Talking Headways: A Streetsblog Podcast Episode 593: Carspreading
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Sep 10, 2026 Sofia Navas, a Transport & Environment data analyst, and James Nix, its car size program lead, explore why vehicles keep growing. They discuss the SUV arms race, the disappearance of small cars, Europe’s regulatory blind spots, and how oversized vehicles consume parking and public space. They also examine pedestrian safety, taller bonnets, and whether small electric cars could reshape urban mobility.
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Advertising Turned SUVs Into Lifestyle Necessities
- Manufacturers and advertising helped turn larger SUVs into aspirational products rather than responses to genuine transportation needs.
- T&E estimates roughly €2,300–€2,400 in advertising accompanied each SUV sold in France.
Small Cars Are Disappearing From Showrooms
- Automakers are abandoning small cars and sedans while even traditionally small segments grow larger.
- BMW and Mercedes no longer offer models under Europe’s compact-car definition, while segment A and B vehicles have expanded.
Luxury Elbow Room Is Not Safety
- Post-2012 width increases largely reflect luxury and comfort, not safety requirements.
- The Fiat 500 meets safety standards at roughly 1.65–1.7 meters wide, disproving the need for two-meter cars.