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SUV's accounted for 5% of car sales in 2013, so I highly doubt that number is true.
Sales of them now are only 25% of what they were during the peak ,late 90's early 00s boom
SUV's were popular also in Finland in the early to mid 00's. But generally large cars are not so popular here thanks to high gas prices, expensive insurances and annual car taxes. The usual middle class family of 4/5 often choose nowadays a 5-7 year old mid sized wagon like Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda 6 with engines ranging from 1,8 to 2,0Litre (and a bunch of Toyotas).
I don't know if the SUV boom ever happened in Sweden. I guess they liked to drive the same old Volvo S40, S60 and even S80/V70. And of course Saab 9-3 and its big brother 9-5.
SUV's were popular also in Finland in the early to mid 00's. But generally large cars are not so popular here thanks to high gas prices, expensive insurances and annual car taxes. The usual middle class family of 4/5 often choose nowadays a 5-7 year old mid sized wagon like Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda 6 with engines ranging from 1,8 to 2,0Litre (and a bunch of Toyotas).
I don't know if the SUV boom ever happened in Sweden. I guess they liked to drive the same old Volvo S40, S60 and even S80/V70. And of course Saab 9-3 and its big brother 9-5.
What in the US is marketed as the Ford Taurus was fairly popular in Sweden when I was there.
What in the US is marketed as the Ford Taurus was fairly popular in Sweden when I was there.
The only European Ford with an american feel was the Ford Scorpio from 1985-1998. But it was marketed as an executive car and was pretty expensive so it was never a popular car among the common Swede. But the more stripped down Mondeo has always been popular in the Nordic countries especially Finland.
Europeans might feel envious for Americans to be able to buy bigger houses and cars. But I bet they would not be so envious if they find out most go into debt receiving one of those things.
Anything else, not much, except maybe for rich Europeans who want to be taxed less. The average quality of life is much better than in the US (mostly in Western and Northern Europe).
Quote:
Originally Posted by rzzz
I have worked with quite a few european expats in California and NYC. The germans and swiss seem to like the optimism and friendliness of Americans. The Dutch love Californian weather. The French I know were odd ducks in France, and in the USA they feel more accepted. All of these people moved to the USA permanently. The Danes and Norwegians I knew were the biggest complainers and went back. Most like the prices of electronics and clothes, and the ability to buy almost any product. Everyone likes Mexican food. Also most enjoy all the interesting natural features of the USA. There aren't really european equivalents of the Southwest, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains or our national parks. They tend to miss their families, cities and their smaller towns.
Ethnocentric much?
And this is coming from an American.
While it may not have real deserts like the southwest, most European countries have wonderful natural landscapes and mountains.
I thought 65 mph was the default until I traveled in the Midwest. Used to 55 mph being the norm.
Yeah for the most part, it's 65 north of VA and east of WV. Other regions are higher, but I just found out that PA's speed limit is increasing to 70, but I'm assuming that it'll only be on I-76, I-476 north of the Blue Route, and I-80
No offense to Americans but the Chrysler Neon is horrible.
I don't think too many Americans think it's a good car, either. It's the Dodge Neon, btw. It was an economy car in the 90s, American small cars have gotten better. The Ford Focus is decent.
The usual middle class family of 4/5 often choose nowadays a 5-7 year old mid sized wagon like Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda 6 with engines ranging from 1,8 to 2,0Litre (and a bunch of Toyotas).
A Mondeo wagon? My mom drives a Ford Fusion, which is the same thing as the Mondeo. With a 1.6L engine. I suppose Ford doesn't sell a wagon version as the expect those who want that shape would go for an SUV.
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