Dreaming of a new car for Christmas? Here's why you should keep dreaming

Things were supposed to be different in 2023 for car manufacturers, dealers, prospective car buyers and lovers of auto shows, those annual pageants of polished steel and next-generation automotive design wizardry that attract tens of thousands of car enthusiasts. As a complement to a well-functioning, interconnected and globalized market, auto shows are designed to convince folks to purchase a new ride whether they need one or not. Semiconductors are in short supply and auto shows featuring shiny new cars are becoming equally scarce. After all, there is no point in having a new car show when there are no new cars to show. Today, that used car is going to cost you almost $37,000.