SUVs are continuing to prove a huge hit with drivers with nearly a third of all cars on UK roads now an SUV.
And as car manufacturers prepare to unleash an even great variety of makes and models, analysis of the SUV market by data experts at hpi shows that SUV has been consistently the fastest growing motor sector for several years.
Mark Bulmer, consumer specialist and SUV analyst, states that in over three decades of experience in the motoring industry he has never seen anything like it.
He commented: “In 2008 SUV barely existed as a sector and annual sales volumes were around 161,000 vehicles within an industry totalling 2.1 million, the SUV sector achieved 11.6% of the market share. Fast forward to 2017 and the SUV sector achieved sales of over 817,000 vehicles from a total car market of 2.5 million achieving a massive 30.5% of the total market share.
“The growth of SUV sales in just 10 years is nothing short of staggering and it shows no signs of applying the brakes. 114 completely new models have been launched since 2015 with at least a further 20 expected within the next 12 months.
Mark Bulmer points to a number of makes and models which are currently taking the market by storm including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Citroen C3 Aircross VW T-ROK, Jaguar E-Pace, KIA Stonic, Toyota C-HR, Peugeot 3008 ad Volvo XC40.
He added: “Boasting practicality, presence and efficiency, SUVs are all the rage and clearly an increasingly popular choice with drivers.
“The SUV market has continued to boom and sector growth has been boosted by a strong consumer appetite. The huge choice of available models and all year round lifestyle appeal all serves to make the sector appealing to motorists and ensure the manufacturers are innovating to fuel demand. SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for families, easily meeting the demands of everyday family life.
“The SUV sector remains one of the most exciting vehicle sectors and manufacturers are putting a great deal of emphasis on design, styling and performance to capitalise on this continuous growth and it hasn’t finished growing yet. We can expect to see plenty of new SUV models this year covering all sector sizes and electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles are needed to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing market.”
