Why are cars getting bigger and bigger? | by Elvis Hsiao | Nov, 2024


Globalization and the changing landscape of automotive identity and design

Diagram comparing street width remaining for a cyclist when average-width cars and mega SUVs are parked.
source: https://www.transportenvironment.org/articles/cars-are-getting-1-cm-wider-every-two-years-research

Have you noticed that cars are now getting bigger and bigger? When you look back at older vehicles, it’s interesting to see how much smaller they were, often with narrower bodies and smaller wheels. Models from just a few decades ago seem dwarfed by today’s SUVs and crossovers, which dominate the roads with their imposing size and bulk. This shift raises important questions about design, functionality, and societal needs.

Could this be a reflection of changing consumer preferences, safety regulations, or even deeper social dynamics?

The journey of car design began in the late 19th century when Carl Benz introduced his gas-powered vehicle, the Benz Patent Motor Car, in 1886.

A black and white picture of the first automobile ever created.
Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a33323170/benz-patent-motorwagen-drive/

This marked the birth of automobiles as we know them today. Initially, cars were designed with a focus on functionality and reliability, inspired by horse-drawn carriages.

“I will build a motor car for…



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