Car Market Segments

What are car market segments?

The car market is divided into segments in order for different models of the same type and size to be compared, not only by consumers, but also by regulatory authorities such as those responsible for safety. In Europe, for example, the smallest cars are known as city cars or A-segment cars: examples include the Fiat 500 or Ford Ka.

Next up in size are superminis (B-segment cars), such as the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. These go up to E-segment cars, which are large luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In addition, there are segments such as SUVs, sports cars, convertibles, supercars, etc.

Related Jargon