Jump to content
News
Reviews
Discussons
Activity
Create New...
Close

  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    Automakers Plan to Flood the Market with SUVs and Crossovers

      But is there such a thing as too many?

    It is no secret that buyers are gobbling up SUVs and crossovers, nor is it that automakers are introducing new and redesigned models. Take a look at the New York Auto Show this week where a number a new models (Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester) and concepts (Lincoln Aviator) made their debut.

    According to automotive consultancy firm LMC Automotive, there are currently 63 mainstream crossover and SUV models, and 53 luxury models. By 2023, LMC is projecting 90 models for both mainstream and luxury. But this prompts a question - how much is too much?

    “I think everyone has read the same tea leaves - right now there seems to be insatiable demand,” said Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen to Reuters.

    “Everyone is going into these segments with compelling new entries and that means there are going to be winners and there are going to be losers.”

    Already, there are signs this boom could be heading downward. LMC Automotive is forecasting a slow growth for SUVs and crossovers in 2018 and continuing through 2025.

    “There are still some legs left to grow in the SUV market, but growth is slowing and will eventually level off. This is a bright spot in the market, which is why everyone is flocking to it with new product,”  said Jeff Schuster, LMC’s senior vice president of forecasting.

    A key reason comes down to the large number of SUV and crossovers that will be going off-lease and entering the market, proving a less expensive option for buyers. Cox Automotive forecasts that 40 percent of the roughly 4 million nearly new vehicles expected to come off lease this year will be SUVs and crossovers. The number is expected to rise to 44 percent.

    “Now that you’re seeing more SUVs starting to come off lease, that will automatically put pressure on new SUV pricing,” said Karl Brauer, executive publisher forKelley Blue Book.

    There are those who don't buy this argument though. Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting with AutoForecast Solutions says there is still room to grow if automakers dive into different niches such as sporty models and limited editions.

    “The market is not yet saturated and there are all kinds of niches that have yet to be filled. We’re five or 10 years from even thinking about market saturation.”

    Various automakers claim there is always more room for products, provided they can stand out.

    “There are clearly a lot of entrants, but we are going to differentiate ourselves with a completely different look to our brand," said Lincoln president Joy Falotico at the New York Auto Show.

    But Karl Brauer points out a simple fact: “Simple math suggests that you’ll have more models with lower volume.”

    “You can’t have that many SUVs on the market and have all of them grow volume. Some of them are going to have to give,” explained Brauer.

    Source: Reuters

    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    oldshurst442

    There is no amount of SUVs and CUVs that a car maker should have that we as posters could quantify. The market decides that. 

    The amount is what the market demands.  If that means 5 max per brand or be it 10 max per brand. But there is no way that we could assess that as we dont know what kind of growth these crossovers are having. It seems to me that SMK's assumption of 10  is closer to the truth than that of Riviera's 5. In my opinion, crossovers are replacing sedans. In my opinion, crossovers ARE the new sedans. 

    This is unfortunate for a guy like me who does not enjoy this type of vehicle.  This is why I have been silent lately in the forum. The news is about all kinds of new crossovers that were revealed at the NYC auto show. Be it the Lincoln Aviator or the Cadillac XT4 or the new RAV4 or Subaru. I only read the articles for the Cadillac and the Lincoln. Glanced over is more accurate. 

    But there is a little light at the end of the tunnel...maybe.

    Either sedans get super nichey and super finely tuned because now sedans are gonna be rare and only to be sold to enthusiasts. Therefore sport sedans are gonnna get really really good and really really sporty along the lines of a finely tuned sports car, which will be right up my alley...

    Or, they are gonna be super super crappy and left to rot on the vine...

    One niche of CUV or SUV, I think, will come about is the CUV or SUV that will have a trunk instead of a hatch...

     Cargo isolation, trunkification. Sport Utility Sedan. The SUS.

    Probably slightly more lifted than the Legacy is now. Lifted slightly to resemble a CUV or SUV.

    Kinda like the Eagle...if the Eagle Wagon 4 door and coupe was the true beginnings of the CUV, then Subaru might have stumbled upon the next big thing in the SUS...(Sport Utility Sedan and their cargo isolation, trunkification commercial.)

    Related image

     

     

    Edited by oldshurst442
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    oldshurst442

    I guess!!!

    Im no connoisseur of Volvos nor lifted sedans with all wheel drive or crossovers for that matter  so I did not even know this Volvo even existed!!! 

    My Acura TL SH-AWD is a...sedan...with...all wheel drive. But she is hunkered down and she is marketed as a sports sedan. A corner-carving, family hauler that could be driven quite well in the snow, but more of the drifting in the snow kind rather than the going through it. 

    With a name like cross-country, Im guessing this Volvo is marketed more of a plowing through type 4x4.

    But yeah...I think the crossover craze will beget more and more Volvo Cross-Countries and Sport Utility Sedans. 

    Edited by oldshurst442
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Robert Hall

    I hope we see more Sport Utility Coupes and Sport Utility Convertibles.  Perhaps AWD versions of the Mustang and Camaro.  Not under the radar like the Challenger GT, but lifted like the Volvo Cross Country, like modern Eagle coupes.   An AWD Challenger w/ Jeep-like ground clearance would be cool.   Not going to happen, but I'd like to see more bold, out-there ideas come to fruition rather than the same old, same old.. 

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    smk4565

    I think the number of crossovers is nuts and the NY show was all about crossovers, yet people keep buying these things.  

    One day the Corvette and Mustang will become crossovers to boost sales,  the marketing folks will think this is a good idea.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    riviera74
    3 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    I think the number of crossovers is nuts and the NY show was all about crossovers, yet people keep buying these things.  

    One day the Corvette and Mustang will become crossovers to boost sales,  the marketing folks will think this is a good idea.

    There is NO WAY that GM or Ford will allow the Mustang or the Corvette to become crossovers.  For one thing, both of them sell as is; the same is true of the Camaro.  Secondly, the typical Corvette/Mustang/Camaro buyer IS NOT looking for a crossover at all.  Thirdly, why would anyone buy a car name that is NOT authentic to what people expect out of said vehicle?  Lastly, the crossover reminds me a lot of the SUV craze of 1991-2008.  Once gas prices spiked to $4-$5 a gallon, SUVs almost disappeared and CUVs filled in the gap (more efficiently). 

    What could happen is that the hot sports sedan (think 300/Charger twins) or the hot sports coupe (see above) make a partial comeback because there will always be customers who do not want to be caught dead driving a crossover.  Now, FWD sedans and coupes are having a hard time selling because a lot of people want crossovers as a substitute for the bog standard FWD sedans.  These FWD sedans have been with us since at least 1972 and they ultimately replaced RWD sedans by 1992 with few exceptions.  The CUV might evolve a little more to meet different needs, just like Cubical said.  Nobody truly knows what will happen in 2030, in terms of auto trends or buying habits.  Either way, we should still keep watching.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    balthazar

    Parked next to a brand new toyoyo CHR (I think perhaps toyoyo was trying to spell 'CAR"- not sure) this morning at the convenience store.

    If this is part of the flood of CUVs coming, man the pumps!
    It was a staggeringly grotesque vehicle. I didn't know whether to gasp or burst out laughing. 

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ocnblu
    On 3/29/2018 at 4:54 PM, frogger said:

    S60 Cross Country?

    image.png.af4b6e37bddf228366916c4acf6b2376.png

    Somebody in Volvo media management is gonna get chastised for this photo.  Does anyone else notice the defect?  They forgot to punch out some of the holes in the grille!  LOL how does that even HAPPEN?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Robert Hall

    Looks like most domestic brands will have between 5 and 7 CUVs and SUVs in the near term.  Will we hit peak CUV/SUV in 2020 or thereabouts?   Will the US automakers hop on the CUV coupe bandwagon? 

    From the bottom to the top for each brand:

    Ford:

    Ecosport, Escape, Edge, Explorer, Expedition SWB and LWB.    With the Bronco in there somewhere.

    Lincoln:

    MKC, Nautilus, Aviator, Navigator SWB and LWB.     (I wonder what the MKC will be renamed to?  Capri would be good, was a long ago Lincoln name).

    Chevy:

    Trax, Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe, Suburban.   With the rumored Blazer in there somewhere. 

    GMC:

    Terrain, Acacia, Yukon, Yukon XL

    Buick:

    Encore, Envision, Enclave

    Cadillac:

    XT4, XT5, Escalade SWB and LWB.   With maybe an XT3 and XT7 coming?

    Dodge:

    Journey and Durango.   Will be interesting to see what comes for Dodge in the future...maybe a Ram based full-size?   A Journey replacement? 

    Jeep:

    Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee.  Plus the Wrangler in it's own niche, and maybe a smaller model for Europe, and the rumored Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full sizers? 

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    smk4565

    Cadillac needs at least XT1, XT2, XT3, XT4, XT5, XT6, XT7, XT8 to compete with BMW's X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and likely future X8, and Audi's Q1, Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8 and rumored future Q4 and potential Q6.  

    Buick should add the Rainier, a Tahoe based SUV plus a Bolt based crossover called Rendezvous.  And then turn the Lacrosse into a 4-door crossover coupe called the Lacrossover CC, and then do a convertible crossover based on the Equinox called the Velite.  That would give Buick 7 crossovers.

    GMC needs a sub Terrain crossover, a Wrangler competitor, Bronco competitor, and at 2 crossover coupes and a 2-door sweeping roofline Yukon.

    Chevy is adding the Blazer, they cancel the Spark, Volt and Bolt and replace all 3 with crossovers of equal size and powertrain.  The Impala can be turned into Chevy's crossover 4-coupe with retro styling, turn the Camaro into a performance crossover with a 500 hp V8 to take on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.  That would add 6 more crossovers to the Chevy line.

    Dodge and Chrysler it is too late for, Give Jeep a sub-Renegade SUV, rebabage the Journey and Durango to Jeep as the Liberty and Wagoneer, then add a Grand Wagoneer lux model, add a Jeep Commander sports crossover coupe based on the Stelvio or Levante.

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    FAPTurbo
    6 hours ago, ocnblu said:

    Somebody in Volvo media management is gonna get chastised for this photo.  Does anyone else notice the defect?  They forgot to punch out some of the holes in the grille!  LOL how does that even HAPPEN?

    that’s the radar location, just more integrated than prior models:

    CFDD04A7-EBE0-4286-9BAC-6992C771DCA6.jpeg

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    smk4565

    I am waiting for the Cadillac electric crossover line, XTE1, XTE2, XTE3, XTE4, XTE5, XTE6, or maybe it will be EXT1, EXT2, EXT3, EXT4, EXT5, EXT6.  One day they will make a car called the CTE.....

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×



  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Major announcement between GM and Hyundai. General Motors and Hyundai Motor Company Announce Plans for First Five Co-developed Vehicles - Hyundai Newsroom GM and Hyundai announce plans for first five co-developed vehicles The two companies will co-develop four vehicles for the Central and South American market, including a compact SUV, car and pick-up, as well as a mid-size pick-up, all with the flexibility to use either internal combustion or hybrid propulsion systems. Hyundai and GM also will co-develop an electric commercial van for North America. Hyundai and GM expect sales of the co-developed vehicles to be more than 800,000 vehicles a year once production is fully scaled. I have to wonder if the well-received PV5 electric van that Hyundai developed and sells under both Hyundai and Kia labels in Asia and Europe could not end up being part of the electric commercial van for North America?
    • oldshurst442
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By oldshurst442 · Posted

      https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/lasalle-police-illegal-border-crossing-us-kayak-rcmp-windsor-1.7602298   https://www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/article/lasalle-officer-thwarts-attempted-illegal-entry-into-canada/   A routine property check turned into a surprising discovery early Wednesday morning, according to police. Shortly before 1:00 a.m., a LaSalle police officer checking a commercial property on the 1800 block of Front Road spotted a man at the water’s edge of the Detroit River with two backpacks and a kayak. Investigators say the 51-year-old U.S. citizen was attempting to illegally enter Canada. He was detained and handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further investigation. Police Chief Michael Pearce praised the officer, saying, “This is an outstanding example of how proactive policing can yield positive results. While conducting a simple property check, our officer helped prevent an illegal entry into Canada.”   A defector... Reminiscent of former Eastern block folk from  the 1980s...
    • oldshurst442
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By oldshurst442 · Posted

      I said the Z06, ZR1 twins will sell out.  GM will build as many as the demand needs GM to build.  And it will probably be a higher number than any Porsche 911 variant in that category.  Firstly, Porsche limits production of those track focused upper trimmed variants.  Secondly, like Ferrari, Porsche obliges the owners of would be GT3 RS owners to buy Cayennes and Macans and have a history of past 911 purchases. Only Ferrari gets shat on for that business practice... I dont think Chevrolet and Corvette as a manufacturing team and entity and GM ultimately, are ready to introduce a Corvette SUV as it once was presented a couple of years ago.  The Corvette engineering team is too focused on giving us mental performance from the C8 platform.  And more to come is rumored.  And then there is the 9nth generation.  The C8 is already on its 6th year.  Its close to the time where Chevrolet is thinking on the next gen Corvette.  Whether this next platform will come at year 8 or year 14 of C8 production, the 6th year of any Corvette generation is when Chevrolet starts thinking if another generation of Corvette is going to happen and is talking to General Motors corporate on what budgets are needed to follow. And then the engineering team starts to form to start thinking about what is the the next Corvette going to be like. And no...lifestyle vehicles have NOT replaced anything. The sportscar is still alive and well. For those that have the money to spend on secondary vehicles as toys, these people buy Hummer EVs just as much as Corvette and Porsches.  But those that do not have monies to spend, well, they cant afford groceries in this current political climate.   But sportscars are still being bought.  Lifestyle vehicles...too I guess.  I heard that Jeep is also tanking in sales.  I dunno if its only the Wagoneer or the regular Jeep, but regular Jeeps have gone insane expensive too.  And I do not see Rivians nor Broncos all that much on the roads nor do I see US peoples rave about Rivian and Broncos the way they once did 2 years ago...
    • oldshurst442
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By oldshurst442 · Posted

      I dont think its that.  The base Stingray is exactly that Corvette. The Z06, ZR1 and ZR1x are just engineering flexing on what Corvette engineering and racing has to offer at a price point lower than the Corvette's competition. Hence why they went to Nurburgring with their test drivers and engineers driver the cars to show case ANYBODY could drive these cars, relatively safely, relatively aggressive but not so aggressive as to lose control and crash and STILL come out with impressive times at the Nurburgring.  Its the every man's sports car persona that they hold on dearly to.  I could respect that.  And yes, the ZR1 and ZR1x are expensive. But 1969 Corvette ZL1s with aluminium block 427s were higher priced than the highest priced Cadillac of the time.  Speed and ultimate engineering comes at a cost.  Its not for the average joe.  But...American speed is the most democratized in the world.  Even at 200 000 plus dollars, The ZR1 twins  are still half as expensive as its Porsche and Ferrari competitors.     The Corvette has sold all it could. Remember, its a Corvette and not an SUV. Its a car that is 5 going on 6 years old.  The Z06, ZR1 twins remain coveted and will sell out.  The Stingray now can be bought pennies on the dollar in the used car market like all base Corvettes in the past.  That is why it was stupid for all the idiots that bought the Stingray with dealership mark-ups the first 3 years of C8 production...   The Corvette is not a dying breed. It still sells more units than its competitors.  
    • oldshurst442
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By oldshurst442 · Posted

      Cool car. All C8 variants are cool.  I like all variants of the C8 Corvette.  But...I am not super enthused by the C8 all that much with the latest variants.  Yeah yeah...the Z06 is a mid engine flat plane V8, Ferrari emulating experience.  Sure it is a bargain price for what it is.  And yeah, the ZR1 and ZR1x are ridiculous in their horsepower and torque numbers and the chassis handles all that power well and puts the performance numbers to prove it while all three variants offer a very luxury GT experience.  Great.  But Im tired of seeing the GT part of the Corvette always being front and center.  The E-Ray to me is where the luxury GT part of the C8 Corvette should be at.  The best of both worlds of supercar/hyper car performance and luxury. (Because of the battery weight and the battery performance part).   The C8 Stingray is the Stingray. The base Corvette. Where the midlife crisis geezers buy it and pretend that they own the most special breed of cars ever created.  And to others that want exotic speed without the exotic price tags of Porsches, Ferraris and the like.  Just as it is now.   The Z06 should exist as a GT car as it is now, but a more track focused beast that is stripped out and more hardcore version should also exist.   The ZR1 should also exist as a GT as it is now. The ZR1x should be called something else as it really is a different car than the ZR1.  BUT... I think the C8 Corvette needs ZR1 and Z06 GT luxury delete variations where SIGNIFICANT weight reduction (with or without full on carbon fibre bodies) , ACTIVE aero,  and all the GT creature comfort options are all gone from the options list.  Sound deadening included. Crappy trunks big enough for golf bags be gone.  The Corvette NEEDS to shed off some of the late C3 1970s GT persona and return to being a pure sports car again.   The C3 Vette didnt even have a trunk for phoque's sake.  Neither the C2.  The only reason why the C3 gained a GT persona was because emissions regs and the oil shortage made the Vette's engine choices anemic so it had to sell itself on luxury features.   But Im happy as a Corvette fan with the results of the C8 Corvette.  And I hear rumours there might be another mad variant of the C8 to come before the platform changes for a 9nth generation.  

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

I've whitelisted
Continue without support

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search