Sedans are no longer the most popular vehicle body style in the U.S., after being overtaken by SUVs and crossover vehicles.
Crossovers and SUVs now account for around 36.5 percent of the new vehicle market, compared to 35.4 percent for sedans, according to analysis of new vehicle retail registrations by IHS Automotive.
The Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Rogue are among the vehicles being credited for the growth of the SUV and crossover segment.
The GMC Yukon was also credited by IHS Automotive.
In 2008, sedans held the top spot with 36.3 percent, while crossovers and SUVs accounted for 31.4 percent.
"The sedan no longer holds the dominant position it once did," said IHS Automotive in a statement this week. "Through the first five months of 2014, the most popular body style in the industry among individual consumers has been SUVs and crossovers."
The study said that consumers purchasing cars now appreciate features like higher seating position, more interior space, towing capacity, and higher ground clearance.
Pickup trucks, coupes, passenger vans, convertibles and hatchbacks have all lost share over the last five years as well, according to the study.
"These vehicles offer the combination of appealing features associated with both cars and light trucks, including a higher seating position, higher ground clearance, softer ride, more interior space, optional four-wheel or all-wheel drive, and towing capacity, among others," said Tom Libby, manager, loyalty solutions and industry analysis at IHS Automotive, according to the release. "Combined with the successful launches of all-new models and the introduction of redesigned existing products, these body styles offer a compelling option for the market."
Hatchbacks and pickups have lost more share in the last year than any other category. Each dropped a half of a percentage point since 2013, based on new vehicle registrations.
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