
The growing popularity of SUVs in all sectors of the company car fleet market means that fleets could increasingly struggle to hit cost and emissions targets, says Chevin Fleet Solutions.
The fleet management software specialist points out that even the most car-like of SUVs tend to have worse emissions and fuel economy than their equivalent hatchbacks or saloons by a margin of around 10-20% – and that there is a shortage of alternative fuel options such as hybrids and EVs.
Managing director Ashley Sowerby (above) said, “SUVs have proliferated in all areas of the car market and continue to grow in popularity. There is almost no sector where they are not well represented. Today, you can even buy an SUV convertible.”
SUVs are now the best-selling type of car in the UK and Italy. Analysis by Dataforce has forecast that they will overtake the compact car as the biggest part of true fleet sales in Europe within the next two years.
Speaking about the trend, Ashley said, “Many drivers like SUVs a great deal thanks to their commanding driving position, their road presence and the fact that they are perceived as something more interesting than a family hatch or saloon.”
“This puts a lot of pressure on human resources departments and fleets to add these vehicles to their choice lists but it does create a general problem. SUVs are heavier and less aerodynamic than their conventional car equivalents and, as a result, tend to use more fuel and have high emissions.”