Beating the dead horse: Alfa's non-return to the US

["Peter Webb" <webb.p@domain.elided>]

>But the safety regs issue, like the smog control issue, makes a fine
scapegoat.

Long post snipped...

What I've always wondered was this:

Ask any layperson about Alfa, and they immediately assume mechanical
problems.   Perception of Fiat is even worse.    Same reputation has applied
to other European marques in the US for a decade or more, specifically Audi
and Jaguar.

Why is it now that the A4, A6, XJ etc. are doing so well here?   Admittedly,
the A4 is a nice machine, not resembling the 80, 100 or Fox.   If those cars
with scars can reinvent themselves in the US (and yes, it was an enormous
advertising campaign) why can't Alfa?

Not to mention that Audi has achieved much racing success which they tout,
but Alfa has achieved more.   I heard a rumour of an Audi F1 effort at one
point.   Auto Union certainly has history there but Alfa has more.

What is so different about the situations?

-Peter
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