Budget Cars Vanish in Germany as Inflation and Wages Fail to Keep Pace

New car sales have declined in Germany due to rising prices and stagnant wages, making them unaffordable for working-class families. Automakers have retreated from the budget segment, with electric models proving too costly for most buyers. As a result, dealerships are shifting to second-hand models, with prices significantly lower. This shift reflects deepening inequalities and declining living standards, which have sparked protests and demonstrations across Europe.