Automakers cash in on mainstream models with big-sticker trims

In December, the sticker price on the average U.S. automobile hit $38,616, a level not seen since "Tesla" evoked the image of an electrical engineer. Come summer, carmakers will probably break that price record again. It's true, there are still plenty of cheap wheels to be had in the reasonably priced basement. It's just that the top of the market is speeding away.