Young people may not be buying as many cars are they did in the past, but when they do purchase new rides they are looking for American brands. A recent study from Edmunds.com and R.L. Polk found that drivers ages 18 to 24 years old are moving away from Japanese cars and toward vehicles made in the U.S. and South Korea.
According to Business Insider, South Korean brands have seen their share of the market double in the past five years, while Japanese cars have fallen by about the same amount. American automakers have also seen a steady increase thanks to commercials centered on younger drivers, environmentally friendly rides and promises of inexpensive auto repair.
"U.S. automakers have burst onto the scene in recent years with small, fuel-efficient and affordable cars that really appeal to a young set of buyers," said Jessica Caldwell, a senior analyst at Edmunds.com. "But while Detroit might be chiseling away at the Japanese grip on Gen X and Gen Y, South Korean brands are taking big hacks."
These South Korean brands are not only making better vehicles, but they're making them more affordable and accessible.