Renault played a pivotal role in establishing the MPV segment in Europe. In the United States, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager pioneered the segment in the 1980s with their practical designs and family-focused features, though they were commonly referred to as minivans.
The Resurgence of the MPV
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for years, the MPV segment thrived with popular models like the renault Espace, Opel Zafira, Volkswagen Touran, Citroën Picasso, and Toyota Verso. Though, the overwhelming popularity of SUVs and crossovers ultimately led to the decline of the MPV, with many consumers perceiving SUVs as more fashionable.
despite this trend, there is optimism for the MPV’s future. According to Renault designer Vidal, electrification could pave the way for a revival of the MPV.Electric vehicles prioritize efficiency, and SUVs, due to their design, are generally less efficient.
Challenging the SUV Dominance
This shift towards efficiency is generating some pushback, particularly in Europe, as noted by the Renault designer. “While MPVs have similar weight and emissions, people are less critical of them because they are seen as respectable family cars. This is an captivating social dynamic.”
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Furthermore, the increasing demand for aerodynamic efficiency is likely to influence SUV designs, making them more akin to MPVs. This trend is already observable, as a notable example, in the Lucid Gravity.Even though the American EV manufacturer describes the vehicle as a large SUV, closer inspection reveals distinct MPV characteristics, such as a short front end and an extended roofline.
