New cars aren’t just about the latest infotainment, gadgets, and design.

They mostly are, companies don't care to innovate anymore, only to sell.

There have been huge improvements in pollution control and safety.

Safety? Some, sure. Pollution? The only reason governments regulate is because car companies want to sell you a new car every year. Ooops, big bad government whom we happen to have in our pocket wants Euro5 now...

..even if they’re masked by the increased weight of safety improvements, increased performance, and generally much larger size.

More weight/size = more raw materials, is it really that good for the environment?

If companies and governments are so keep on being green (they're not) they'd ensure cars are easily repairable and upgradable. And they'd keep supporting older models - design a more efficient engine to replace the one in the older car why won't they?