Can the US still make old fashioned basic cars without computer chips?

Asked by JLeslie (65444) January 31st, 2022 from iPhone

I was thinking about how expensive cars are becoming and the supply shortages, and it has me wondering can we make an inexpensive automobile that fits within current US laws? All the safety laws, gas mph, and so on. No fancy chip, just basic mechanics like the good old days.

I said to my husband we are going to turn into Cuba with 50 year old cars everywhere, because new cars will be impossible for the masses to afford, and maybe the older cars will continue to be grandfathered in on emissions and safety standards.

I don’t mind having some antique cars around, that’s a nice part of history, but it seems to me another sign that lower incomes can’t afford some basic necessities like transportation. Even for the middle class cars are becoming out of reach. Is there room in the profit margin for prices to come back down on new cars? I’m GUESSING yes. I’m guessing high prices are mostly market pressures from the current low supply.