The Vanishing Family Car: A Shift in Consumer Choice
The rise of SUVs has led to a decline in traditional family car options, leaving consumers with limited choices.
## The SUV Dominance In recent months, car showrooms have become a sea of SUVs, leaving many consumers with limited options for traditional family cars. The trend is not surprising, given the popularity of SUVs in recent years. According to available data, SUVs now make up 30% of all cars on the road and were 50% of all new car sales in rich countries in 2023. ## The Disappearance of Traditional Family Cars The shift towards SUVs has led to a decline in traditional family car options. Brands that were once synonymous with family cars, such as Volvo, now offer predominantly SUVs in the UK. This means that consumers looking for a car under 10 years old, with a lifespan of at least five years, are left with limited options. The few remaining traditional family cars are often modified to fit the SUV mold, with taller and wider frames. ## The Illusion of Consumer Choice The dominance of SUVs creates an illusion of consumer choice. Consumers are funneled into purchasing SUVs, even when they don't really want them. The car lobby has pushed the message that SUVs are fortresses that keep children safe inside, without considering the potential risks outside. The increased height of SUV bonnets means that children are three times more likely to be killed if hit by an SUV rather than a conventional vehicle. ## The Corrosive Quality of Fear The rise of SUVs is also driven by fear. Consumers are intimidated by the size and power of SUVs, leading them to arm up with similar vehicles. This creates a vicious cycle, where consumers feel the need to keep up with their neighbors and peers. The focus on safety has led to a culture of over-protection, where everything from buggies to cars has been scaled up to capitalize on our need for safety. ## The Need for Collectivism Ultimately, the best thing to keep us safe is one another, not a larger and more powerful vehicle. The focus on individualism and consumer choice has led to a decline in traditional family values and a culture of over-protection. It is time to rethink our priorities and focus on what truly matters: the well-being of our communities and the safety of our children.
