JumboRider

Just Kidding!

Dchiefransom

How do the Europeans that can afford an SUV, or large Merceds, get around**********????

slvoid

Because unlike most americans, europeans aren't insecure and ignorant.

Eggplant Jeff

That has nothing to do with it. The fact is that unlike americans, europeans pay rediculous amounts for gas and can't afford 10 mpg... plus their streets are narrower, parking and driving would be a PITA.

Powerful Pete

Exactly. We, unfortunately, have our fair share of ignorant and insecure and fad conscious people. They buy SUVs. But it is laughable seeing them desperately trying to fit them through some of the small town roads (think middle ages villages with cobbled roads and irregular walls.

As we say in Italian, 'the mother of idiots is always pregnant' (dont know if it translates, but you get the gist).

JumboRider

translates well! Going to steal that saying if you don't mind.

Cyclist0383

There are plenty of SUVs in Europe. Insecurity, the need to drive like a monkey, and showing your wealth so all can see just how *successful* you are is not only an American thing.

atbman

Sadly, there are an increasing number on our streets. I've even seen the odd Hummer, which looks even sillier here than in CA.

We too have our increasing childhood and adult obesity, adult-type onset diabetes in children and an increasingly unfit population. I had a 14-yr old on a cycling activity session I was running for his school (specialising in sports!) asking to go to the school nurse because his legs were hurting. He'd never experienced lactic acid before.

That said, most SUVs tend to be somewhat smaller than their US counterparts, but they're steadily growing in size.

Is it true, by the way, that a well-known Italian bike shorts manufacturer is about to sell them in the US under a new brand name Ass O/S?

womble

"Why Doesn't Europe SUV Commute More Often?"

Because they don't fool themselves that they need them. They know how to drive properly in winter conditions.

And high petrol prices.

Powerful Pete

FYI, we are now paying about 1.30 euro per liter of gasoline. I guess that translates to something around 6-7 USD per gallon. Watch people start buying small cars when you are beginning to spend 20-30 bucks to get the SUV to the mall...

MrCjolsen

Volvo makes an SUV -- the XC90. When we picked up our S40 in Sweden, the only XC90's we ever saw had red tourist plates on them -- Other Americans picking up their cars on the overseas delivery program.