WASHINGTON - "People bought more sport utility vehicles, minivans and other light trucks than cars in all but four states last year, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said Friday, and analysts predict those states will switch over soon.
Cars barely edged out light trucks in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, according to the Washington-based group, which represents 10 automakers. In every other state, light trucks were king, accounting for 54 percent of car sales nationally.
"What you're really seeing is that people are purchasing vehicles that meet their needs, and light trucks, they're finding, are versatile, comfortable and they're safe," spokesman Charles Territo said. Territo said 2000 was the first year in which U.S. consumers bought more light trucks than cars. He predicts that in the next two years, customers in every state will buy more light trucks than cars.
Mike Wall, an analyst with the automotive forecasting firm of CSM Worldwide, said some of that success comes from crossover vehicles, which are often classified as light trucks and have more cargo room but also have better fuel economy and ride more like a car."
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