politics
It’s the SUV tyranny: where have all the normal family cars gone?
They rule the roads and, in their wake, even old-style saloons have been supersized. It’s an illusion of consumer choice
TL;DR
- SUVs now make up 30% of cars on the road and 50% of new car sales in rich countries.
- Traditional car body styles have been modified to be taller and wider to resemble SUVs.
- Finding a used family car other than an SUV under 10 years old is extremely difficult.
- The author contrasts the benefits of small, efficient city cars with the intimidating size and potential dangers of SUVs.
- The increased height of SUV bonnets makes children three times more likely to be killed if hit by an SUV compared to a conventional vehicle.
- The article suggests the dominance of SUVs is fueled by a modern parenting culture focused on safety and individualism, creating an illusion of consumer choice.