Chevrolet TrailBlazer passes Ford Explorer

[espo19047]

Ford Explorer lost its 14-year claim as the best-selling sport utility vehicle in the United States last year to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, figures released yesterday show.

Last year, Ford sold 29 percent fewer Explorers, most of which are built at its Louisville plant on Fern Valley Road. High-gas prices and new vehicles drew customers away from traditional sport utility vehicles.



The TrailBlazer also had a tough year with sales dropping 14 percent to 244,150, just beating Explorer's sales of 239,788.

Michael Robinet, an analyst with CSM Worldwide in Detroit, said the Explorer should retake its sales crown this year as GM is expected to cut several TrailBlazer versions while Ford plans to reintroduce its Explorer Sport Trac pickup.

But neither Robinet nor Ford sales analyst George Pipas are expecting gains in SUV sales.

"The world is moving on. There are still customers for these kinds of vehicles, but not as many as a few years ago," Robinet said. He added that many former SUV customers are choosing sedans or crossover, SUV-like vehicles built on car frames instead of truck frames.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/...601050338/1003

[genjy]

Isn't the reason because the Trailblazer has a much higher amount of fleet sales compared to the Explorer? The sales stats were discused a few weeks ago.