Demand for 4×4 Vehicles Soars

LONDON, August 9, 2011 -

The demand for new 4×4 vehicles has reached an all-time high, according to new research by Motoring.co.uk, the UK’s leading motoring website for new car search.

Over the last 12 months, there has been a 35% increase in motorists searching for new 4×4s, while new superminis have seen a 30% drop in searches and new hatchbacks have fallen by 12%.  This is despite the highest fuel prices on record, escalating insurance premiums and rising motoring costs.

This rise in demand for 4×4 vehicles is partly due to the fact that car manufacturers have addressed the concerns amongst car buyers over fuel efficiency and the environment.  A good example of this is the new Range Rover Evoque which has already stacked up over 20,000 pre orders before it becomes available later this year.  The Range Rover Evoque 3dr Coupe 2.2 litre diesel with 190bhp, 169g/kmCO2 as an example model, averages a very respectable 44mpg. It is a sensational looking vehicle and is, by far, the most cutting-edge design that we have seen produced in the 4×4 sector by any manufacturer for many years.

Chris Green, Co-Founder and Sales Director of Motoring.co.uk, comments: “In the past, opponents of 4×4s have disliked the vehicles’ fuel consumption and some people have believed they make congestion worse.  Over the last couple of years, more fuel efficient, smaller engine 4×4 vehicles have been launched, allaying motorists’ concerns.

“However, the 4×4 sector is split between the smaller engine, fuel-efficient models which are seeing a rise in demand and the larger, higher CO2 emitting counterparts which are dipping in demand, as motorists struggle to reconcile the growing running costs, increased fuel prices and tax disincentives.

“Historically, there have been seasonal influences on 4×4 vehicle demand, but our new research shows that even in the summer months, demand remains buoyant.  And prices have remained high this year.  In 2011, the 4×4 sector that has recorded price resilience not seen in any other area of the market.

“As major manufacturers continue to invest in more fuel efficient, smaller engine 4×4s, we will we continue to see demand continue to grow as motorists favour their size, safety and road handling in bad weather conditions.”

Car buyers can compare and contrast the cost of buying a new 4×4 vehicle with Motoring.co.uk’s Car Finance Calculator.  For further information visit www.motoring.co.uk.

For further information, please contact: Karen Hughes, The Drum Consultancy, Tel: +44(0)20-7025-8044, Fax: +44(0)20-7025-8100, Email: karenh at thedrumconsultancy.co.uk