TBH a lightweight SUV Platform won´t be that polluting, like, a 1.5dci Nissan-Renault engine in a Qashcow isn´t going to behave much more differently to a 1.5 or 2.0dci in a Laguna or whatever the Nissan Estate is…. having said that the drivetrain, wheel and aero drags will all be a little higher.
To me, it just seems “normal” / car manufacturers have been pushing the “larger” car forever, it? just in Europe we resisted for a longer time due to MPG, handling issues etc. But now of course, with efficient engines, lower oil prices and large yet somewhat light chassis we are again falling to the mantra like so many other countries before…
Here it is, laid out in 1957(!)
The last lines on the second image also start to talk about the “Premium” marketing method, which is also much more suited to the SUV product over the “bare bones” hatchback – if you’re already spending more than the minimum, then the whole premium marketing opportunity opens up.
Personally, I’d say the above, plus the profit increase [from, say 5% to 15% plus increased cost of the product in the first place] explains it rather well.
Nissan, for example, has benefited hugely from the success of the SUV segment and employs a large UK workforce. So we’re faced, again, with the Hobson’s choice by the Industry.
Arse. I really need to change the world :/