SUVs are continuing to prove a huge hit with drivers with nearly a third of all cars on UK roads now an SUV.

As car manufacturers prepare to unleash an even greater variety of makes and models, analysis of the SUV market by HPI shows that SUV has been consistently the fastest growing motor sector for several years.

Mark Bulmer, consumer specialist and SUV analyst, said: “In 2008 SUV barely existed as a sector and annual sales volumes were around 161,000 vehicles within an industry totalling 2.1 million, the SUV sector achieved 11.6% of the market share. Fast forward to 2017 and the SUV sector achieved sales of over 817,000 vehicles from a total car market of 2.5 million achieving a massive 30.5% of the total market share.

“The growth of SUV sales in just 10 years is nothing short of staggering and it shows no signs of applying the brakes. 114 completely new models have been launched since 2015 with at least a further 20 expected within the next 12 months.”  

A number of makes and models are currently taking the market by storm, including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Citroen C3 Aircross, Volkswagen T-Roc, Jaguar E-Pace, Kia Stonic, Toyota C-HR, Peugeot 3008 and Volvo XC40.

“The SUV market has continued to boom and sector growth has been boosted by a strong consumer appetite. The huge choice of available models and all year round lifestyle appeal all serves to make the sector appealing to motorists and ensure the manufacturers are innovating to fuel demand. SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for families, easily meeting the demands of everyday family life,” added Bulmer.

This year a range of new SUV models covering all sector sizes and electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles are expected, to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing market.

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