Popularity of SUVs shows no signs of abating

Los Angeles

FOR more and more consumers, the decision to buy a new car quickly becomes a choice to buy some kind of sport utility vehicle (SUV). As this year's Los Angeles Auto Show demonstrates, carmakers are rushing to feed that demand, especially given signs that industrywide US sales are peaking.

Alfa Romeo revealed its first SUV, the sleek Stelvio, while Jaguar introduced an electric I-Pace concept. Mini pumped up its Countryman crossover, while Ford is bringing its EcoSport to the US. Mazda has a new CX-5, and Volkswagen showed the seven-seat Atlas conceived to woo American shoppers.