Popularity of SUVs raises bar in emissions targets

Geneva

CARMAKERS including Volkswagen's premium brand Audi, luxury group Maserati and budget brand SEAT have flaunted their latest sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers at this year's Geneva Motor Show in a bid to win more buyers in Europe's fastest-growing segment.

But while low petrol prices are helping push up demand for larger and more powerful cars, they leave carmakers scrambling for ways to make the vehicles more efficient - to meet regulations without destroying margins in the profitable segment.