FIRST LOOK New York International Auto Show: Cool cars, but drivers still face sticker shock

The 2026 New York International Auto Show — which runs through this weekend — made one thing clear: There is a widening gap between what the auto industry is celebrating and what consumers are actually looking to buy.Affordability has emerged as the dominant factor shaping purchasing decisions — far more than design awards, performance credentials, or cutting-edge features.Some automakers are exploring ways to bring down costs without stripping vehicles down to bare-bones models. What buyers re...