Cars represent freedom. And freedom should be affordable

The Trump administration says easing federal fuel economy requirements will reduce the average price of a new vehicle by $1,300. The change matters because cars are a main way Americans get to work, while vehicle prices have risen sharply in recent years.

The article says 78.4% of workers, about 130 million people, commute by car, truck or van. The average price paid for a new vehicle rose nearly 30%, from $38,948 in December 2019 to $50,562 in September 2026; the revised rule gives automakers more flexibility over the vehicles they sell.