This is a great thread. Is a series Land Rover an SUV? I would argue
that since a series Land Rover predates the term and since the term was
invented to make truck-based station wagons seem like they were something
new, a series Land Rover is not an SUV. On the other hand, I would argue
that a series Land Rover is a versatile truck/truck-based station wagon.
In the 1950's trucks began a shift in focus away from utilitarian farm
and industrial work horses and toward use as a family's second vehicle.
Once upon a time, driving a truck was considered a sign that you were a
lower class hick. No self respecting city boy would dare drive a truck when
he wasn't at work. As that began to change, the popularity of trucks began
to increase. The trucks, themselves, changed. As time went on, more
creature comforts were included. Larger engines were installed. Gearing
was raised. Beds were widened for styling reasons, as well as use with
lower density cargo. Sound dampening was increased. Independent front
suspension was introduced to improve on-road handling. Automatic
transmissions were made available. Construction was lightened and double
wall bed construction was introduced.
Emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations treated trucks,
which were considered commercial vehicles, different than cars. In response
to regulations, cars became smaller, lower, and lighter in construction.
Lower cars are harder to get in and out of. Smaller cars don't "feel right"
to someone who is used to larger cars. Unibody construction results in
vehicles that are likely to need replacement rather than repair after an
accident. Smaller (especially dropping roof heights) cars means that
car-based station wagons are unable to carry larger cargo. At the same
time, more car like trucks have entered the realm once occupied by cars. In
is interesting to notice that the dimensions of many of today's SUV's are
almost identical to the dimensions of car-based station wagons immediately
after WWII. Perhaps we created the SUV by ignoring the market and trying to
legislate what would be produced?
Let me state it again. The term Sport Utility Vehicle was coined to
make it appear that the trend was something new and was something other than
just increasing popularity of trucks and truck-based station wagons.
Therefore, by definition, a series Land Rover is not an SUV-- particularly
since SUV's are more car like than truck like.
Robert S. Cascaddan, MBA
scaddan@pacifier.com
Author of:
Revolutionary Changes Ahead for Motorcycling
http://home.pacifier.com/~scaddan/
Articles:
"Disruptive Technology = Revolutionary Changes"
http://home.pacifier.com/~scaddan/disruptive.htm
"Attracting a New Generation of Riders to the Sport of Motorcycling"
http://home.pacifier.com/~scaddan/new_riders.htm
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