Automotive News asked executives at the show: Do you think there will be a consumer backlash against full-sized sport-utilities?
'No. The demand for these vehicles is tremendous. And gas prices are low.'
Jack Smith, chairman, GM
'I don't see it coming. There will always be a balance. There will always be people looking for full-sized (vehicles) and people wanting the smaller, more responsible vehicles. It's not going to be one or the other. I think it will be a blend of all of them. If you want to drive around in an econobox, you can. If you want to drive around in a Mack truck, you can. That's what makes this country great.'
Dave Mungenast, chairman, American International Auto Dealers Association
'Yes, I do. I've watched people in parking lots just cuss out, either to themselves or directly, SUV drivers. I don't think we're at a stage where they can continue to get larger. My feeling is we've gone past the point of rational manufacturing - and, beyond the point of responsible manufacturing.'
Jerry Hirshberg, president, Nissan Design International
'We build the full-sized SUVs because the customers are demanding them. But with that manufacturing, we have to be responsible. We have to make sure the vehicles are safe, reliable and durable. So, no, we build what the consuming public wants.'
Roy Roberts, vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, GM
'I don't think so. Quite frankly, we've looked at things like that. The Durango draws equally from large and small SUV customers. That, to me, is an optimal position for an SUV maker. There are a lot of different SUVs out there, between Wrangler, RAV4 and the Suburban. How could all of that go dead overnight?'
James Julow, vice president, Dodge
