Cars in the UK and Europe are consistently becoming larger, wider, and heavier, a trend dubbed "carspreading," which is popular with consumers who value their practicality, safety, and style. However, this trend is drawing criticism from urban authorities who are implementing measures to curb the size of vehicles. Paris, for instance, trebled on-street parking charges for heavy vehicles in October 2024, citing pollution and the need to tackle air quality. This policy reportedly led to a two-thirds reduction in very heavy cars parking in the city center. Other cities, like Cardiff, are following suit by increasing parking permit costs for heavier cars, arguing they produce more emissions, cause road wear, and pose a greater risk in collisions.
This increase in vehicle size is evident in sales data and design trends. Since 2018, the average width of new car models on sale in the UK has increased, and the average weight has also risen significantly. Between 2001 and 2020, the average width of cars in European markets grew by nearly 10cm, and length by over 19cm. The popularity of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) is a major contributor to this trend, with their market share in 27 European countries soaring from 13.2% in 2011 to 59% by 2025. Consumers are drawn to SUVs for their higher driving position, better visibility, and perceived safety, as well as the ease of loading children and luggage.
Car manufacturers are benefiting from this trend, as larger vehicles, particularly SUVs, often yield higher profit margins due to manufacturing economics. Many SUVs share basic structures with conventional cars, allowing them to command premium prices without substantial increases in production costs. While some argue that larger cars have become safer for occupants due to improved structural crash protection and more airbags, critics point out that they pose a greater risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of smaller vehicles. Research suggests that an increase in car bonnet height can significantly raise the risk of fatalities for vulnerable road users.
The environmental impact is also a concern, with heavier and less efficient vehicles like SUVs emitting more greenhouse gases. Although the shift to electric vehicles is expected to mitigate emissions, larger electric cars can still be more polluting than smaller ones, and their weight can exacerbate certain problems. Some industry figures highlight that a significant portion of SUVs are now zero-emission and that overall CO2 emissions from new SUVs have decreased since 2000.
In response to these issues, some countries are exploring policy interventions. France imposes registration taxes on cars exceeding certain weight thresholds, which can significantly increase the cost of purchasing a new vehicle. Advocates in the UK are calling for similar measures, arguing that the UK is currently a "tax haven" for large vehicles. While there is potential for tax regimes to encourage the purchase of smaller vehicles, ensuring a sufficient supply of affordable small cars, especially in an electric future, remains a challenge. Despite these challenges, the automotive industry anticipates a cyclical return to smaller cars as manufacturers find profitable ways to produce them in an electric world.