In December, data showed SUVs on course to account for more than 45% of global car sales in 2021.
Laura Cozzi and Apostolos Petropoulos report for IEA on global trends in automobile sales, including headlining trends in electric vehicle (EV) and SUV sales.
First EV sales, which Cozzi and Petropoulus have proven resilient from the market disruptions of the pandemic: "In a few key car markets – such as Germany (above 34%), the United Kingdom (28%), France (over 23%) and China (18%) – the market share of electric cars reached record levels as of late November."
Busales of gas guzzling SUVs are even more resilient, "meeting the most optimistic expectations," while selling five times as many vehicles as EVs. "In 2021, SUVs are on course to account for more than 45% of global car sales – setting a new record in terms of both volume and market share," according to the article.
"The growth of SUVs continues to be robust in several countries, including the United States, India and across Europe. In some other countries, such as China, the growth of SUVs is stagnating, mainly driven by the big rise of small battery-powered electric cars."
More trends on automobile industry trends are included in the source article, including an explanation of the negative consequences of SUV popularity on efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
FULL STORY: Global SUV sales set another record in 2021, setting back efforts to reduce emissions
When ‘Zero Emission Vehicles’ Aren’t
The growing popularity of large, heavy SUVS—and the energy needed to produce and operate them—could limit the environmental gains made by electric vehicles.
SUVs Are Taking a Toll on the Environment
Even with the growth of electric vehicles, experts say the trend toward larger, heavier vehicles is inherently incompatible with environmental goals.
How Dealership Laws Hinder EV Sales
Laws designed to protect car dealers against price competition from car manufacturers are, in many states, preventing electric car makers from selling directly to consumers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont