Demand for US Minivans is High in Europe

12/19/96

The European marketing efforts of US automakers seems to be paying off, if the recent upswing in European sales for the Big Three is any indication. The increase is due in large part to the growing demand in Europe for American sport utility vehicles and minivans.

In the past year, there has been a 64 percent increase in the export of American full-sized four-wheel-drive vehicles to Germany, and a 20 percent increase to other European countries. Among the popular models are the Ford Explorer and Windstar, the Chrysler Cherokee, and the GM Opel.

According to industry experts, the European car manufacturers have not yet begun producing the kinds of minivans and sport utility vehicles that the European market is demanding. American automakers are taking advantage of that empty market niche, and turning quite a profit in the process.

Ryan Houlette -- The Auto Channel