This is because compact through large SUVs in Europe are very reliant on diesel for their power, but sales of diesel engines are dropping ahead of more bans on the technology in cities.
Tougher CO2 emissions standards will come into effect over the next three years, and in order to meet them, carmakers will need to invest strongly in hybrid technology.
This is why Volvo recently announced it would be incorporating hybrid components in all its powertrains from 2019.
Jaguar is taking the all-electric route with its new I-Pace, due for launch later this year. And Audi will have a battery-powered e-tron SUV next year.
According to figures compiled by JATO Dynamics, SUVs accounted for 26pc of all passenger car sales in 2016. By 2020 that penetration is expected to reach 36pc according to a forecast from LMC Automotive.
SUVs in the small car segment, like the Citroen C3 Aircross (above) coming to Ireland in November don’t have the same emissions issues, as they are powered generally by small petrol engines.
