My in-laws live in a village a bit outside Nuremberg. In the 11+ years visiting them on a regular basis, I've seen the closing of small markets in favor of US style supermarkets. These stores are often further outside the town/city center. What was walkable becomes less so.

I've seen a similar trend where my brother-in-law lives outside Munich as well as some other towns where friends are.

For things like commuting, the train can make some sense, but for short trips to a market that is no longer walkable? A car may be more desirable.