Research: Dutch SUV driver ashamed of his own car

One in five Dutch drives an SUV

The SUV is advancing in the Netherlands. More than one in six cars on our roads is now such a raised, robust-looking model. Yet not everyone is enthusiastic. Even stronger: half of the Dutch consider this “far-SUV-sering” as a step in the wrong direction. This is evident from a survey by Wegenvignetten.nl among 1,250 Dutch people.

Ten percent

What seems? Only ten percent of the Dutch consider the rise of SUVs a logical or positive development. Almost half, on the contrary, see it as unnecessary or worrisome. Even among SUV owners themselves are doubters. One in eight SUV owners actually thinks it is nonsense for them to drive such a large car. Six percent even call it downright bad for the Netherlands.  

Young people are fans

What is particularly striking is the age gap in the survey. Those in their twenties and thirties, on the contrary, seem to welcome the SUV with open arms. They appreciate its comfort, high seating and sense of safety. But the slightly older Dutchman is more critical. Older people mainly see the growing popularity of the SUV as a problem: too bulky, too heavy and too inefficient.

New tax rules: the SUV as a tax break?

The chances of seeing fewer SUVs on the road in the future seem slim. Minister Hermans is considering basing road tax on the surface area of the car rather than weight. That might turn out to be favorable for SUV drivers.

Although SUVs are heavy, they are often not much larger or even smaller in area than a typical station wagon. In the new tax plan, then, an SUV may well be cheaper than a longer – but lighter – sedan or station wagon.

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