By Pawant Singh, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : The appeal of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) or 4 wheel
drive cars has gone into high gear.
Sales of such cars have seen remarkable growth over the past five
years, chalking up 6% of total cars sales up from a mere 1% in
1999, says an industry expert.
Getting your car all muddy and dirty - that's not an idea most car
owners here want to entertain.
But for some enthusiasts, it's their passion to test the capability
of the mean and rugged machines that drives them to extremes.
And whether one buys it for the look or the performance, one thing
is for sure, sales have been revving up.
"In 1999 and 2001, 1.4% of all passenger vehicles are SUVs. But in
2002 and 2003, it jumped to 2% and 2.8% respectively," said Kevin
De Souza, sales and marketing manager at Regent Motors.
"Last year alone it went up to 4.5%. And this year up to September,
you are looking at about 6% of the total passenger car market," he
said.
There are various models in the market, like the Land Rovers and
Jeeps which are used for off road driving, and the less hardy
models which still offer all-wheel drive capability and the desired
look.
Their appeal has driven some to make the switch from saloons.
Said Timothy Lai, owner of a 4 wheel drive: "You sit really high
up, so you get a better view of the traffic and where you are
going. It's also very comfortable compared to the car I used to
drive"
"We go off road every week. It gets the family out of the city and
into the jungle. The kids have a great time," said Ray Hyland, also
a 4 wheel drive owner.
Driving in a jungle may not be familiar territory for most
Singaporeans, but local owners of such vehicles can turn to
operators like Richard Lee who offers training and organises
weekend trips to Malaysia.
"It is an opportunity for them to participate and have fun. If they
are game enough, they can choose to go for an adventure trip. Or
they can pick a family trip which is mild travelling," said Richard
Lee, who organises 4 wheel drive adventures.
And the makers of 4 wheel drive vehicles are also hoping to muscle
in on the Multi Purpose Vehicle market, by making 7-seater vehicles
to appeal to the family market.
- CNA /ls