Why SUV sales are hot in China?

When North America, the world's largest SUV market, suffers a sharp drop amid the global financial crisis, China has become the "paradise" of global SUV makers.

The high oil price and preferential policies for low-emission cars never hinder Chinese consumers to pursue gas-guzzling SUV models. In Jan.-Feb, SUV sales increased by 5%, only inferior to sales of minibus, minitruck and light truck.

In 2009, more than ten SUV models will be launched to the Chinese auto market. The Volvo XC60, Lexus RX350, and Acura RDX will come to the luxury SUV segment. FAW Toyota, Shanghai VW, Hainan Mazda, GAC Toyota will also roll out their SUV models this year.

According to Sinotrust, a marketing research & consulting service company, Chinese consumers' increasing individual demands drive SUV sales hot, with 58.3% consumers believing so. Also 22.7% consumers think SUVs are much safer than other vehicle models.

One important factor is that a large number of rich people come into being and they are crazy about the wealth-symbolized SUV cars, a state official said.