2008 Nissan Rogue: CUV Market Growing

nissan rogue

The Nissan Rogue is set to hit showrooms this Fall in hopes of complimenting their Murano sales in the crossover sport utility market. The Murano paved the way for Nissan in this segment, and despite a downtick in overall sales in Canada the Murano continues to resonate and sell well.

The Rogue is similar in size to the Murano, 5-inches shorter to be exact. It brings less power to the table than the Murano, but has more aggressive exterior styling. The Murano feels and drives like a lux sedan, while the Rogue is clearly being nurtured as a sporty compact SUV.

Nissan's VP Bill Bosley explains the philosophy and strategy behind the Rogue's creation.

"With Rogue, we've targeted drivers in their early 30s, whose responsibilities and functional needs have changed but who don't want to leave behind the person they've always been – someone who enjoys driving, who values style and design, and who wants to retain his or her individuality..."

"As Nissan's first entry into the crowded small crossover SUV field, Rogue needs to stand out, to be an over-achiever ... This philosophy not only applies to Rogue's styling and performance, but also to its utility features, attention to quality and detail, and, of course, value. Rogue is the complete package. Though people buy small crossover SUVs for their utility, the designers of Rogue sought to create a vehicle that makes you first consider its power, style and sophistication, with its functionality a little more stealthy – like a high-end designer brief case or bag ... All the necessary compartments and storage spaces are there, they just don't scream 'utility' at you."

It is a crowded market segment indeed, with the Toyota RAV-4, Ford Edge, Chevy Equinox, PT Cruiser etc. all taking up space and more entrants on the way as SUV sales continue to slide and CUV (crossover utility vehicles) pick up the slack. Volkswagen is also getting ready to do battle in the CUV space with the expected launch of the VW Tiguan.

nissan rogue

I'm not convinced Nissan has done enough to distinguish the Rogue from the Murano, despite the size differential. One thing we do know is that the CUV market segment is undoubtedly on the rise.

via CNW
via truck trend

( Add your comments )

Recent Entries:
· 2011 Ford Explorer
· Honda Announces Mileage Marathon Winner
· Cadillac Converj is GM's next electric car

[ READER COMMENTS ]

1

Susan Simpson said:

How could they? HOW COULD THEY? Some of us dearly love our X-Trails and the line's demise is unforgiveable! And to replace it with an overgrown Gremlin is worse. If I wanted a Matrix, I would have bought one two years ago instead of the X-Trail. I am so very disappointed in Nissan. I had hoped to purchase another X-Trail in a few years, but I guess I'll be forced to the CRV or the Tribute. Sad. So sad.

Posted at 06:35 PM, on October 9 2007

2008 Nissan Rogue: CUV Market Growing

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.