New car prices in Canada are up almost 60% in six years, and Lorraine Sommerfeld says that number didn't just change what people can afford. It changed how they feel about cars. Walking through a lot used to mean dreaming. Now it mostly means calculating.

What does it feel like when something you used to love turns into an appliance decision? Line up every sedan on the market and throw a sheet over them, Lorraine says, and you cannot tell them apart. Manufacturers stopped taking risks. The paint color options narrowed down to gray, black, or white.

The joy didn't evaporate by accident. Fear replaced it when prices made love unaffordable. And the vehicle most people keep refusing to consider might be the most honest thing on the lot.

Topics: new car prices Canada, car buying joy, minivan utility, dream car, car industry design, http://driving.ca

GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld | http://driving.ca

Originally aired on 2026-04-17

New car prices in Canada are up almost 60% in six years, and Lorraine Sommerfeld says that number didn't just change what people can afford. It changed how they feel about cars. Walking through a lot used to mean dreaming. Now it mostly means calculating.
What does it feel like when something you used to love turns into an appliance decision? Line up every sedan on the market and throw a sheet over them, Lorraine says, and you cannot tell them apart. Manufacturers stopped taking risks. The paint color options narrowed down to gray, black, or white.
The joy didn't evaporate by accident. Fear replaced it when prices made love unaffordable. And the vehicle most people keep refusing to consider might be the most honest thing on the lot.
Topics: new car prices Canada, car buying joy, minivan utility, dream car, car industry design,<a href="http://driving.ca"> http://driving.ca</a>
GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld |<a href="http://driving.ca"> http://driving.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-17

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.