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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Tory Shepherd

‘You have unmet needs’: the psychology behind Australia’s love affair with big cars

SUV driving over smaller cars illustration
Studies show there are deep processes driving people towards big cars despite the climate and cost-of-living crises. Illustration: Ben Sanders

A “rugged, woodsy dude” is slaying dragons, fighting bears, wielding a chainsaw and jumping a volcano in the latest Ram commercial, released for the Super Bowl last month.

At about six metres long and more than two metres wide, Rams are one of a range of supersized machines coming to dominate Australian roads. The marketing of these cars tends towards macho, with images of powerful vehicles conquering rugged terrain and towing enormous loads.

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