I'm going to sound like an asshole but as someone that has been making efforts to live without a car in Canada for more than 20 years... there are other options than motorized vehicles.

Bicycles exist and you can cover a good deal of distance with them. That could help reduce the number of car trips. No need to get rid of them completely but at least try to reduce its use.

There is also the option to move.

But in the end the argument of rural people needing cars is kind of moot because the vast vast majority of people live in cities or in suburbs that were founded on railroads. So it would be relatively easy to help a good chunk of people to get rid, or use less of their cars while rural people can still drive or pedal to a nearest bus stop, tram stop, or train station.

I know that from experience of living in both a rural environment, and in a city. I did move a few times for my work in order to avoid needing a car.

Again, not possible for everybody but options have to be considered because, we're running out of time and excuses anyway.

If you live in a rural setting and can't use a bus or cycle, fine. But don't sabotage the efforts and options for the vast majority of people that should, or do have options, by stating that if you need a car then everybody surely does! Please!

As the meme says: BuT iT's sO CoNvEnIeNt!1!