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February 29, 2008
Europe is awash with small, fuel efficient cars and vans, many of which are powered by clean diesel engines – it’s even an option for the Ford Focus. Many carry American brand names and it’s about time Detroit shared the wealth with us over here.
Ford has a fabulous range of vehicles. Its Transit Connect, which is a funky little cargo van built in Turkey, was a big hit at the Chicago Auto Show, and it is expected to import its Fiesta model in the near future, although in sedan mode only.
Ford currently offers its Focus brand in only two models in the U.S. – the 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. In Europe it continues to market its highly successful 5-door hatchback. And it has also introduced its New Ford Focus, a makeover that includes a nifty station wagon/hatchback.
General Motors, which operates in Europe under the Opel (Germany) and Vauxhall (Britain) brand names, also designs and builds a wide range of vehicles around the world. It is bringing over its Astra and Vectra models through its Saturn division, but why it does not bring over its successful Corsa subcompact beats me.
Chrysler markets its Dodge Caliber in Europe, but offers a turbo-diesel version, and its Dodge Sprinter van might be a candidate to come to these shores.
While gasoline prices in the United States remain well below European levels, with crude oil recently rolling over the $100 a barrel mark and gas prices possibly reaching $4 a gallon in the spring, the appetite for small, fuel efficient cars can only increase.
Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth 
at 12:31 PM to commentary
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