European sales of premium SUVs are expected to surge this year and next after a disappointing 2013.The segment grew 15 percent in 2012 because of strong European demand for models such as the Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque but sales last year were down 5 percent to 584,651.
The momentum is expected to be back this year helped by the ongoing proliferation of vehicle lineups from the key players - creating sub-niches or expanding into those niches.
This segment in Europe is expected to top the 1-million mark by 2020.
The Audi Q3 (pictured above) is forecast to remain the segment's top seller in 2015. The Mercedes GLA (pictured below) is forecast to rise to No. 2 in this segment in its first full year of availability. (It was launched here last February).
Europe's top-selling premium SUVs in 2013 were: 1. Audi Q3, 2. BMW X1, 3. BMW X3, 4. Audi Q5, 5. Land Rover Evoque, 6. Volvo XC60, 7. Mercedes GLK, 8. Mercedes ML, 9. BMW X5, 10. Porsche Cayenne.
