The C-segment SUV is critical in Europe, but cost pressures preclude EVs from competing with ICE
The rise of the C-segment SUV has been remarkable. The C-segment is right in the middle: bigger than A (city car) and B (supermini) but not as voluminous as E or F.
This has always been the heart of the market, with cars like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf catering for family buyers for years. But then came the family friendly SUV, pioneered by the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, and now it's far and away the biggest segment.
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European automakers struggle to make affordable electric family SUVs that can compete with gas versions.
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This gap threatens market share in Europe's largest and most profitable vehicle segment.
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C-segment SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai now outsell traditional family cars like the VW Golf.