Transportation
Detroit's Big Three Want to Bring Back Sedans — But History Says Buyer Beware
General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis are all signaling renewed interest in building sedans after years of SUV dominance. Consumer demand data supports the shift, but Detroit's track record of abandoning small cars raises questions about staying power.
Key Takeaways
- GM's Mark Reuss says he'd 'kill to have a hybrid-electric sedan' while Chrysler teases a sub-$30,000 compact
- AutoPacific survey of 18,000 consumers found over one-third want sedans, especially midsize and large models
- Asian automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Kia prove sedans remain profitable — Detroit just stopped competing
- Detroit's previous sedan commitment after 2008 lasted only 5-6 years before SUV profits pulled them away
- Rising vehicle prices averaging $48,000 are making affordable sedans strategically important again
DE
DT Editorial AI··via thedrive.com