Who has been buying SUVs since automakers turned them into family vehicles? They tend to be people who are insecure and vain. They are frequently nervous about their marriages and uncomfortable about parenthood. They often lack confidence in their driving skills. Above all, they are apt to be self-centered and self-absorbed, with little interest in the neighbors or communities.

That’s not a cynic talking–that’s the auto industry’s own market researchers and executives.

There are now 20 million SUVs in the nation’s garages and we have barely seen the beginning of the SUV boom. Ad campaigns sing their virtues and safety but safety records show the opposite, says longtime New York Times Detroit bureau chief Keith Brasher. He’s the author of the new book “High and Mighty SUVs: The World’s Most Dangerous Vehicles and How They Got that Way.”

Guests:

Keith Bradsher, author of “High and Mighty SUVs: The World’s Most Danagerous Vehicles and How They Got that Way, ” former New York Times Detroit bureau chief

Jean Jennings