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From: haapanen@watdcsu.UUCP (Tom Haapanen [DCS])
Newsgroups: net.auto,net.consumers
Subject: Re: cars in Europe
Message-ID: <719@watdcsu.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 30-Nov-84 20:33:43 EST
Article-I.D.: watdcsu.719
Posted: Fri Nov 30 20:33:43 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 1-Dec-84 19:40:06 EST
References: <133@ur-cvsvax.UUCP>, <151@gcc-opus.ARPA>
Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 67

>> In article <133@ur-cvsvax.UUCP> gary@ur-cvsvax.UUCP (Gary Sclar) writes:
>> A friend of mine just returned from Europe and had nothing but praise for
>> the rental car she rode around in. These cars are apparently smaller &
>> cheaper then those sold in the U.S., but sturdier, economical to run, and
>> very sound mechanically. Is all of this true, can these models be had in
>> the U.S. (or is the installation of emissions control equipment too costly)
>> and what are the most popular small cars in Europe and their
>> characteristics.

> When I lived in Germany, I noticed the same thing, there were many very good
> cars there that I had never seen (some with the label Ford!).

There are also a lot of cars here that the Europeans never see (but
would like to, believe it or not!)

> For example, look at the performance difference between an American Rabbit GTI
> and the European version.  I don't have the stats, but there is something like
> a 50% horsepower increase in the European version.

Typical case of assuming facts from random rumours.  First, the Rabbit
GTI is passe.  It has been superseded by the VW GTI, based on the new
Golf, which is *very* close to the European version.  The European GTI
has 112 hp DIN, or 106 hp SAE (both '84 and '85).  The Rabbit GTI had
90 hp SAE, and the new VW GTI has 100 hp SAE.  Doesn't look quite like
50% to me.

> Another interesting factor is image.  For instance, Mercedes does not have the
> image in Europe that it does here, it is sort of seen as more of a GM.  They
> sell all sorts of cars and trucks, most of them pretty down-scale.  Will they
> ever import the low end cars to the US?  Hardly!  How many people would spend
> outrageous bucks for a Mercedes if they were also competing with VW and Chevy?

This is true.  Mercedes is definitely overpriced in North America, and
they intend to keep it that way.  Importing 'el cheapo' models would not do.

> By the way, most Japanese cars do not make it to the US either.  I was in
> Bermuda on my honeymoon in September, and it was amazing how many Japanese
> cars I saw there.  Also note that these were all the British 'wrong-side' cars
> too!  If the Japanese are willing to go to the effort to make special cars for
> England, they would certainly be willing to do it for the US!  Of course,
> there are those import quotas and regulations ...

*** The Japanese also drive on the left-hand side of the road! ***

> Some of the cars I saw in Bermuda:
> 	Minivans by:
> 		Nissan
> 		Mitsubishi (one was at least 5 years old!)
> 		Daihitsu

One of the reasons Japanese and European vans are not seen here is the
lack of a suitable market.  In other countries, they are used
extensively for commercial purposes, but here in NAmerica we have the
infamous 1/2-ton pickup...

Sorry about the semi-flames, but this really got to me...


Tom Haapanen		University of Waterloo		(519) 744-2468

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