Crossovers are everywhere, but it hasn’t ended the traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Crossovers are a trend in the world, but it hasn’t ended for traditional body-on-frame SUVs
Although their popularity is declining, Toyota believes body-on-frame SUVs still have a place in the market because they appeal to a discerning set of customers. Toyota’s chief engineer of global trucks and SUVs stated that “some people want to drive off-road,” others want to tow with their families, and some just want to commute. Motoharu Araya continued, “Towing and durability can be very difficult with monocoque vehicles.”
Despite optimism about body-on frame SUVs, sales of Toyota’s FJ Cruiser and 4Runner has declined. In 2012, Toyota sold only 78,457 units in the United States. The FJ Cruiser is in danger of being discontinued. Bill Fay, Toyota’s general manager, confirmed this possibility in Automotive News. However, he suggested that the company would continue to make the FJ Cruiser available as long as there is enough demand.