Great news today for the manufacturers who have vans and pick-ups in their line up with data showing growing demand in key markets.
Firstly to the U.S. where we know pick-up trucks have long been popular – but never before at this level.
Automotive industry analysts JATO have released their first half snapshot of the U.S. car market and the main talking point is the continued shift towards SUVs and pick-ups.
A decade ago passenger cars and sports cars commanded 51% total market share in the U.S., that percentage is now just 32%, down from 37% a year ago.
Where have all the car buyers gone? Straight to SUVs and pick-up trucks.
Across the first half of 2018 60% of all U.S. light vehicle sales were for SUVs and pick-ups.
In June 2018, SUV and pick-up truck demand soared by 14% in a market that grew by 5.6%.
Why the trend away from traditional sedans, coupes, wagons etc.?
JATO say big vehicles are getting more efficient and appealing (pick-up trucks can now be as luxurious as SUVs).
While they say people are going to continue to be attracted to having a higher driving position.
Meantime, across the Atlantic Ocean there’s growth being reported in the van segment.
JATO has also released its first half vehicle sales report for Europe, the data showing vans now command a 3.3% market share (up from 3.2%).
Large MPVs though, think vehicles like the top-selling Mercedes-Benz V-Class, didn’t quite perform as well in the period – registrations dipped a full 2.0% for a total current market share of 6.2%.
Perhaps the most interesting point from the data though was the continued tumble in popularity of diesel.
Registrations for diesel-powered vehicles in Europe were down by 17% in the first half of 2018.
The fuel type accounted for just 37% of the total market – its lowest share since 2001.
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