As I drove home today from a visit with family in the City, I paid special attention to the cars and trucks that surrounded me on the road. The number of SUVs on the road was quite concerning and although it was no surprise to me, it did get me thinking. Who is really responsible for the current trend toward larger SUV type vehicles on the road?

Some would say that it is the fault of the manufacturers, which may very well be the case. However, what we must recognize is the fact that automakers, like any other profit-driven company, are focused on making money. Whether it be to appease shareholders, maintain growth of the company, or secure jobs for the existing employees, this is just the way it is. Did the manufacturers talk the public into buying SUVs, or did the public begin to demand such vehicles? When I was in high school and just starting my driving experience, there were very few trucks on the road, and those who did drive trucks typically had a reason for doing so. There were a few trucks available at the time: the Chevy Blazer, Toyota Landcruiser, and the Ford Bronco. These trucks, as they were not known as SUVs at the time, were far from the luxury vehicles we see on the road today. They were typically uncomfortable and not very forgiving on the roads. So, what happened and when? I graduated high school in 1993, so in a 15 year period we have gone from one extreme to another. Was it the public that spurred on this change in focus from the manufacturers, or did one manufacturer start a trend that has now become the norm? I don't have the answer, do you?

While at the NY Auto Show last week, I had asked a representative from Ford why they went straight for an SUV hybrid and ignored the smaller vehicle class. He stated that Ford was looking at a smaller hybrid, but had no real explanation for the jump to the SUV class. However, now that I think about it, maybe Ford had it right from a business perspective. If the public is demanding SUVs, why not appease that demand with a more fuel efficient SUV? Although a risk, was it a risk worth taking and will it pay off in the long run?

I am curious to see how others feel about this subject. I, for one, believe that public demand plays a huge role in the way manufacturers think, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we are responsible for the SUV boom, or DOES IT?

Be Well and Stay Green

Last update : 03-23-2008 02:20

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