Europe has a rich automotive history with some iconic car brands that have gained worldwide popularity. However, not all European cars have been successful in the US market. Despite their popularity in their home countries, some cars have failed to attract the interest of American buyers. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at five European cars that didn’t gain much attention in the US market. From high-end luxury cars to affordable everyday vehicles, these cars have failed to make a significant impact in the American automotive industry. Let’s explore these vehicles and find out why they didn’t appeal to American consumers.
Number 1. Audi 5000
The Audi 5000, known as the third-generation Audi 100 in Europe, had all the makings of a hit in America. Unfortunately, it became infamous due to an alarming phenomenon known as sudden unintended acceleration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted an investigation and identified several causes, the most remembered being “inadvertent and unknowing driver application” of the wrong pedal. Comedian P.J. O’Rourke summed it up perfectly, stating that drivers “stepped on the gas instead of the brake.”
The fallout from this incident was devastating, not just for the 5000 but for Audi’s entire reputation in the US. Sales plummeted from over 74,000 in 1985 to less than 13,000 in 1991, and it wasn’t until the turn of the century that they fully recovered. Even today, Audi sells fewer cars annually in the US than its competitors BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus.
Number 2. DeLorean DMC 12
