Although today's SUVs are smaller and more fuel efficient than models from the halcyon days of the early 2000s, a recent resurgence of SUV sales proves the incredible persistence of the American thirst for SUVs.
"Big numbers from global auto-making giants Toyota Motor and BMW today showed that the global appetite for sport utility vehicles—which saw demand crater during the worst of the Great Recession in the US—are making a big, profitable comeback," reports Matthew Phillips.
Phillips notes that good news for car sales is good news for "near-term economic growth in the US," but he also adds that for "those who were hoping that the disruptions of the Great Recession would permanently dampen America’s automotive appetites, the return of the SUV has to be disappointing."
FULL STORY: America’s SUV addicts are having a major relapse
Bigger, More Powerful Cars Cancel Out Improvements in Fuel Efficiency
As carmakers improve the fuel efficiency of some models, many American car buyers are purchasing big trucks and SUVs that still offer low MPGs.
Climate Concerns Largely Absent in Auto Showrooms
A consumer survey found that less than a third of respondents considered carbon emissions or the environment when they last purchased a motor vehicle, yet three-quarters of Americans consider climate change a major problem or crisis.
Ford Follows GM to Prioritize SUVs
The efficient days of the post-auto industry bailout are over. American car companies are committing to larger, less efficient vehicles to keep up with the preferences of American consumers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
Platform Pilsner: Vancouver Transit Agency Releases... a Beer?
TransLink will receive a portion of every sale of the four-pack.
Toronto Weighs Cheaper Transit, Parking Hikes for Major Events
Special event rates would take effect during large festivals, sports games and concerts to ‘discourage driving, manage congestion and free up space for transit.”
Berlin to Consider Car-Free Zone Larger Than Manhattan
The area bound by the 22-mile Ringbahn would still allow 12 uses of a private automobile per year per person, and several other exemptions.
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