SUVs are spending more time on dealers' lots than a year ago — about 20 percent longer, according to a report by J.D. Power and Associates. Whether such data hearkens future weakness in the segment or just indicates a temporary setback caused by external economics has yet to be seen. One Ford Motor Company analyst blames the decline, as well as a 2 percent decrease in the average transaction price of SUVs, on overproduction by automakers that were overly optimistic in their projections of demand, and that discounting and lowering prices will likely bring the market into balance again.
The study includes car-SUV crossover models like the Nissan Murano and RAV4, adding an ominous undertone to the data, since those models are generally better on gas than their pure-SUV cousins, which are more likely to take a sales hit due to rising prices at the pump.
On the other hand, for SUV lovers, it looks like a buyers' market may be in the offing, at least temporarily. Especially for buyers who own oil companies.