Why can't I buy French cars in the US?

Question

I was thinking about stupid stuff in the shower this morning. This guy on Yahoo Answer was asking how to say something in German. I replied like the dork I am and put "Herr" in front of whatever word he was looking for, i.e. Herr X. I then continued to answer, i.e. "for French, it's le X; for Spanish, it's el X, and so on." That reminded me of the French car called Le Car by Renault and thought about how cute they were. I mean, the sunroof encompassed the entire roof, but it was probably normal sized on an American car. I used to drive a Peugeot 405 in the early 90's. That was a fun car to drive. I believe it had the best stick shift of anything I've driven to date. I just got to thinking that I haven't seen any French cars around lately. Why aren't there French cars in the US? Are they that bad? Do they not last as long as a Kia or a Hyundai? I mean, those guys are still putt-putting around, right? Well, I leave you to it, and please pardon me while I go and shave now.

Answer 1

Back in the late 1970's AMC (American Motors Corporation the 4th largest car maker in America) was in financial trouble and Renault bought enough of AMC to have a controlling interest in the company and they saw it as a way to get into the American market.
The cars they offered Le'Car,Alliance,Fuego,Encore, and Medallion were of such poor quality people quickly learned to avoid them, it was very difficult to find parts for them and they had many electrical and transmission problems.
Puegot also had limited appeal, very poor quality and were very difficult to get parts for.
Kia/Hyundai slowly continues to improve the quality of their products as well as offereing an great warranty.

Current crash and emission standard make it very difficult to import certain cars and if there is little demand for them the makers don't bother to offer them.

Answer 2

They are not here because French autobuilders do not want to deal with the emissions standards - like MOST auto manufacturers worldwide. You can import a French car to the USA, easily. Hire a registered importer, who will, for many, many thousands of dollars, go thru the process to make it US legal.

Easier way? Buy a French car 25 years old or older - all you have to do is pay for the car & shipping & there you go. I do this every day (Not with French cars - they suck)

Answer 3

There isn't a dealer network anymore, since Renault left the US market.

Actually, there are some very good French cars, the question is whether the cars conform to US safety and emission standards, and how to get a dealer network going.

Answer 4

I think most of those cars while being shipped over here, at some point throw their windshield wipers in the air, turn around and go back home. Either that or they couldn't compete in this market place.

Answer 5

earlier than you attempt to import the renault, make certain you are going to be equipped to force it on US roads. Bill Gates imported a Porsche you could not acquire within the US, considering that it isn't road authorized he can seek advice from it at port, however he can not force it wherever.

Answer 6

I think you are answering a question you are asking your self, simply its not a car for you, besides i here in the UK have seen many french but i dont see any thing that could take my breath away.

Answer 7

There is not much of a market for French cars in the US. If you really want one, order one and have it shipped to you.

Answer 8

Emissions standards

Answer 9

You can only buy the high quality French cars in the U.S. ....there aren't any.

Answer 10

There use to be french cars in the US. When we had the war with the French, the US did not let them sell any of their products in the US. That is why there arent any more French cars here.