There are several studies that show that a significant portion of Americans hold a more conflicted view of driving than you believe here. A quick search gives me [0] which is cited by a ton of follow-up research. While I think this is a sociological issue and therefore difficult to pin down, I have a hard time seeing this research and thinking that “a tiny minority” of people want to do away with cars.
Re: cars vs insurance, used cars are the economical choice, so new car commercials are targeting the premium demographics.
Cannot read the article but the abstract does not make any of your claims. From personal experience I've only seen people on the internet saying they don't want cars, if they had been any significant majority I am sure I've met one or two in real life over the years.
Why car manufacturers don't advertise to the "necessary" buyers at all? A new Kia Rio is still cheaper than a used MB GLS.
Re: cars vs insurance, used cars are the economical choice, so new car commercials are targeting the premium demographics.
0: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S09658...