Honda, Volvo dealers in US want bigger SUV to cash in on preference for segment

  • The US market has seen a clear preference towards large SUVs and pickup trucks in recent times.
File photo of Honda vehicles lined up at a shipping yard. (Bloomberg)
File photo of Honda vehicles lined up at a shipping yard.

Big is better or at least this is what several dealers of Honda and Volvo truly believe in as they urge car makers to invest in larger SUVs in order to generate more interest among buyers. At a time when SUVs are ruling roads the world over, the preference for such vehicles in the US has been significantly more than elsewhere and Honda and Volvo dealers are now reportedly making their opinions known.

Large SUVs and pickups dominate the US landscape with sales picking up swiftly from Covid-19 lockdown days. Gone are the days when sedans were the overwhelming favourites among buyers with more and more now opting for larger vehicles.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Volvo Ex90 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 1.50 Cr
View Details
Volvo S90 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 61.90 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo Xc40 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 41.25 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo Xc90 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 88.90 - 96.65 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo Xc60 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 61.90 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo C40 Recharge (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon 78 kWh Range Icon 530 Km
₹ 61.25 Lakhs
Compare

According to reports, the Honda National Dealer Advisory Board in the US has expressed a desire for an SUV that is larger than Pilot SUV that is currently in its third generation here. Board chairman William Feinstein was quoted by Automotive News as saying that spacious three-row SUVs, one with a longer wheelbase, will generate more interest from buyers.

Same is true for Volvo as well. The Swedish car maker competes in the luxury space where its bigger cars have had an uphill ask against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. Volvo Retail Advisory Board Chairman Ernie Norcross was quoted by the same publication mentioned above as saying that he would want an SUV which sits above the XC90. This car, according to him, would not only allow for greater buyer interest but also help with larger profit opportunities for dealers.

The emphasis on SUVs is recognized by several car makers as the catalyst needed to boost sales. And while emerging markets in India have showcased a preference towards compact SUVs that are easy to drive within city limits, the US customer tends to prefer larger vehicles for more frequent road trips.

First Published Date: 15 Feb 2021, 10:28 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.