I must admit being in the auto business in these times is quite worrisome,however, as I hash through statistics that have stuck in my brain since I became a "car guy" I am not surprised at the current dynamic. Here is an excerpt from the NCPA from years ago.
Today's average new house is twice as large as one built just after World War II.
The U. S. now has more registered motor vehicles than licensed drivers.
The average American now consumes twice as many goods and services as in 1950 in fact, the poorest fifth of the population today consumes more than the typical family did in 1955.
If I recall correctly there was a stat a while back that said the average vehicle buyer wanted to own their vehicle for five years after it is paid off.
I'm not sure it was inferior manufacturing or poor model choices that brought this on so much as it is people realizing their consumption is out of control.
I realize this is biased since I am a fixed ops guy but since cars aren't selling maybe we should focus on parts and service these days.