Quote Originally Posted by OnURleft
Only the most successful American cars could sell in Europe. European roads are insanely windy, tight, demand a tight turning circle and are fast. The European market demands small peppy, fun to drive and fuel efficient cars that will put up with the most grueling cold weather. It's why you can rent your basic A3 in Germany, go 140, fly through the Alps and get 45mpg. Most all of OUR American cars wouldn't suffice, except for maybe an SVT/Cosworth Focus or Cobalt SS...two cars in which their companies invested millions in to be a successful in Europe.
I'll agree wih everything except the "peppy" part. With the exception of Germany (out of the countries I've seen), Europe was flooded with Smart cars and the like. Lots of econo-boxes with tiny engines and very little get up. Basically small things that can fit on the congested roads, but horsepower was definitely not a focus. I'm not saying you didn't see fast cars here and there, I'm just saying the majority of autos had fuel efficiency in mind.