The reality of SUV popularity: true demand not visible in sales rankings
Quick Look
- Although SUVs sell in large numbers, they are difficult to rank high in brand rankings, and this is an analysis based on data from Japan Automobile Sales Federation.
- Jimny, Rise, Rankle series, etc. are actually selling well, and even with advances in hybrid systems and rising fuel prices, users tend to choose cars that are highly satisfying.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Despite the large number of SUVs sold, there is a phenomenon in which it is difficult for them to rank at the top of the rankings by brand. This is because the number of units sold per car model is dispersed, making it difficult to see the actual popularity from the rankings.
The popularity of SUVs shows no signs of slowing down.
Looking at the ranking of passenger cars by brand name published by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (Jubihan Ren), there are few SUV models that rank in the top 20, which may cause some people to question the popularity of SUVs. But that's a matter of aggregation. Since many SUVs are sold, the number of units per model is small. Therefore, it is thought that the actual situation is difficult to see.
The compact SUVs Jimny and Rise (along with Daihatsu's Rocky as a sibling) are at the top of the rankings, and the Rankle series is selling well despite its high price. Jimny has a large proportion of light cars, so it is difficult to understand its true popularity in the regular car rankings.
In addition, a genre called crossover SUV that combines height wagons has also appeared, and is gaining popularity in the light car and compact car classes.
Recently, Nissan released the new Kicks, which is quite popular. The third generation of Nissan's hybrid system, e-POWER, has improved fuel efficiency, but it's the styling and high fuel efficiency that makes it so appealing. When electrification of cars achieves fuel efficiency, there will be greater freedom in the size, weight, and design of cars.
Recently, fuel prices have remained high, and users must have become more sensitive to fuel costs, but even so, when it comes to purchasing a car, which is a significant expense, it seems that the desire to choose a car that provides a high level of satisfaction is prevailing.
Open Questions
- How will SUV sales change in the future as electrification progresses?
- Will light vehicle-based SUVs remain mainstream in the future?
