Another example of the Americanization of the world: SUVs gaining steam in UK

Despite London Mayor Ken Livingston's recent vitriolic remarks berating those who drive SUVs in the city, it is being reported that 11.9% of UK vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2004 went to off-road trucks. Especially not surprising (at least to me) is that the greatest increase has taken place in London, and not in rural parts of the UK where a 4x4 may be needed to traverse a harsh landscape. The apparent reason behind SUVs' popularity: people think they look cool driving them.