Although the demand for SUVs has been slowing down in recent years, this type of vehicle remains the most sought after in Europe. According to sales data, 6.92 million SUVs were sold in Europe in 2024, which is four percent more than in 2023.
Compact SUVs (C-SUV segment) were the most popular type in the category, and the top seller was the Kia Sportage. This segment accounted for 42 percent of total SUV sales last year, followed by smaller models (B-SUVs), with a 36 percent market share. The biggest demand was for the VW T-Roc. However, the greatest growth was achieved by luxury SUVs, whose sales increased by 13 percent (56,300 units).
SUVs were significant for a number of carmakers last year, including Jaguar Land Rover, Geely, Honda and SAIC Motor, while the segment accounted for less than half of total sales at Stellantis, Renault Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi.
If we look at individual manufacturers, the highest demand was for SUVs from the VW Group. They accounted for almost 1/4 of the total number of new SUVs sold in Europe last year, and the T-Roc and Tiguan are among the ten best-selling models in the category. Stellantis was the second best-seller with almost 800,000 units (-7% compared to 2023), while Hyundai and Kia finished third with more than 705,000 units sold (-1%).
2024 is coming to an end, and Stellantis has already announced the arrival of new cars from its brands in the coming year. One of them is the next-generation Dodge Charger, which will be offered in four variants, including two-door and four-door body styles, and will be available with internal combustion engines and all-electric.
The first Charger in the US will be an electric two-door version, the Charger Daytona, which will be available in two configurations. The base model is powered by two electric motors with a total power of 462 hp (344 kW) and 403 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque, and is equipped with a 100.5 kWh battery. Customers can also choose a more powerful version, the Daytona Scat Pack, which is also powered by two electric motors with a total power of 639 hp (476 kW) and 626 lb-ft (849 Nm). It reaches 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 3.3 seconds.
The Dodge Charger with combustion engine is available in coupe and sedan body styles. Both variants are powered by a 3.0-L Hurricane 6-cylinder engine with 426 hp (317 kW) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque or 558 hp (416 kW) and 550 lb-ft (746 Nm) of torque if you want more power. All versions will be equipped with a new 880RE eight-speed automatic transmission based on the fourth generation ZF transmission.
The company announced that the new Charger will also come to the Middle East and European markets in mid-2025.
The arrival of winter and snow create problems for electric cars faster than for those with a combustion engine. Stellantis decided to solve the problem of accumulated snow under the fenders with heaters that are currently in development.
Snow accumulation under a vehicle can significantly impact its safety. The undercarriage, including parts like the suspension, exhaust system, and drivetrain, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of snow and ice buildup. If it is not removed, it can harden into ice, which may get trapped in critical components. For example, ice can freeze the suspension system, making it stiffer and less responsive. This could result in a rougher ride and reduced control over the vehicle, particularly when driving over uneven terrain or on slippery roads.
Furthermore, if snow or ice gets caught around the brakes, it can affect their performance. A build-up of snow in the brake components could block the movement of the brake pads or even freeze brake lines, compromising the vehicle’s ability to stop effectively. This is particularly dangerous in winter driving conditions, where braking is already more difficult due to slippery roads.
To help drivers, Stellantis has come up with an innovative solution. According to information published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the company is currently working on electrically heated wheel arches, powered by the vehicle’s battery. The heaters would be installed between the vehicle body and the wheel arch liner, which would now protect not only the body surface, but also the heating element itself and its wiring. Stellantis said the heating element would pass through the edge of the fender and melt the ice and snow on its inner surface, or the inner fender. The company’s engineers are also experimenting with a conductive foil that could be placed directly on the inner fender itself.
The data shows that Stellantis intends to use these heaters only in all-electric and hybrid cars, because electric vehicles do not emit enough heat as combustion engines to prevent snow accumulation.
One of the most common issues caused by snow accumulation under vehicles is the increased risk of rust and corrosion. Snow that accumulates under a car often contains moisture, which, when trapped, can lead to the formation of ice. This moisture can easily seep into cracks, crevices, and joints in the undercarriage. Over time, it leads to the development of rust, particularly on metal components that are exposed to the elements, such as the frame, exhaust system, and suspension parts.
Rust not only weakens the vehicle’s structure but can also affect its performance and safety. For instance, rust on the exhaust system can cause leaks, leading to dangerous fumes entering the cabin. If left untreated, rust can compromise vital structural components of the vehicle, resulting in costly repairs.
