As couples plan their second child, SUVs are popular across China

In a fast-changing market like China where many popular commodities prove to be fleeting fads, sport utility vehicles or SUVs have been an exception. It seems Chinese people’s fascination with them will continue for a while.

In the past four years, SUV sales grew an average 30-plus percent year-on-year, far exceeding the overall growth rate of China’s automotive market.

Although auto sales are slowing this year as the authorities cut tax incentive for car buyers starting in January, more than 3 million SUVs were sold in the first four months of this year, according to statistics from the China Passenger Car Association.

Only the SUV segment saw positive growth in the period, up 19 percent year-onyear, while all others — sedans, MPVs and minivans — fell sharply, ranging from 1.8 percent to 24 percent.

“Chinese people have a strong affinity for SUVs, and the enthusiasm will continue for some time,” said Cui Dongshu, secretarygeneral of the association.

Among those who will continue to fuel the segment’s growth is Wang Chen, a securities broker in Tianjin.

“Not a sedan this time,” said Wang, who has decided to trade his 7-year-old Emgrand sedan for a Zoyte SUV.

“SUVs are tall and roomy, which means you can sit comfortably, especially if you drive a lot; and more importantly, they offer you a better vision,” said the 34-year-old.

Jumping a red signal

Wang recalled that he jumped a red signal when he drove behind a minivan, whose height prevented him seeing what was in front of him.

“Fortunately, I didn’t have any accident and wasn’t caught by the police either,” said Wang.

First-time car buyers are joining, too. Cui Lina, who runs a translation firm in Beijing, chose a 2016 Ford Kuga last year when she won a license plate through the capital city’s lottery system.

It was a “natural choice” for her. “Wouldn’t you consider an SUV if you were me?” said Cui, who often drives her family to the capital city’s suburban destinations on weekends.

“You aren’t worried that even some road sections are poorly paved because an SUV can handle such conditions. Besides, there is more legroom so you are less tired than in sedans if you travel long distances.”

During holidays last year, Cui and her husband drove some 1,300 km from Beijing to her parents’ home in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilong jiang province, and more than 1,200 km from Beijing to her parentsin-law’s home in Huanggang, Central China’s Hubei province.

“And I’m told big cars are safer if there are accidents, aren’t they?” said Cui.

Although there isn’t solid evidence that