zeit.de
Rising German Car Prices Outpace Salary Growth, Driving Down Sales
A study by Oliver Wyman and Jato Dynamics reveals that despite a 24 percent increase in German net salaries between 2019 and 2024, new car prices surged by 40 percent, leading to decreased affordability and a 22 percent drop in new car sales; the shift to electric vehicles is a major factor.
- What is the impact of rising new car prices and increasing salaries on car affordability in Germany between 2019 and 2024?
- Between 2019 and 2024, German net salaries increased by 24 percent, reaching almost €32,400 annually. However, new car prices rose by 40 percent to nearly €41,800, resulting in decreased affordability. In 2019, a new car cost 1.16 annual salaries; in 2024, it was 1.29.
- What factors beyond salary increases contributed to the rise in new car prices in Germany, and how did this affect consumer behavior?
- The shift towards electric vehicles accounts for almost half of the price increase in new cars. Inflation and reduced availability of affordable models further contributed to the rising costs and a 22 percent decrease in new car purchases in Germany. Consumers are increasingly turning to financing, leasing, or used cars.
- Considering the long-term cost benefits of electric vehicles, what are the potential implications for the German automotive market and consumer choices in the coming years?
- While electric cars have higher initial costs, the Fraunhofer ISI found that lower running costs (energy and maintenance) make them more economical than combustion engine vehicles after three years of typical use with home charging. This suggests long-term cost savings for electric car owners despite current price premiums.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately emphasize the increasing unaffordability of new cars, setting a negative tone. The article uses phrases like "erschwinglichkeit habe dadurch abgenommen" (affordability has decreased) and highlights the rising price-to-income ratio. While presenting factual data, this framing prioritizes the negative aspect of the rising car prices and might overlook potential positive aspects of the transition to electric vehicles or improvements in vehicle technology.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and factual. However, terms like "spürbar auseinandergegangen" (noticeably diverged) and "erschwinglichkeit abgenommen" (affordability decreased) carry a slightly negative connotation. More neutral alternatives could include "significant difference" and "decrease in affordability." The repeated emphasis on rising costs contributes to the overall negative tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the rising cost of new cars in Germany and the resulting decrease in affordability. However, it omits discussion of potential government policies or industry initiatives aimed at addressing the affordability issue. Additionally, the article doesn't explore the impact of this trend on different socioeconomic groups within Germany, potentially overlooking disparities in access to vehicle ownership. While acknowledging limitations of scope is appropriate, the lack of these perspectives limits a complete understanding of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view by focusing primarily on the rising costs of new cars versus salaries, without fully exploring alternative solutions or perspectives. While it mentions increased reliance on financing and used cars, it doesn't delve into the broader implications of this shift or consider other transportation options. This creates an implicit dichotomy between purchasing a new car and lacking access to personal transportation, ignoring the possibility of alternative choices.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study reveals a widening gap between average net income and new car prices in Germany, making car ownership less accessible for a larger portion of the population and thus exacerbating economic inequality. The rising costs, particularly due to the shift towards electric vehicles, disproportionately affect lower-income households.