Home > Article > Can Trucks and SUVs Survive?

Can Trucks and SUVs Survive?

Posted on: Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 6:23 pm by: Amy Cox
Comments Comments

Share this article!

As any car lot owner can tell you, it’s been a tough year for trucks and SUVs. Due to increased gas prices and environmental concerns, trucks and SUVs have been getting some dust on their exterior as they wait for someone to snatch them up. Thus far, many vehicle manufacturers have been left wondering if there is any end in sight. Are trucks and SUVs going to be able to make a comeback?

At one time, hybrid trucks and SUVs did not seem possible. By nature, these types of vehicles are expected to burn a lot of fuel and be terrible for the environment. Now, though, it would seem that the love affair with the bigger vehicles does not need to end. In fact, there are promising signs that trucks and SUVs are going to make an amazing comeback.

2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid: Green Car of the Year

The first major breakthrough came when the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid won the 2008 Green Car of the Year. With 30% improved fuel economy over the standard Tahoe, Chevy proved that the SUV would be able to compete in the changing market. The world took notice at the strides that the automaker made with this award winning SUV that did not compromise anything when creating a better product.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies Converts Truck into Plug-In

At the Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition, Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies showcased a Ford F-150 that they converted into a plug-in. Before the conversion, the truck was getting around 16 mpg. The mileage increased to around 41 mpg post conversion. The company showed that larger vehicles can evolve along with the other vehicles to become sensible choices in the changing times.

Growth and Change

The design for trucks and SUVs has remained stagnant for years, with old designs winning over time and time again. There were not any big changes. Products got bigger, but that did not necessarily mean better, or even much different.

Now, there are truck and SUV concepts that are truly breaking away from the mold. Instead of doing what has been done in the past, they are taking things to a new level. They are designing concepts that have the basic look and feel of an SUV, but they are much smaller.

Hummer HX

A great example of downsizing the SUV is the concept Hummer HX. If this new Hummer ever hits the roads, it will be a smaller version of the gas guzzler. Instead of burning gas, it will conserve via its hybrid system. It will still have the attitude that Hummer lovers expect, but it will be on a much smaller scale.

Crossovers

Of course, the concept of downsizing has been around for quite some time. There are currently crossover vehicles on the market which are credited for keeping both trucks and SUVs afloat. Crossovers offer drivers the comfort and abilities of a truck or SUV, but they are smaller and more in step with the current economical and environmental demands.

Anyone who has a large family or enjoys driving through rugged trails knows that trucks and SUVs are here to stay. While fewer people might own them and they may be modified to a certain extent, they are not going anywhere.

Instead, technology is going to allow for drivers to have the best of everything. They will be able to have their trucks and SUVs, but these vehicles will no longer do the same damage to the environment and bank accounts that they have in the past. Automakers have shown a willingness to accept change and grow with it instead of resisting it, which proves that trucks and SUVs will be a resilient part of the automotive industry.