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.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association