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And what the dealers say is coming is unfolding now online -- small vehicles are gaining favor with online shoppers while large foreign and domestic trucks and SUVs are being pummeled. The Ford F-150, America's favorite truck both on and offline, dropped to third in the overall standings, and dropped a 12 percent drop between the first and second quarter of 2004. Compared to SUVs, the F-150 did well: The Chevrolet Tahoe fell 27 percent, and the Hummer H2 - the darling of the utility set - fell an astonishing 47 percent. It wasn't that long ago that the Hummer H2 was one of the most popular vehicles on the road. In 2003, the MINI and Hummer tied for the largest overall increase in requests-to-buy among Autobytel shoppers. Since then, online requests to purchase the MINI Cooper are up 61% and requests down 21% for the Hummer H2. The MINI's remarkable ascent over the stagnant Hummer defies recent incentives on the H2 and the pending launch of a Cooper convertible, which would presumably initiate a "wait-and-see" period for many prospective MINI buyers.
The Nissan Armada, did not get to enjoy the new vehicle honeymoon for long: vehicle requests for the Armada fell 20 percent, and the Toyota Sequoia dropped 12 percent compared to first quarter requests.
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