success of the Corolla contributed to the rise of Japan's automotive industry, prompting competition from Nissan's Sunny and Honda's Civic, which led to increased production and exports [14]. - Emerging companies like BYD in China are rapidly gaining market share with affordable vehicles, prompting Toyota to explore new models such as SUVs and sport versions of the Corolla [16]. - The future of the Corolla as a global vehicle for the masses will significantly impact the Japanese automotive industry's trajectory [16].