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Research firm: men buy trucks, women don't
www.chinaview.cn 2007-11-12 16:51:08  

   BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Men own about nine of 10 heavy-duty pickups trucks on the road, according to findings by AutoPacific market research firm, while female buyers prefer models by Saturn, Honda and Volkswagen.

   The market's male-friendly cars include the Ford F-350 and the Dodge Ram, of which men own 93 percent and 89 percent, respectively. Chrysler spokesperson Dan Bodene says it is a combination of marketing and design that has created such disproportionate numbers.

   But it's an equal-opportunity marketplace, and carmakers try to design vehicles — even heavy-duty pickups — that won't discourage any potential buyers. Tailgates must be light enough for all types of people to lift, and seat belts must be comfortable for male and female body types.

   While AutoPacific's data shows brands such as Hummer, Dodge, Porsche and GMC are most popular among men, models produced by Saturn, Honda, Volkswagen and Hyundai are the biggest hits with female drivers.

   An estimated 65 percent of Volkswagen Beetle Convertible buyers are female. The New Beetle, with a 5-cylinder engine, is nearing a decade of production; the soft-top model came on the market in 2003.

   VW spokesperson Keith Price acknowledges the New Beetle is purchased and driven more by females, but says it was not a result of designers trying to make a women's car.



Thats a bunch of crap. I've owed trucks and so has my mom. I know lots of women that own trucks.  

Around here I see a lot of men switching over to SUV's.  Mostley Suburbans and Explorers.  Where as a lot of the trucks, both small and full size are driven by women.

Not sure what trend or marketing has to do with this proportion, all it tells me is that women are falling in love with vehicles that are easier to get into and out of because of added height, can be a daily driver and a hard worker at the same time, and make the driver feel indestructable.

**Ahh, I do miss my fullsize from time to time.**

As to why all the guys are getting SUV's?  I got mine because it can seat 4 people and still haul a trailer.  Try that with a compact pickup and your talking lousy fuel economy even from the little trucks. ***Not to mention a huge price.  Why are Crew Cab Small trucks costing as much or even MORE then a extended cab full size?***  Maybe were just tired of having to buy a camper shell which basically turns our trucks into SUV's?

Peace.  

Is that true?  I see a lot of women driving trucks, and I would love to own one too.  I think it adds more appeal.  Women can also handle big trucks and we also love to accesorize them with bumpers, grills, etc.