Hybrids, crossover SUVs remain popular choices for Tri-State drivers

Hybrid cars and crossover sport utility vehicles are developing trends this year, as fuel efficiency remains one of the top concerns on consumers' minds when purchasing new vehicles in 2008, according to auto dealers in the Tri-State.

With new technology being introduced every few months in the automobile industry, a number of auto dealers in the Tri-State broke down the new trends for 2008. Whether it's hybrid gas-savers or the pickup truck, auto representatives gave their professional opinions on the progression of the auto industry.

Crossovers

Tim Conley with Boyd County Ford said crossover vehicles -- small SUV-style vehicles built on car chassis -- have been very popular at the Ashland dealership. The 2008 Ford Taurus X and the Ford Edge have been well-received because of their integrated design and fuel efficiency.

"The SUV market has slowed down because of the influence of the crossover vehicle," Conley said. "Crossover vehicles are taking the place of the SUV and van market."

Angie Gue from River City Subaru in Huntington said Subaru has come out with a number of vehicles focused on carrying a large number of people while keeping fuel costs low. Popular Subaru models include the Forester, Outback and Tribeca.

The Buick Enclave and the Pontiac Torrent have been selling well at Bob Clyse Buick Pontiac GMC, according to sales manager Scott Wells. The high sales of crossover vehicles, Wells said, is due to their versatility and styling.

Gas savers and hybrids

Butch Huff, sales manager for the Ashland Auto Group, said smaller import cars such as Hondas, Mazdas, Toyotas and Nissans have had steady sales for the past few years. Japanese imports, Huff said, are attractive because of their resale value, fuel efficiency and safety features. The Honda Civic Hybrid has been in demand this year, he said.

"Manufacturers are reacting to the popular trends, so they are making smaller, more fuel efficient cars," Huff said.

Full-size pickup trucks

Even though gas prices remain high, Ford F150s and GMC pickup trucks are still highly sought after in 2008. Conley said because many jobs require people to carry equipment, full-size trucks will always be a necessity for some people.

Wells said the new GMC Yukons and Sierras give drivers both fuel efficiency and storage capabilities. GMC's new line of pickups are built to accept both E85 ethanol and gasoline. New GMC trucks, Wells said, also offer consumers the power of an eight-cylinder engine but the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder vehicle.

The new GMC truck line, Wells said, enables the trucks to switch from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder mode to conserve gas.

Vans and small trucks

Gue said her dealership has continued to sell small trucks like the Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck because of their versatility and fuel efficiency.

Gary Blankenship with Bill Spurlock Dodge in Huntington said consumers have continued to buy the Dodge Grand Caravan even with the introduction of smaller SUVs and crossover vehicles.

Entertainment technology

As competition grows in the van and SUV market, Blankenship said new features and technology integrated in the newer vehicles have also played an important role in van sales.

"Vans are becoming entertainment on wheels," Blankenship said. "Since these vans can still be resold with 140,000 miles on them, they are continuing to sell."

Wells said the inclusion of new entertainment technology, such as DVD and navigation systems, is becoming standard for vans and SUVs.