The Frankfurt Motor Show this week will play host to many new model launches and concept reveals in the crossover and SUV category with the latest news suggesting that this will include VW, SEAT, Nissan and China’s Borgward.
While traditional SUVs and crossovers remain popular, some automakers are also seeking to push the boundaries, whether in design or price point.
With continued consumer interest in this type of vehicle and OEMs more than willing to meet it, IHS Automotive expects demand in West and Central Europe to hit 4.3 million units by the end of the decade, while global sales will hit 27 million units during the same timeframe.
Significantly the next generation Volkswagen Tiguan will be larger than the current version and in some markets there will even be a long wheelbase derivative, but not in all markets.
Jaguar will show its F-Pace Cross over but that’s going to pinch sales from the family’s Land Rover division so very careful marketing will be needed to handle that clash.
Bentley on the other hand is looking to offer the same levels of luxury that are found in the likes of the Flying Spur, combined with strong off-road abilities. In addition, Ford will use the event to make a further push upmarket in Europe with the launch of the Edge, while Audi will unveil the e-tron quattro concept crossover which is not only intended as a precursor to a more sporting crossover but also a high-technology electric powertrain.
With the continued consumer interest in this type of vehicle in both Europe and globally, it comes as no surprise then OEMs remain keen to fulfil this demand. Registrations of all types of SUVs in West and Central Europe have grown from just under 1.1 million units during 2005 to a little over 2.7 million units during 2014. During the same period, global demand has jumped from 7.8 million units to almost 18.7 million units.
