The future of the SUV?

[mchastek]

There has been much heated debate in the past regarding SUVs and all of the "baggage" they carry with them. Common criticisms include poor fuel economy, higher rollover rates, more dangerous accidents involving smaller cars or pedestrians, etc.

Now, with fuel prices aboe $2 per gallon and a typical SUV costing $40-60 per tank to fill up, the SUV craze is dying down. Hybrids are becoming more and more popular every day.

Now, the Attorney General and Consumer Protection Agencies of all 50 states have created an advertising campaign to inform the public about the risks of SUVs. (www.esuvee.com (http://www.esuvee.com))

What do you think the future holds for SUVs?

[gateway8425]

I think there would always be a need for SUV's ....period! Look at the physical size of a typical family....hello. The reality is we are not getting any smaller, we hate the price of gas but we will pay extra for comfort. There are even bigger toilet seats in the stores. From what it seems like the manufactures are not only concentrating on Hybrids but are now getting into the bigger vehicles. Remember it started with Honda's 2-seater Insight and now they have the 2005 Accord, Sedan V6 Hybrid. Have you tried the new Burger King breakfast sandwich?..joke.

[Ann]

Thanks for mentioning the advertising campaign by the CPA.. I was wondering what the ad I saw on TV with the rediculous King Kong-like SUV animal was all about. I thought it was some clever new car launch teaser ad. No, it is an embarrasing waste of the (our) government's money. Check out the site www.esuvee.com and see if you agree.

[mchastek]

Thanks for mentioning the advertising campaign by the CPA.. I was wondering what the ad I saw on TV with the rediculous King Kong-like SUV animal was all about. I thought it was some clever new car launch teaser ad. No, it is an embarrasing waste of the (our) government's money. Check out the site www.esuvee.com (http://www.esuvee.com/) and see if you agree.

I totally agree. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a majority of TV viewers have no idea what that commercial is all about. Maybe they'll spend less money on those commercials now that gas is almost $3/gallon? I hope so. In the meantime, maybe they'll come up with a new computer-generated animal, like the OPECMonster(tm) :)

[kristi]

I totally agree. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a majority of TV viewers have no idea what that commercial is all about. Maybe they'll spend less money on those commercials now that gas is almost $3/gallon? I hope so. In the meantime, maybe they'll come up with a new computer-generated animal, like the OPECMonster(tm) :)

Wow, I'm right there with you two--I had been waiting for 6 months for the "pay off" for the teaser commercials with the esuvee rodeo on my TV.

Now, half a year later and plenty of time since I cared to find out what was at esuvee.com, I must say, what a lame pay off. The website would've been better had it been more interactive, fun and cool.

Who was the advertising agency on this? I can tell they wanted to make this assignment original--it just petered out on the pay off end.

[DMD]

$2-$3 dollar a gallon gas is not going to extinct the need and want or people to buy SUV's. They will always be around. When the gas prices rose in the late 70's and very early eighties, people adjusted their driving habits if need be, but that didn't stop many people from driving their gas guzzling 350 cu. in. and larger displacement cars and trucks.

I am a boater. I have what many would consider a hugely gas guzzling boat. I have (2) 250 hp. engines on the back of my 28 foot center console boat. I have been a little more selective with my joy riding and fishing activities but the higher fuel costs haven't stopped me from using my boat. I have no intention on selling it and I'm sure there are many SUV owners that feel the same as I do with regard to my boat.