08:03AM - 21.11.'15
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News Source: autoblog.com |
Americans have a seemingly unquenchable thirst for crossovers, and that was illustrated this week by the slew of new utility vehicles of unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. They came in all shapes, sizes, and price points, underscoring momentum in the segment that's fueled by low gas prices and US consumers' preference for higher-riding vehicles with space and capability. Some, like the Mazda CX-9, were traditional SUVs with three rows and all-wheel drive. Others, like the Infiniti QX30, were hatchbacks with a bit of ground clearance. Regardless, they're entering a red-hot segment that's becoming more diverse seemingly by the day. "I think we're going to see continued explosion in this area, and it's not going to stop anytime soon," said Mike O'Brien, Hyundai vice president of corporate and product planning. The Los Angeles show also featured the new Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which are key mainstream products for their companies. Cadillac used the expo to display the XT5, which replaces its top-selling vehicle, the SRX, and Land Rover rolled out the stylish Range Rover Evoque convertible. The Buick LaCrosse, Nissan Sentra, Lincoln MKZ, and Hyundai Elantra four-doors were among the products that crashed LA's crossover party. "The 2015 show continues to reflect the interest of consumers in SUV products, though balanced by introductions of several new mainstream sedans," IHS senior analyst Stephanie Brinley wrote in a research note. The crossover craze has companies like Nissan, which maintains a global portfolio of crossovers sold in other markets, pondering its next move. "If the market continues to grow, we may have the opportunity to look at those products," said Pierre Loing, Nissan product planning vice president. He did add with emphasis, the next Z-car will not be a crossover, again dispelling rumors that circulated earlier this year. Aside from the Fiat 124 Spider, which took first place in our editors choice awards, crossovers were the story in Los Angeles. As O'Brien put it, "You can talk about crossovers all day." We'll stop now. |
