SUV interest is fading

It's becoming more and more obvious that the reign of the dinosaurs is coming to a close. Overwhelming demand for those vehicles is finally over. The market is totally saturated with choices.

We've even seen how the shape is transforming from fierce & rigid to smooth & sleek to help keep the interest going. But ironically, the perpetuator of that original mindset is the same one that's pushing harder than others to redefine it: Ford.

The Escape-Hybrid is proof. The traditional Escape had a very difficult time competing with it's bigger brothers, so much so Ford really had a hard time deciding which plant to build the hybrid in. Now, the hybrid is already drawing so much attention that the tables are quickly turning.

And to further sweeten the deal, Ford has begun promotion of Freestyle. It's their new vehicle that looks remarkably like a SUV, especially the front (which looks virtually identical to the one). It isn't a SUV though, it's actually a fat wagon. So the inherent problems with instability due to height is reduced significantly. That, along with the cone & belt CVT, will help to improve efficiency... which just happens to help promote the both the smooth CVT feel and interest in MPG.

It's about dang time!

 

In the past, it was in vogue to surpass your neighbors by purchasing a larger SUV than what they had. BIGGER was better. So each model over the past decade has grew... to the point where they no longer fit in your garage. Ahhh!

Now, SMARTER is becoming better. Phew!

To be in the "in crowd", your SUV will have to be practical sized, clean, and efficient. That's pretty cool, a great way to spite those that fought me along the way. However, I'd really like to tell them to "kiss my gas". But I'll refrain.