[Red]

Literally, there is no segment...

There's no official standard for what qualifies as a compact or subcompact SUV. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for defining car segments, but has yet to do that for SUVs or crossovers as the car-based utilities are often called. The new models are generally six to 20 inches smaller than vehicles like today's CR-V, Equinox and RAV4.

Kind of funny...

 

[TrueNorth]

It doesn't surprise me. Regulators always are a step or two behind the industry. Does it really matter though? What kind of effect will it have on the cars if the segment becomes better defined?

 

[John]

I think even car makers have trouble officially putting specific vehicles into a class, instead i notice they say what it can do for the consumer and don't imply it's a specific type, unless they have it well defined.

 

[Ganbare]

I think the European segments are better defined, so I personally consider any CUV/SUV that shares a platform with a B-segment car as a subcompact SUV, any C-segment as compact etc.

 

[TrueNorth]

Segments don't really matter though. People are going to buy the car they want the most no matter which segment it is in. As long as they like it, who cares if it is this or that.

 

[Bicepeak]

Segments don't really matter though. People are going to buy the car they want the most no matter which segment it is in. As long as they like it, who cares if it is this or that.

Very true. Besides Honda itself said it was "segment busting".

 

[TrueNorth]

I think that often times vehicle manufacturers do best when they defy segments. Those vehicles are the ones that seem to really grab attention.

 

[Red]

Segments don't really matter though. People are going to buy the car they want the most no matter which segment it is in. As long as they like it, who cares if it is this or that.

how do segments not matter? Segments signal to automakers just who they are building the vehicle for. There is demographic data attached to each segment which allows them to tailor the vehicles they build to the unique demands of X segment. Without them, we would be perpetually unsatisfied with what they offer us.

How do you think they know A segment shoppers value fuel efficiency while that's practically irrelevant to E segment shoppers? What if they offered frugality to E segment shoppers and disregarded it for A segment shoppers? We would be unhappy as consumers and they would be broke as manufacturers...

 

[John]

i think he might have been trying to get at vehicles that sort of sit between segments which could potentially be part of a whole new segment that other car makers get into.

but still, at the end of the day they need to know who they're targeting and for that clearly knowing what segment they're creating a vehicle for helps, they have to be speaking to the needs of some group of consumers.

 

[Emerson7]

For years I waited for something smaller than a CRV or Rav4 to come out. Now that segment exists. Some dare call it CUV. The HRV is a CUV. Now on to bigger issues like mud flaps and Bluetooth connectivity.

 

[TrueNorth]

Many segments are clearly defined, I was just saying that many new vehicles sit between segments or seem to be creating entirely new segments. While these are targeted towards someone, its sometimes hard to classify them as strictly this or that.

While auto makers may make cars targeting a specific person and thereby falling into a certain segment, people are just looking for a car that they like. They don't go out shopping for a A segment vehicle, they go out looking for a vehicle that fits their needs regardless of what segment its in.

 

[Bicepeak]

Many segments are clearly defined, I was just saying that many new vehicles sit between segments or seem to be creating entirely new segments. While these are targeted towards someone, its sometimes hard to classify them as strictly this or that.

While auto makers may make cars targeting a specific person and thereby falling into a certain segment, people are just looking for a car that they like. They don't go out shopping for a A segment vehicle, they go out looking for a vehicle that fits their needs regardless of what segment its in.

I agree . Honda says the HR-V is a "segment buster" for a reason. It can't be neatly classified for one group of buyers.

 

[Red]

I agree . Honda says the HR-V is a "segment buster" for a reason. It can't be neatly classified for one group of buyers.

Thats demographics you're talking though, which I agree, purchasing demo will not be neat. When Honda says segment buster what they're saying is demographics, like you said, not that its some renegade of vehicle classification..

 

[TrueNorth]

Thats demographics you're talking though, which I agree, purchasing demo will not be neat. When Honda says segment buster what they're saying is demographics, like you said, not that its some renegade of vehicle classification..

I'm not sure that Honda is referring to demographics. I think it is saying that it doesn't fit nicely into a segment that already exists. I think that Honda probably does have some kind of idea of the demographics of people that will buy the HR-V. Seems strange to build a vehicle when you don't know who is going to buy it.

 

[Bicepeak]

Thats demographics you're talking though, which I agree, purchasing demo will not be neat. When Honda says segment buster what they're saying is demographics, like you said, not that its some renegade of vehicle classification..

Exactly.......and when a car can appeal to a lot of different needs,it can make even more sales.

 

[vtec]

That's the good thing about some of the new vehicles these days, they're a bit more versatile and seem to speak to more needs.

 

[TrueNorth]

That's the good thing about some of the new vehicles these days, they're a bit more versatile and seem to speak to more needs.

I agree with this to a certain degree. I just think the danger is that by trying to make a car that does everything, you end up making a car that does nothing particularly well. Not saying this is always the case, but I think this is the potential trap that automakers can fall into.