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I've always wondered by the Big Three can make great cars for the European market but can't get it right in the U.S.
Money.
That Focus RS, based on current exchange rates compared to it's base price in the UK, would cost just over $43,000. I am sure they could offer it, but would it be profitable?
The cheapest Mondeo starts at 18,000 pounds as a base price in the UK, equivalent to $29,700 USD.
Neither would be competitive in this market at those prices, and to drop the prices would require content or equipment reductions which would make the vehicles no more desirable than the ones already offered.
At that price, the Mondeo would work as a Lincoln.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Checkered24
Money.
That Focus RS, based on current exchange rates compared to it's base price in the UK, would cost just over $43,000. I am sure they could offer it, but would it be profitable?
The cheapest Mondeo starts at 18,000 pounds as a base price in the UK, equivalent to $29,700 USD.
Neither would be competitive in this market at those prices, and to drop the prices would require content or equipment reductions which would make the vehicles no more desirable than the ones already offered.
Opel Insignia is coming here as the Buick Lacrosse. The European version has a performance version call OPC (Opel) or VXR (Vauxhall) which has a higher compression turbo 2.8L engine of over 300 hp and a 0-60 time below 6 seconds and Halidex all wheel drive system. Ford is bringing the Fiesta here soon. Opel already has the Chevy Cruz which comes here 2011 or fall of 2010. Why does GM release new products in Europe, Asia, and Pacific prior to their home market? Still think Ford could bring the Falcon over here with limited modifications. Holden, GM Australia, has sedans that would work for Buick and Chevrolet.
That Focus RS, based on current exchange rates compared to it's base price in the UK, would cost just over $43,000. I am sure they could offer it, but would it be profitable?
The cheapest Mondeo starts at 18,000 pounds as a base price in the UK, equivalent to $29,700 USD.
Neither would be competitive in this market at those prices, and to drop the prices would require content or equipment reductions which would make the vehicles no more desirable than the ones already offered.
You have to factor VAT - without the heavy taxes you get in Europe, these cars are actually much less expensive. A BMW 335 is $53,000 USD if you do a straight currency conversion, for example. In reality, a 335 starts about $12,000 less.
A Focus RS would probably be prices in the high $20s in the US - similar to cars like the WRX, Evo, etc.
In Europe, you have a higher percentage of "car people" owning and driving cars, while in the US a depressingly large % of car users are numptys who could care less about performance, don't want it even. Appliance cars sell in much greater numbers than anything sporty.
Right... the Mustang, Corvette, new Lacrosse, Ford GT, Trailblazer, Wrangler, 300C, Crossfire, MKS, F series, Fusion, Camaro, Viper, Taurus, etc, etc, are soooooo ugly.
Coming from someone like me who reads a lot of European car mags (ie EVO, Car, Top Gear, etc), our designs are just as nice, if not better. If you saw 1/2 the cars that Europeans drive, you would BEG to drive our cars. Trust me.
Its hard to beat some of the european designs.
Hard to beat Europe in designs period, beyond cars.
I guess thats why American auto makers are using European and Asian designs and sell them under US names. Not very original, but who cares...atleast they sell. LOL
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