The Rise of Large SUVs and Trucks in the Auto Industry

Growing up in the Midwest, small cars were the norm with models like the Volvo 240, Dodge Dart, and Honda Accord. Trucks were rare and usually compact like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux. Gradually, these small vehicles gave way to increasingly larger SUVs. Nowadays, compact SUVs are almost nonexistent in the market. Major manufacturers like Ford and GM have phased out most of their sedan production in North America, signaling a dramatic shift in consumer preferences towards bigger vehicles.