janstett
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2005
- Messages
- 1,924
- Location
- Chester, NJ
- Car(s)
- 86 944 Turbo, 2000 TA, 09 GC Overland, 11 CLS550
Boy, you guys are making me feel old if I'm the only one who remembers this, but Peugeot and Renault already WERE in the US market and left in defeat.
I think there's a *chance* for them to make a comeback, but I don't see huge opportunities for them. If you're a snob, you want a German car. I'd see it going more like Saab -- a very tiny marketshare for a quirky but dedicated group of customers.
Renault used to be paired with American Motors (dealerships were AMC/Renault). When Chrysler bought AMC they contractually had to continue to sell rebadged renaults. The last one sold here was an Eagle Premiere (?) in the late 80's or early 90's. When they were contractually free, Chrysler stopped and Renault hasn't been seen here since. Renault actuallly had moderate success with the LeCar (which I always thought looked like an electric train) and was unique because of the canvas sunroof. This was in the late 1970s. Then the Japanese invasion began in earnest in the late 70's/early 80's, and a lot of European manufacturers had difficulties staying in the market. Not just Renault, but Alfa, Fiat, and others. The Japanese cars pretty much edged out the weaker European brands.
Peugeot was here too and from what I recall had a pretty sporting image almost on par with BMW (late 70s) but they were squeezed out of the market. BMW nurtured its image, Peugeot did not.
I don't believe Citroen was ever in the US market.
Remember the US is a large market and having dealer infrastructure is important, and can't be estsablished overnight (why Renault partnered with AMC in the first place). For example, take a look at the efforts Smart is going through to get set up in the US (and they're actually owned by Daimler-Chrysler, who is choosing NOT to distribute them themselves). Nobody wants to have their closest dealership hundreds of miles away.
At this point, the Japanese are kicking everybody's butts and creeping up on the premium European cars year by year. Given that, I don't see much point to bringing the French cars here, especially when the Saabs and Volvos of the world are having problems keeping their footholds as it is.
I would like to see them come because of their, um, "unique" styling. I'm always in favor of bold sheetmetal. However, I've found that Americans don't like things that are different -- they want to fit in. Thus, the masses drive Camry and Accord; when they get more money, they get an A4 or a 3-series; when they get rich, they get an S-class.
I think there's a *chance* for them to make a comeback, but I don't see huge opportunities for them. If you're a snob, you want a German car. I'd see it going more like Saab -- a very tiny marketshare for a quirky but dedicated group of customers.
Renault used to be paired with American Motors (dealerships were AMC/Renault). When Chrysler bought AMC they contractually had to continue to sell rebadged renaults. The last one sold here was an Eagle Premiere (?) in the late 80's or early 90's. When they were contractually free, Chrysler stopped and Renault hasn't been seen here since. Renault actuallly had moderate success with the LeCar (which I always thought looked like an electric train) and was unique because of the canvas sunroof. This was in the late 1970s. Then the Japanese invasion began in earnest in the late 70's/early 80's, and a lot of European manufacturers had difficulties staying in the market. Not just Renault, but Alfa, Fiat, and others. The Japanese cars pretty much edged out the weaker European brands.
Peugeot was here too and from what I recall had a pretty sporting image almost on par with BMW (late 70s) but they were squeezed out of the market. BMW nurtured its image, Peugeot did not.
I don't believe Citroen was ever in the US market.
Remember the US is a large market and having dealer infrastructure is important, and can't be estsablished overnight (why Renault partnered with AMC in the first place). For example, take a look at the efforts Smart is going through to get set up in the US (and they're actually owned by Daimler-Chrysler, who is choosing NOT to distribute them themselves). Nobody wants to have their closest dealership hundreds of miles away.
At this point, the Japanese are kicking everybody's butts and creeping up on the premium European cars year by year. Given that, I don't see much point to bringing the French cars here, especially when the Saabs and Volvos of the world are having problems keeping their footholds as it is.
I would like to see them come because of their, um, "unique" styling. I'm always in favor of bold sheetmetal. However, I've found that Americans don't like things that are different -- they want to fit in. Thus, the masses drive Camry and Accord; when they get more money, they get an A4 or a 3-series; when they get rich, they get an S-class.
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