The Shrinking SUV; Wagons Are Back At the 2001 New York International Automobile Show

    NEW YORK, March 9 Shrinking SUVs and a major makeover for
wagons are two new trends to look out for at this year's New York
International Automobile Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from
Friday, April 13 to Sunday, April 22.
    "Mixing two or more vehicle categories to create a new one has become
increasingly popular among vehicle manufacturers in recent years," said Mark
Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association,
the organization which owns and operates the Show.  "By mixing the car-like
dimensions of a conventional wagon with the off-road capabilities and
versatility of an SUV, automakers have created an appealing new vehicle type."
    "This new category has spawned some of the most stylish, rugged, sporty,
versatile and roomy vehicles on the market today," continued Schienberg.
    Many of the world's manufacturers have introduced new production or
concept wagons that fit into this new category.  They include:  the Pontiac
Vibe, Toyota Matrix, VW Jetta Wagon, Mercedes C-Class Wagon, Lexus IS300 Sport
Cross, Mazda Protege Sport Wagon, Audi allroad Quattro and Volvo's Adventure
Car Concept.  Subaru, the pioneer of the all-wheel-drive wagons is expected to
introduce an all-new "wagon" model at this year's show.
    Another growing trend is the shrinking SUV.
    Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, Suzuki, Hyundai, and others are responding
to the consumer demand for the versatility and visibility that comes with an
SUV along with the economical and handling attributes of a compact sedan as
they continue to roll out smaller SUVs.
    Land Rover will unveil its new off-roader, the Freelander, to the North
American market, and Jeep will show its new Liberty at the Show.
    The 2001 New York International Auto Show opens for a special public Sneak
Preview on Friday, April 13 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Following the preview, the
Show continues from Saturday, April 14 through Sunday, April 22.  Prior to the
public opening, the Show welcomes media and industry during its annual Press
Preview, April 11 and 12.