Football, meat pies, kangaroos and … Toyota SUVs?
Holdens and Fords have been disappearing from Aussie roads for years and it could have one thing to do with the recognition of the common-or-garden sedan.
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the highest 10 best-selling fashions in November included six medium SUVs, two utilities, one small SUV — and only one small hatch/sedan.
Sedan fans who embraced the flagship Commodores and Falcons of Holden and Ford have progressively welcomed the superior flexibility and house supplied by SUVs and utilities.
Consequently, sedan gross sales have spiralled to the purpose they’re virtually in peril of dying out altogether.
In 2022, there are solely a handful of sedan choices accessible to Australians with the likes of the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat and Peugeot 508.
However, it’s rumoured that the Camry, Sonata and Mazda 6 might be on the best way out.
Finder automotive professional Alex Jeffs says sedans have been dying out for a few years, in the meantime, the recognition of SUVs has exploded.
“SUVs have been growing in popularity since the early 2000s. According to VFACTS, the year 2000 saw 105,510 SUVs find new homes,” he informed News.com.au.
“Fast forward to 2021 and VFACTS say that number has ballooned to 531,700.
“Currently, Australia’s undisputed favourite is the Toyota Rav4, followed by the Mazda CX-5.
“It looks like the trend will continue with new competitors like CUPRA coming to the Australian market with their Ateca and Formentor.”
Mr Jeffs says that SUVs provide extra flexibility for households and replicate the calls for of a contemporary way of life.
“There are many reasons why the SUV has become more popular in Australia. They’re thought to be more spacious, but obviously, this varies from vehicle to vehicle,” he stated.
“Families find them easier to load kids in and out of with their higher ride height. While they may not necessarily have more cargo space than a sedan, the shape of the boot offers a bit more flexibility.
“More generally, people feel more confident and safe with the higher driving position.”