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.