Despite its turbocharged Fiat engine and sexy Italian styling, the 124 Spider just couldn’t capture the hearts and minds of American drivers. It never managed to sell more than 4500 units in a single year, a far cry from the sales numbers enjoyed by its European counterparts.
It seems that, for all its charm, the Fiat 124 Spider was simply too niche for the cut-throat American car market.
Number 4. Mercedes B-Class
The second-generation B-Class was a car that had a rough time in the US market. It was only ever sold as an electric vehicle, which unfortunately limited its chances of selling in large numbers. However, there were several other factors that contributed to the B-Class’s lackluster performance.
One of the main issues was that the B-Class simply couldn’t compete with other electric vehicles in the market. While some EVs were selling at rates of over 20,000 per year, the B-Class struggled to break through the 1000 mark. Despite its sleek design and comfortable interior, the B-Class failed to capture the attention of consumers in the same way that other EVs did.
Another problem with the B-Class was its limited range. With an official range of just 87 miles, the car simply didn’t have the same level of practicality as other EVs that offered longer ranges. For many drivers, the fear of running out of power before reaching their destination was a significant concern. This made the B-Class less appealing, even to those who might have otherwise been interested in purchasing an electric vehicle.
In the end, a combination of factors led to the B-Class’s underperformance in the US market. While it was a well-made car with plenty of features and a comfortable ride, it simply couldn’t compete with other EVs on the market that offered longer ranges and better overall performance.
