In 46 States In 2003, SUVs/Trucks Outsold Cars

[hatrack]

WASHINGTON - "People bought more sport utility vehicles, minivans and other light trucks than cars in all but four states last year, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said Friday, and analysts predict those states will switch over soon.

Cars barely edged out light trucks in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, according to the Washington-based group, which represents 10 automakers. In every other state, light trucks were king, accounting for 54 percent of car sales nationally.

"What you're really seeing is that people are purchasing vehicles that meet their needs, and light trucks, they're finding, are versatile, comfortable and they're safe," spokesman Charles Territo said. Territo said 2000 was the first year in which U.S. consumers bought more light trucks than cars. He predicts that in the next two years, customers in every state will buy more light trucks than cars.

Mike Wall, an analyst with the automotive forecasting firm of CSM Worldwide, said some of that success comes from crossover vehicles, which are often classified as light trucks and have more cargo room but also have better fuel economy and ride more like a car."

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/0424trucksvscars24.html

[wyldwolf]

1. and here I was thinking they were all sold in Georgia!

I can count 7 or 8 driving past my house for every 1 car.

[amber dog democrat]

2. Makes me glad my Honda Civic

is paid for.

[ramapo]

3. Outrageous Lies.

Safe? Not if you're the poor guy in the car that gets broadsided by one of these friggin' things. The bumper height along with the weight of these vehicles make them deadly.

Take a look at the SUV driving next to you and imagine it smashing into your car. Many of the car's safety features are negated by the poor design of these trucks.

Here's a quote from a story in my local paper today about how people just have to have a Hummer to show that they've "made it" in life. It is from a local Hummer dealer

""You know the biggest complaint about the Hummer? How it'll severely damage another car in an accident?" Mann pats the push bar. "Well, this will make it worse." And he smiles.""

Just another example of our f'ed up society.

[smirkymonkey]

4. What really struck me

was, walking around NYC this weekend, after being holed up all winter, was just HOW MANY SUV's were on the streets of Manhattan. What also struck me is just how HUGE they are these days - they're like monster trucks or something.

It really made me sick - NOBODY needs a car that size in NYC, in fact, you don't even really need a car at all. I don't own a car and don't ever want to. Our energy situation gets worse and worse and America's cars get bigger and bigger - WTF???

It's gotten to the point where it seems as if you go on to the roads in a normal sized car, or god forbid, a compact, you are taking your life in your hands each time you drive.