SUV Boom Expected in Europe

According to a new study released today, the market for SUVs in Europe is experiencing something of a boom.
While sales of the super-sized North American models remain somewhat stagnant across the pond, the industry has noted a marked upswing in the sale of mid-sized trucks.
The Munich based study cited an increase in sales of some 115% since 2000, and estimated that Western Europe could purchase in the neighborhood of 1.3 million SUVs next year.
“According to our estimates, sport-utility vehicles are the major growth segment in the European market,” says Ferdinand Dudenhffer, head of B&D Forecast, a major German automotive research group.
Germany seems to be leading the way in the new trend, with sales in that country expected to jump 71% next year.
Mid-sized vehicles form Toyota and other Asiam makers are expected to fare the best, but SUV versions of the Volkswagen Golf, and Ford Focus, certainly hope make an impact for their respective automakers.
But, according to the study, some may have already missed the lucrative boat.
“Even today, it is already clear that not all the sellers will reach their sales goals. Latecomers such as the Golf SUV, with relatively small economies of scale, are clearly at a disadvantage,” Dudenhffer said.