CUVs Attract Attention at 2007 Chicago Auto Show Chicago

Chicago February 9, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that popular crossover sport-utility vehicles (CUVs), which are based on passenger car engineering rather than truck chassis, represent the fastest-growing segment of the auto industry.

According to MSNBC, automakers are applying more fuel-saving technology to them than any other model in order to prevent CUVs from becoming as passé as the thirsty SUVs they are replacing.

CUVs are expected to surpass four vehicle segments to become the highest-volume sector in North America by 2009, according to WardsAuto.com.

At this week's Chicago Auto Show, Toyota is introducing a redesigned Highlander crossover, which will be in showrooms this summer. The Highlander has been the second best-selling midsize crossover, behind the Honda Pilot, selling 130,000 last year, though sales were off by almost 8,000 from 2005.