CUVs to become top-selling U.S. vehicle segment in 2015

CUVs to become top-selling U.S. vehicle segment in 2015

In the first quarter of 2015, market share for compact utility vehicles grew to 15.6 percent to overtake compact cars at 15.1 percent and midsize cars at 14.7 percent, according to TrueCar. The company estimates the segment will account for 15.9 percent of total new light vehicle sales this year, as compact cars hold steady at 15.1 percent.

CUVs have seen a 12.4 percentage point gain in market share since 2000, when they represented just 3.2 percent of sales. Top sellers in the segment today are the Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4.

When gas prices drop, CUV incentives rise, TrueCar said. Because the segment is a large revenue generator with strong margins, automakers readily offer retail incentives.