[BlackGTP]

The SUV goes from All-American to global star
Published October 28, 2014
Associated Press
Foxnews.com

Once a hulking symbol of American excess, sport utility vehicles are quickly becoming the world's favorite way to get around.

It's a surprising rebirth for a vehicle that was the subject of obituaries when gas prices spiked in 2008. Automakers won back customers by making smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs that also appealed to newly wealthy buyers in Asia and South America and former skeptics in Europe.

Indian drivers want SUVs to navigate rough roads. In China they're a status symbol. European and American Baby Boomers buy SUVs because they're easier to climb in and out of. Upwardly mobile Brazilian families like their spaciousness. Cheaper subcompacts like the Renault Duster are bringing in customers who couldn't afford SUVs before.

Earlier this year, SUVs overtook four-door sedans for the first time as the most popular vehicle for individual buyers in the U.S. By 2018, analysts expect China to be the biggest market for SUVs in the world.

"The SUV genie is out of the bottle. They've been discovered by enough people that you'll never put them back," says Karl Brauer, a senior analyst with the car buying site Kelley Blue Book.

Global SUV sales rose 88.5 percent between 2008 and 2013, to 15.7 million, according to IHS Automotive. That was three times faster than auto sales as a whole. By 2016, IHS predicts annual SUV sales will total 20.1 million, or about one of every five vehicles sold.

Automakers are finding some surprising converts. France — where environmentalists used to roam the streets slashing SUV tires — is second only to China in the growth of SUVs, with sales up 220 percent since 2008, according to Ford. Turkey is third.

Parisian Laurent Azoulai, 58, bought an all-electric subcompact SUV — the BMW i3 — in July.

"I used to have Mercedes and Renaults but I liked this because I only need it for city driving," he said. "It's small, and it's electric, and I can't stand pollution."

More at link: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014...lobal-star/?intcmp=obmod_ffo&intcmp=obnetwork

 

[EJD1984]

At this writing, Jeremy Clarkson is developing some serious heartburn.

 

[LetsRace]

Great opportunity for the domestics that are well known worlwide to build the best SUVs money can buy.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Seeing the unmet demand, companies started making small SUVs that were even more nimble and efficient. Subcompact SUVs like the Chevrolet Trax — which is shorter than a Toyota Corolla — were born.

It worked. Sales of small and subcompact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Buick Encore and Ford EcoSport have more than doubled worldwide since 2008. New subcompact SUVs from Jeep, Honda, Fiat and others will arrive in showrooms soon and keep the growth going. Small SUVs now make up 58 percent of all SUV sales worldwide; the share of large SUVs has fallen to 12 percent.

The new crop of tiny SUVs is small enough to appeal to buyers in emerging markets but nice enough for downsizing buyers in Europe and North America. That's good for automakers, who save money by designing one vehicle that suits many different customers.

Owners who switch have a hard time going back to cars. Mo Mard, 56, a retired investment banker who lives in O'Fallon, Missouri, drove a 2003 Toyota RAV4 for 11 years. Six months ago, she traded it in for a Honda Accord sedan, thinking she'd like something a little sleeker.

She was immediately sorry. Mard missed sitting up high, and she wanted more room for her garage sale treasures. She also found it harder to ferry around her 90-year-old mother, who has trouble getting in and out of cars. In September, she traded the Accord for a Honda CR-V.

"I'm back up higher, so I feel better," she says.

With smaller size comes better fuel economy, another lure for buyers. The Trax is expected to get 34 mpg on the highway, which is better than many midsize cars. The diesel-powered version of the Ford Escape, called the Kuga, gets better fuel economy than a Toyota Prius hybrid.

bs article...I would not consider any of the vehicles above to be SUVs

 

[Neanderthal]

I was a dyed-in-the-wool sedan man for my whole driving career. Well, with the exception of my Hondacar and VW Bug. I really never thought I'd be driving an SUV/wagon/whatever.

Yet my first Soul was so handy and useful, and absolutely trouble-free, that after a short affair with the Charger I'm back in one. Will report on upcoming road trip, 2000 miles through the mountains and across the fruited plains, in a week or so.

SUV, crossover, cute ute, whatever. These are for all intents and purposes STATION WAGONS. Call them what you like, that's what I call them. And that's what my state calls both our cars on our registration.

To quote the smartest woman in the world, "What difference does it make!!??"

 

[paul8488]

The line is so blurred between true SUV and wagon that I don't really see the point in making the distinction. The i3 is an SUV???

 

[RedVee8]

I was a dyed-in-the-wool sedan man for my whole driving career. Well, with the exception of my Hondacar and VW Bug. I really never thought I'd be driving an SUV/wagon/whatever.

Yet my first Soul was so handy and useful, and absolutely trouble-free, that after a short affair with the Charger I'm back in one. Will report on upcoming road trip, 2000 miles through the mountains and across the fruited plains, in a week or so.

SUV, crossover, cute ute, whatever. These are for all intents and purposes STATION WAGONS. Call them what you like, that's what I call them. And that's what my state calls both our cars on our registration.

To quote the smartest woman in the world, "What difference does it make!!??"

Yet, still waiting for a HHR redo.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

Great opportunity for the domestics that are well known worldwide to build the best SUVs money can buy.

The problem is that what the Rest of the World sees as a SUV is quite different to the North American view.

In RoW, an SUV is almost always monocoque integral platform with independent suspension all round - as opposed to body-on-frame and live axles which are only really used in RoW for commercial pickups, which are rarely bought as passenger cars.

RoW SUVs tend to be much smaller - for instance the Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe LWB are too big for most of RoW.

Most RoW SUVs are really "soft-roaders" because most never go off tarmac.

There are inevitably differences in various RoW markets but that analysis does show what's different from North American SUVs.

In existing GM terms, Chevrolet's Trax and Equinox are as big as it goes in RoW mainstream, albeit that their quality isn't high enough for Europe. The premium sector will accept a bigger size but as an example, Mercedes-Benz ML-class is almost as big as will sell, the GL-class only on special order.

There are exceptions of course - the Toyota Land Cruiser has a trickle of sales but even the Toyota Prado (badged Land Cruiser) only sells in small numbers.

If Cadillac wants to compete in Europe with SUVs, it'll need to go head-to-head with the new Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque, the Audi Q5/Q7, the BMW X3/X5 and the new Mercedes-Benz GLE M-class.

 

[RedVee8]

The problem is that what the Rest of the World sees as a SUV is quite different to the North American view.

In RoW, an SUV is almost always monocoque integral platform with independent suspension all round - as opposed to body-on-frame and live axles which are only really used in RoW for commercial pickups, which are rarely bought as passenger cars.

RoW SUVs tend to be much smaller - for instance the Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe LWB are too big for most of RoW.

Most RoW SUVs are really "soft-roaders" because most never go off tarmac.

There are inevitably differences in various RoW markets but that analysis does show what's different from North American SUVs.

In existing GM terms, Chevrolet's Trax and Equinox are as big as it goes in RoW mainstream, albeit that their quality isn't high enough for Europe. The premium sector will accept a bigger size but as an example, Mercedes-Benz ML-class is almost as big as will sell, the GL-class only on special order.

There are exceptions of course - the Toyota Land Cruiser has a trickle of sales but even the Toyota Prado (badged Land Cruiser) only sells in small numbers.

If Cadillac wants to compete in Europe with SUVs, it'll need to go head-to-head with the new Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque, the Audi Q5/Q7, the BMW X3/X5 and the new Mercedes-Benz GLE M-class.

Still plenty of LandCruisers down under.

Off-roaders Vs soft-roaders, 4WD Vs AWD are the terms I prefer over SUV, CUV etc.

... And OT, I hate that everyone calls the imported trucks, HiLux, Colorado etc, "Utes". They are not, they are trucks (& their ancestors were known as 'mini-trucks'), but I'm losing badly on this score.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

... And OT, I hate that everyone calls the imported trucks, HiLux, Colorado etc, "Utes". They are not, they are trucks (& their ancestors were known as 'mini-trucks'), but I'm losing badly on this score.

The Hilux, etc are just pick-ups in the UK - to us, "Utes" are an Australian unique class of car-based pickups - the nearest we've come in UK/Europe were the BMC Mini pickup, the VW Caddy and the Ford P100 pickup based on the Cortina and Sierra.

I forgot, Subaru got started in the UK with the Brat - still going strong on many Welsh hill farms.

 

[ksr]

Maybe one day European roads will also be filled with sight-blocking, road-clogging behemoths.

 

[Mentat Bashar]

The problem is that what the Rest of the World sees as a SUV is quite different to the North American view.

In RoW, an SUV is almost always monocoque integral platform with independent suspension all round - as opposed to body-on-frame and live axles which are only really used in RoW for commercial pickups, which are rarely bought as passenger cars.

RoW SUVs tend to be much smaller - for instance the Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe LWB are too big for most of RoW.

Most RoW SUVs are really "soft-roaders" because most never go off tarmac.

There are inevitably differences in various RoW markets but that analysis does show what's different from North American SUVs.

In existing GM terms, Chevrolet's Trax and Equinox are as big as it goes in RoW mainstream, albeit that their quality isn't high enough for Europe. The premium sector will accept a bigger size but as an example, Mercedes-Benz ML-class is almost as big as will sell, the GL-class only on special order.

There are exceptions of course - the Toyota Land Cruiser has a trickle of sales but even the Toyota Prado (badged Land Cruiser) only sells in small numbers.

If Cadillac wants to compete in Europe with SUVs, it'll need to go head-to-head with the new Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque, the Audi Q5/Q7, the BMW X3/X5 and the new Mercedes-Benz GLE M-class.

In my opinion I believe that this is why Jeep has created the Renegade and Cherokee. Now that I think about it even the Buick Encore should be small enough. Are these three sized right for Europe?

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

In my opinion I believe that this is why Jeep has created the Renegade and Cherokee. Now that I think about it even the Buick Encore should be small enough. Are these three sized right for Europe?

The Encore is a European model, the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka - also built in Korea and China as the Buick Encore.

The Jeep Renegade and Cherokee are ok size-wise but the Cherokee needs more quality for the price in Europe, or a lower price.

The Grand Cherokee sells reasonably well, especially with the new VM Motori V6 diesel - the one GM said they didn't want!

 

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Remember guys, SUVs are ONLY bad when american car companies build them...

 

[70W30]

Maybe one day European roads will also be filled with sight-blocking, road-clogging behemoths.

I'd love to run my Avalanche around Europe for a day or two.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

I'd love to run my Avalanche around Europe for a day or two.

You'd need a mortgage to afford the fuel and need to keep moving, there's nowhere to park it!

 

[BORG]

Bought my first SUV in 2005 (Lincoln Aviator), have never gone back to a car since. With superior visibility, utility, and comfort, SUVs/Crossovers seem like the next stage of evolution for the automobile, especially when you consider most of them are based on the sedans they are now outselling.

 

[XP300]

The problem is that what the Rest of the World sees as a SUV is quite different to the North American view.

In RoW, an SUV is almost always monocoque integral platform with independent suspension all round - as opposed to body-on-frame and live axles which are only really used in RoW for commercial pickups, which are rarely bought as passenger cars.

RoW SUVs tend to be much smaller - for instance the Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe LWB are too big for most of RoW.

Most RoW SUVs are really "soft-roaders" because most never go off tarmac.

There are inevitably differences in various RoW markets but that analysis does show what's different from North American SUVs.

In existing GM terms, Chevrolet's Trax and Equinox are as big as it goes in RoW mainstream, albeit that their quality isn't high enough for Europe. The premium sector will accept a bigger size but as an example, Mercedes-Benz ML-class is almost as big as will sell, the GL-class only on special order.

There are exceptions of course - the Toyota Land Cruiser has a trickle of sales but even the Toyota Prado (badged Land Cruiser) only sells in small numbers.

If Cadillac wants to compete in Europe with SUVs, it'll need to go head-to-head with the new Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque, the Audi Q5/Q7, the BMW X3/X5 and the new Mercedes-Benz GLE M-class.

The article was about the popularity of "Utility Vehicles" in the US and in the "ROW". No one asked to differentiate between the various types. Remember, the article was written by a college educated member of the AP.

Remember guys, SUVs are ONLY bad when american car companies build them...

As usual, you are correct FOG!

I was a dyed-in-the-wool sedan man for my whole driving career. Well, with the exception of my Hondacar and VW Bug. I really never thought I'd be driving an SUV/wagon/whatever.

Yet my first Soul was so handy and useful, and absolutely trouble-free, that after a short affair with the Charger I'm back in one. Will report on upcoming road trip, 2000 miles through the mountains and across the fruited plains, in a week or so.

SUV, crossover, cute ute, whatever. These are for all intents and purposes STATION WAGONS. Call them what you like, that's what I call them. And that's what my state calls both our cars on our registration.

To quote the smartest woman in the world, "What difference does it make!!??"

Another voice of reason in a world of insanity. However, how did you know what my wife said, after all, she is the smartest woman in the world.

Bought my first SUV in 2005 (Lincoln Aviator), have never gone back to a car since. With superior visibility, utility, and comfort, SUVs/Crossovers seem like the next stage of evolution for the automobile, especially when you consider most of them are based on the sedans they are now outselling.

In December of 2004, my wife convinced me to trade my Caddy STS for a Trailblazer. I wasn't happy but I trusted her logic, especially since she loves garage sales. It turned out that the Trailblazer was one of the best and most trouble free vehicles I've ever owned. No matter what the weather, the TB was able to get us safely, to where we were going.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

The article was about the popularity of "Utility Vehicles" in the US and in the "ROW". No one asked to differentiate between the various types. Remember, the article was written by a college educated member of the AP.

My post was in direct response to post #3 which suggested that US SUVs could expand sales to RoW.

 

[Neanderthal]

Yet, still waiting for a HHR redo.

Yeah, and a PT too. This could be a long wait...:fall:

Bought my first SUV in 2005 (Lincoln Aviator), have never gone back to a car since. With superior visibility, utility, and comfort, SUVs/Crossovers seem like the next stage of evolution for the automobile, especially when you consider most of them are based on the sedans they are now outselling.

Ten-fo dat. It all makes sense. And the market seems to agree.

The article was about the popularity of "Utility Vehicles" in the US and in the "ROW". No one asked to differentiate between the various types. Remember, the article was written by a college educated member of the AP.



As usual, you are correct FOG!




Another voice of reason in a world of insanity. However, how did you know what my wife said, after all, she is the smartest woman in the world.



In December of 2004, my wife convinced me to trade my Caddy STS for a Trailblazer. I wasn't happy but I trusted her logic, especially since she loves garage sales. It turned out that the Trailblazer was one of the best and most trouble free vehicles I've ever owned. No matter what the weather, the TB was able to get us safely, to where we were going.

AP. Kollij eddykayshin. Yeah, the guy got lucky didn't he?

I think your wife must be the SECOND smartest woman in the world!

Where oh where does that leave hillobeans? This is very sad.