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How the heck did we get here? Most best selling "cars" are now superzied pickups and SUVs.
(www.caranddriver.com)
this post was submitted on 23 Sep 2023
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That explains why manufacturers focus on making these vehicles, but not why people aren't buying cars. There are many cars available to buy, less so than before, but still plenty.
My guess is it's that people are too susceptible to marketing. Some people see huge vehicles as a status symbol, and parents see them as safer.
A long time ago, I saw a documentary about how marketing changed. Vehicles (and everything else) used to be marketed in a matter-of-fact manner listing off capabilities, features, and specs. Now, marketing is mostly about emotions and convincing people to buy products to "express themselves." That's how they got the "anti-establishment" hippies to start spending money on colorful vehicles, new fashion items, etc.
I'm sure marketing has a significant impact, but let's also look at Ford as an example. They are ending production of all passenger cars except the Mustang, and will now only produce trucks, SUVs and other larger vehicles. I'm sure other manufacturers will follow along, reinforcing the trend of buying larger vehicles by limiting choice.