Import Auto Makers Capture Station Wagon Market

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 27 -- Import automotive manufacturers have captured a dominant share of the station wagon segment, producing 77 percent of all new station wagons registered in the United States in 2001, according to R. L. Polk & Co. Subaru is leading the charge. The company's various station wagon models account for 37 percent of all new station wagons registered last year in the U.S.

``In 1987, 67 percent of all station wagons were produced by domestic manufacturers,'' said Eric Papacek, analytic consultant at Polk. ``Today, the import manufacturers, especially Subaru, with its Legacy and Impreza models, dominate this segment. In fact, during the 2001 calendar year, six of the top 10 registered wagons were imports and 23 of 28 wagon models were produced by import manufacturers.''

Overall, station wagon registrations are significantly lower than they were at their peak in the 1980s. However, thanks to many new models that combine the most desired features of cars and SUVs, station wagons have staged a comeback. Station wagon registrations have increased by 19 percent since their lowest point, in 1998. In 2001, there were 251,334 new station wagons registered in the United States.

``Clearly, the American public is less interested in station wagons than in the 70s and 80s,'' Papacek said. ``However, newer models such as the Subaru Legacy, Volvo V70 and Volkswagen Passat aren't just longer cars with more space for the kids. They are safe, durable vehicles that often come with the amenities of a luxury sedan and the functionality of an SUV.''

Station wagons represent more than 4 percent of all sedan registrations. While this number has grown slightly since 1998 (3.7 percent), station wagons still make up less than 2 percent of all new vehicle registrations. In 1987, station wagons made up 5 percent of all new vehicle registrations.