The author expresses concern about a potential "car accessibility crisis" in Italy as well, emphasizing the need for collaboration between "the government and the automotive industry to find solutions that make new cars, especially electric ones, accessible to a broader segment of the population." Suggestions include "more generous incentives, favorable fiscal policies, the development of cheaper models, and simplification of bureaucratic procedures."
Conclusions and Common Themes:
The sources highlight a worrying trend toward reduced economic accessibility of automobiles in both Italy and the United States, although with different causes and nuances:
Rising Costs: The general increase in prices for new cars is a common factor, influenced by inflation, technological complexity (especially for electric cars), and regulations.
Impact of Trade Policies: Tariffs in the United States represent a significant obstacle, while in Italy the impact depends on EU trade policies.
Critical Financing: In Italy, VFG (Vehicle with Guaranteed Financing) and leasing formulas, if not transparent, can pose a risk to consumers.
Challenges of the Electric Transition: Making electric cars accessible is crucial for the ecological transition in both countries, but depends on effective incentives and competitive costs.
Erosion of Purchasing Power: The decrease in consumer purchasing power makes buying a car an increasingly burdensome financial commitment.
Potential Economic Repercussions: A drop in car sales can have significant negative effects on the entire industrial supply chain and employment.
