I think the real issue is that you pay much more for US product in a lot of countries than the local or Euro equivalent...tariff protection and import costs jack the price.

Thus the product ends up getting compared with higher pitched local product.

The other issue - like it or not - is that a large # of US product are V8 equipped -

With Gas at $12 bucks a gallon in Europe....US cars are right in "no mans land" as far as pricing.

The Sheiks and Execs will buy the Mercs and BMWs for the "name"...gas price no object.

....the Sole business operators/Junior Execs will buy Volvo/Peugot/Jag/Lexus//Honda for the mileage.....leaving Mr Charger out there in the cold.....