Several SUV manufacturers are teaming up with EurotaxGlass’s to help them make modifications to specifications and prices in a bid to get a grip on residual values.

This will offer the manufacturers the opportunity to make modifications ahead of launch.

The ‘CarToMarket’ study is looking at the Audi Q7, Suzuki Grand Vitara and SsangYong Kyron.

“As the SUV sector becomes more competitive, it is becoming increasingly important for carmakers to specify and price their vehicles carefully to ensure they can continue to attract interest from potential buyers and minimise depreciation,” said Martin Verrelli, head of the EurotaxGlass’s market intelligence unit (EGMIU).

Each CarToMarket report provides forecasts of residual values for vehicles entering the new car market. The analysis takes account of factors outside the characteristics of the vehicle itself, such as prevailing levels of market demand, current and anticipated sector competition and the manufacturer’s long-term planning for sales, marketing and distribution. This allows the pattern of residual values for the vehicle to be forecasted reliably at the time of launch.