Ford was first, announcing in early 2019 its plans to move away from traditional four-door sedans to focus almost exclusively on sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks. Chrysler and General Motors have fallen in line with the trend. According to Jesse Yahnke from Jorns Chevrolet of Kewaunee, consumers were the driving force behind the transition.

Complicating things could be the firming of gas prices. Filling up at the pump is running 30 cents per gallon, or about 15 percent, above the cost at this time last year. According to energy firm Baker Hughes, the number of oil rigs in North America have dropped from 1,153 to just 904 in the past 12 months. Declining supply should support gas prices going forward.