RE: USA taste and import restrictions

["Ryan Fellini" <rfellini@domain.elided>]

Hi Rick,

I would strongly argue that Europe is, and has been, the real 
location of the ultimate competitive environment.

Though there are so called import restrictions on Japanese
cars (1.2 million or so).. these have not been in place but
for the past few years (and due to be phased out) and were
never once even close to being met.

While European countries do have their nationalistic preferences
to cars from their own companies.. it is not as strong as what
is witnessed in the US (75% domestic), Japan (96% domestic) or 
Korea (99.6% domestic!!).  in Italy for example.. Fiat commands
about 40% (at best).  It is much more of a 'free market'.. where
you'll easily see a dozen Smart and Merc A-class running around,
because they are good product.  Go to any EU country and you
will see a huge variety of product.

US cars don't sell well in Europe.. because frankly.. they are
junk.  This is the same problem for them in Asia.  The people
really dislike them.  Simply ask a few people from Singapore,
Malaysia, Japan about what they think of these products from
the so called 'Competive US Market'.

Asian cars on the other hand sell 'ok' in Europe because of their 
value.  It is mostly a battle among European brands.. which
really create amazing designs.

Now, the US.  The European companies were not on top of
things with customer satisfaction.. as the Japanese were.  
This was a bad mistake, and only the Germans have survived
(or have been brave enough to come back).  As far as design,
the Euro companies were always way ahead.  If any companies
should of died during the late 70's.. and 80's.. it would of been
the US brands (but they are here now because of extreme
patriotism and govt. hand outs).  This is the only place in
the world where people buy these Buick, Plymouth, Pontiac,
whatever else they are called.  It isn't a surprise now that
GM and Ford are attempting to purchase any foreign car
company they can now (especially European).  Why is that?
Do you realize that Opel is actually the company that does
almost all of GM's World market design?  From Asia, Australia,
Europe, E. Europe, Asia, and S. America.. they are all Opels.

Anyhow, I'm just saying it is more complicated than you might
think.  And if you really compare the selection of products available
in the US.. with that of Europe, South East Asia.. or even Japan..
it is inferior.  Sometimes I want to catch the first plane out of this
country so I can go abroad and have access to a real, competitive
market.. where I can have a true selection of cars.  Not this
restricted marketplace (be it by the government, society, or
simply bad taste).

"please don't take this as another attack on the US (i witnessed
that huge war before).. i know a lot of people here have real passion 
for great cars.  but it is quite obvious by the depressing automotive 
landscape of the US.. that many many do not.."

take care!

Ryan
Saab 900 2.0 16v Turbo
Alfa Romeo 75Q 3.0 V6
Ducati 650SS Gio.Ca.Moto

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