For decades, Americans have favored large vehicles, but with rising oil prices, their enthusiasm for large and mid-sized cars has noticeably declined.
Statistics from U.S. Auto Data Corporation reveal that in May, sales of large and mid-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the United States declined by 42% and 38% respectively, while pickup truck sales dropped by 30%.
Ford Motor Company, which has maintained sales dominance in the U.S. since 1991, saw its F-Series pickup truck sales surpassed by four Japanese models in May.
While sales of large and midsize vehicles declined, the market share of small cars in the U.S. rose from 34% in February to 47% in May.
For decades, Americans have favored large vehicles, but with rising oil prices, their enthusiasm for large and mid-sized cars has noticeably declined.
Statistics from U.S. Auto Data Corporation reveal that in May, sales of large and mid-size sports utility vehicles (SUVs) in the United States declined by 42% and 38% respectively, while pickup truck sales dropped by 30%.
Ford Motor Company, which has maintained sales dominance in the U.S. since 1991, saw its F-Series pickup truck sales surpassed by four Japanese models in May.
While sales of large and midsize vehicles declined, the market share of small cars in the U.S. rose from 34% in February to 47% in May.
In response to this situation, major automobile manufacturers in the United States have taken various countermeasures.
Ford Motor Company recently announced that production of trucks and large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) will decrease by 10% this year compared to last year, while production of sedans and hybrid SUVs will account for 57% of total output.
General Motors announced on the 3rd that it will close four pickup truck and sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufacturing plants in North America by 2010, while planning to launch a new compact vehicle model.
Reports indicate that sales of traditional sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have been declining steadily following the introduction of compact hybrid SUVs.Meanwhile, demand for pickup trucks is declining due to the sluggish real estate market.However, analysts attribute the decline in sales of large and mid-sized vehicles primarily to rising oil prices.
