The crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a car type vehicle, but combines a number of features of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with the options of a passenger vehicle similar to a station wagon or hatchback car. The degree of combination can differ widely and depends upon the specific vehicle in question. Generally, the basic unibody platform of a typical passenger vehicle is used as the basis for including sports utility vehicle features such as high interiors, high seating and four-wheel drive. These are merged with typical passenger car options like superior handling, better fuel economy and independent rear suspension. The crossover utility vehicle might also use options from station wagons and hatchbacks such as a shared cargo/passenger space, versatile seating that permits for bigger cargo area and a lift gate in the back. The off-road capability is restricted only to moderately tough landscape, unlike the additional impressive capabilities of SUVs.
The term crossover utility vehicle doesn`t have a proper meaning and was originally a marketing term used to describe a specific market segment. Among the chief reasons why Chrysler acquired American Motors Corp. during the late 1980s was due to the popular Jeep brand and vehicles produced by the latter. This allowed Chrysler to acquire a dominant spot on the rapidly rising segment that was between cars and trucks. Actually, research indicated that a lot of customers could not differentiate between a crossover utility vehicle and a sports utility vehicle and the Wall Street Journal described these vehicles as looking similar to SUVs while driving like automobiles.
Crossover utility vehicles are not exactly new and the very first of their type was the convertible roadster called the Willys-Overland Jeepster. The current range of vehicles available spans a variety of different types of vehicles. In several cases, it seems that manufacturers have marketed vehicles as CUVs instead of utilizing the sedate station wagon description. Definitely, many of the sports utility vehicles in the beginning of this century had a clear resemblance to traditional station wagons or SUVs. A number of producers, such as Honda and BMW, took the other approach and emphasized the sportiness of these vehicles.
By the year 2006, crossover utility vehicles became prominent when they achieved more than half of the sales in the total sports utility vehicle segment. Domestic American producers were initially sluggish in recognizing the trend and continued to give emphasis to SUVs based on trucks. Foreign manufacturers were fast to spot the opportunity and launch crossover utility vehicles to focus on station wagons that had turned unpopular. Nevertheless, realizing the appeal of these vehicles to the baby boomer generation, American producers have quickly caught up.
In need of honda car covers or more info about auto accessories? Whether you are looking for car cover, universal-fit auto covers or some other type of product, our well-informed staff can support you in choosing the correct accessories at the correct prices.

