The United States car market features a wide array of vehicles, from manufacturers that build here or import from there. Inasmuch as the U.S. market offers hundreds of different models, there are many models that are simply not sold here. Economic reasons may weigh in, but there could be other reasons why a particular make or model is absent. Read on for a look at five cars we would like to see sold in the United States.
1. Renault Clio — The term “super mini car” has been used to describe the Renault Clio, a car that first came to the market in 1990. Updated several times since, the new Clio is cute, affordable and seats four. You won’t see it sold in the United States as Renault no longer has a presence here. Its partnership with Nissan likely will keep it out, although a Renault Clio rebadged as a Nissan might do better than the current Versa we now have.
2. Honda Accord Diesel — Rumored to hit the U.S. market as recently as 2011, the Accord Diesel won’t find its way stateside any time soon. And that is a shame as it reportedly can deliver up to 50 mpg, a number that bests any midsize hybrid sold today. The reason for this vehicle’s absence? Cost. It would cost Honda a bundle to make this vehicle U.S.-market compliant, and with diesel demand still so very low, Honda would likely lose a bundle. Perhaps some day…
3. Skoda Citigo — Skoda is not a household name in the United States, but it is one of 12 Volkswagen brands. This Czech automaker introduced its Citigo mini car in October 2011, a three-cylinder multi-port injection engine that displaces at 999cc. The three-door hatchback gets more than 60 mpg and is a snap to park. Although we aren’t likely to see this mini car stateside, its Volkswagen Up! cousin may someday be sold on this side of the pond. As long as it is built in Mexico, of course.
4. Ford Ka — Yet another mini car is absent from the U.S. market. The Ford Ka has been produced since 1996 and will be updated in 2015, just in time for North American release. Probably not. That is a shame because Chevrolet is seeing some traction with its Spark mini car and the segment also includes the Smart Fortwo and the Scion iQ. The Ka shares its platform with the Fiat Panda, and is powered by a 1.2-liter four cylinder engine. With 60 mpg capabilities, the low-cost Ka could be a hit in the states.
5. Holden Ute — Holden’s Ute came “this close” to be sold in the United States. Back in 2008, GM was testing buzz for this vehicle, holding a contest to give it its American name. Unfortunately, this stylish car-truck was destined for Pontiac, a brand that GM killed off. Wouldn’t we love to see it sold as the Chevrolet El Camino and dispense with all of this nonsense? Don’t hold your breath — although GM is importing the Holden Commodore from Australia, its Ute counterpart isn’t on the horizon. What a shame.
Absent Without Leave
There are other models sold elsewhere that we aren’t likely to see here. The Ford Ranger is all-new, but it isn’t slated for a U.S. appearance. The same can be said for the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Toyota Alphard minivan and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Certainly, any automaker can have a change of heart, but until then we’ll just have to wait and hope for the best.