Why Wealthy Buyers Suddenly Dominate Car Sales In The U.S.

Market Trends & Consumer Behavior - The share of new cars costing more than $50,000 has almost doubled compared to six years ago, indicating a shift towards higher-priced vehicles [1] - The share of buyers with incomes over $150,000 made up 12% of all car purchases in 2025, significantly larger than other income groups [8] - There are more vehicles for sale above $100,000 than below $30,000 in the US market [9] - Consumer sentiment among high-income adults has shown recent decreases, potentially signaling a shift in the high-end market [27] Financial & Economic Factors - Dealer profits increased by 20% in Q2 2025, but economists are concerned about the reliance on a smaller share of consumers [2] - The average monthly loan payment was $749 in Q2 2025, almost $200 more than in 2019 [4] - Approximately 15% of monthly car payments, including leases and loans, exceed $1,000 [5] - Tariffs are adding up to $5,700 to the price of each imported vehicle, disproportionately impacting lower entry-level models [11] - Auto loan delinquencies have increased year over year since 2021 [23] Industry Dynamics & Challenges - Automakers prioritized higher-priced vehicles during the chip crisis to maximize profits [10] - Rising interest rates and a credit crunch are pricing many people out of the new vehicle market [17][18] - The regulatory environment and homologation requirements contribute to the high cost of vehicles [6] - Chinese manufacturers may offer a source for less expensive vehicles, despite US tariffs [30][31]