Hey America – Why No French & Italian Cars?
Why is it in the year 2009 we are not seeing French or Italian automobiles on the roads of North America? We’ve got most other foreign brands covered – German, Japanese, Korean – even some Brit models. Isn’t it time we embrace the Peugeot automobile like we have welcomed their bicycles?
Italy’s Fiat, now in the hole for a few billion thanks to their attempts at helping Chrysler (Fiat currently owns 35% with plans to buy into 55%), may be making a return to the United States. Their small, affordable coupes have been a hit overseas for decades. And what a great time for more compact, affordable vehicles. Cars like the Peugeot 206 and Fiat 500 are among the best selling models for both makes. Peugeot (who is owned by Citroen) is the second largest brand in Europe, behind Volkswagen.
In a time when many car makers are falling off the face of our planet (Saturn, Pontiac, maybe Chrysler and Mercury) there should be more brands to beef up competition, and but some fire back in the seat.
Renault’s are the #2 seller in Europe after VW. If you are travelling to France, hire a Renault Laguna turbo and you will want to take it home! They are fast, very smooth and lovely to drive in all conditions! They also stand up well to our Australian outback roads and mountainous areas.
Correction – Peugeot owns Citroen, you have stated that Citroen ownes Peugeot. Peugeot family is very much in charge of Peugeot and Citroen.
There are both Italian and French cars in the US.
From Italy: Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lamborghini
From France: Smart
The Fiat 500 coming here will likely be built in North America.
I wrote this piece prior to the official Fiat Chrysler deal, and I am pretty sure Smart is at least part German, as they are owned by Mercedes Benz. My point was a more ass-appeal auto anyway – you see far more american (obvi) and japanese cars on the roads here then you see others – ie for every one ferrari or even smart car you see there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of hondas, etc.