Even in the age of $3+ gas prices, United States consumers still prefer to ride in comfort, style and, well, larger vehicles. A study released by IHS Automotive reveals American drivers bought more SUVs and crossover vehicles than sedans for the first time ever.
SUVs and crossovers finally climed a percentage over sedans in terms of U.S. sales this year through the month of May. IHS Automotive is part of IHS Inc.
According to a recent news report, the results of the same study had concluded that sedans outsold SUVs and crossover vehicles by about five percent. Analysts at IHS said that Americans prefer the larger vehicles for several different reasons. One is that they prefer to sit higher up while they are driving on the road. Another obvious reason is that there is more room inside SUVs and crossovers. Other reasons for their popularity are increased towing capacity and ground clearance.
One source notes that sedan sales have historically dominated vehicle sales in the U.S. IHS told reporters that consumers have changed their vehicle body style preference over the years.
"Combined with the successful launches of all-new models and the introduction of redesigned existing products, these body styles offer a compelling option for the market," said Tom Libby, an IHS analyst.
Together the market for SUVs/crossovers grew by 2.6 percent over a year, according to reports. The sedan share of the market contracted by about a percent.
It could be that newer models of hybrid SUVs and crossovers are popular because they don't use as much fuel as previous models. Improved engineering has somewhat alleviated heavy gasoline use in the larger vehicles. Many SUVs are much more fuel-efficient than models of previous decades.
Another report highlights the popularity of new vehicles on the market, including Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Rogue. Pickup trucks trailed sedan sales, followed by hatchback, van, coupe, station wagon and convertible in that order. Most of these latter type vehicles have lost market share.
IHS Automotive is regarded as an independent leader in measuring customer and other business data for use in the automotive industry. They have been in business since 1959, according to reports. They went public in 2005. Their headquarters are in Colorado and they employ more than 8,000 people in 31 countries around the world. The analytical company offers expertise and predictive insight to their clients to help them make informed business decisions.
