Forbidden Fruit: The Cool European Cars America Can’t Have (and Why)
About this episode
Exploring the allure of European cars that remain elusive in the U.S., this episode dives into the reasons behind their absence, from stringent safety regulations to market dynamics. The host shares personal experiences from a recent trip to the UK, highlighting standout models like the Cupra Leon and Peugeot 3008, while discussing the bureaucratic hurdles and cultural preferences that keep these gems overseas. The episode also touches on how some European models exist in the U.S. under different names, revealing the complexities of automotive branding and market adaptation.
Episode Summary
Ever wandered through a European parking lot and thought, “Why don’t we get cars like that in America?”
In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick, dives into the sleek, smart, and downright sexy European cars that U.S. drivers can’t buy — and all the bureaucratic, political, and marketing nonsense that keeps them off our roads.
She covers everything from trade wars and tariffs to global platform sharing, brand confusion, and she reveals the legendary naming fail in automotive history.
Key Takeaways
- European automakers build smaller, more stylish, and more driver-focused cars — and American drivers are missing out on some genuinely great vehicles because of it.
- The combination of differing safety standards, emissions regulations, and high startup costs makes it difficult for foreign brands to justify entering the U.S. market.
- The current trade and political environment is unpredictable, which makes expanding into new markets — especially the U.S. — too risky for many automakers.
- Global platform sharing allows manufacturers to design multiple models on the same architecture, meaning many cars are more closely related than consumers realize.
- Vehicle naming strategies often change by market due to language, marketing, and cultural factors — though occasionally they lead to some embarrassing translation fails.
Resources
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Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick. All rights reserved.
automotive forbidden fruit
"So today, we are going to talk about the automotive forbidden fruit, the best European cars that have never made it across the pond, and the bureaucratic, political, and marketing bullshitery that keeps them out of our driveways."
'Automotive forbidden fruit' means cars that people really want but can't buy in their country. There are many reasons why these cars aren't sold, like laws or the company's choice.
The term 'automotive forbidden fruit' refers to cars that are highly desired but not available in a particular market, in this case, the United States. This can be due to various factors such as regulations, market demand, or manufacturer decisions.
Cupra Leon
"...I spotted the most gorgeous car in the parking lot. It is called a Cupra Leon. It is low, it's wide, it's got copper accents..."
The Cupra Leon is a sporty car made by a brand called Cupra. It's designed to be fast and looks really cool, making it stand out from regular cars.
The Cupra Leon is a performance-oriented hatchback from the Spanish brand Cupra, which is a subsidiary of SEAT. Known for its sporty design and powerful engine options, the Leon aims to compete with other hot hatches in the market.
Audi A3
"...rtier, more stylish cousin of the VW Golf and the Audi A3. So let me tell you a little bit about what Cupra..."
The Audi A3 is a small, fancy car that feels nice to drive and has a lot of cool features. It's a good choice for someone looking for a stylish and comfortable ride.
The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car that combines sporty performance with upscale features and technology. It is known for its refined interior, advanced safety systems, and is often compared to its sibling, the Volkswagen Golf.
Cupra
"So let me tell you a little bit about what Cupra is. It started as Seat's performance division."
Cupra is a brand that makes sporty cars and started as a part of another brand called Seat. They create cars that are faster and more stylish than regular Seat cars.
Cupra is a performance-oriented brand that originated as the motorsport division of Seat, a Spanish automotive manufacturer. It focuses on producing sporty versions of Seat models and has gained recognition for its unique styling and performance enhancements.
Seat
"So Seat spelled S-E-A-T, but pronounced Seat, not seat. That is Volkswagen's Spanish brand."
Seat is a car company from Spain that makes different types of cars. They are known for being stylish and affordable.
Seat is a Spanish automobile manufacturer that is part of the Volkswagen Group. It produces a range of vehicles, including compact cars and SUVs, and is known for its stylish designs and affordability.
Hyundai Genesis
"...tandalone brand, similar to what Hyundai did with Genesis. You can get the little León in a variety of powe..."
The Hyundai Genesis is a nice, fancy car that offers a lot of comfort and features. It's a good option if you want something luxurious without paying the highest prices.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that was introduced to compete with established luxury brands. It is known for its high-quality interior, advanced technology, and strong performance, and has since evolved into its own brand, Genesis.
SEAT León
"You can get the little León in a variety of powertrains, including standard gas engine, a turbo diesel, a mild hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid..."
The SEAT León is a small car that looks sporty and comes with different types of engines, including gas and hybrid options. It's designed for people who want a fun driving experience.
The SEAT León is a compact car known for its sporty design and performance. It offers various powertrain options, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid variants, making it versatile for different drivers' needs.
turbo diesel
"...including standard gas engine, a turbo diesel, a mild hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid, with up to 300 horsepower."
A turbo diesel engine is a kind of engine that uses a turbocharger to make it more powerful and efficient. It helps the car use less fuel while still going fast.
A turbo diesel engine is a type of diesel engine that uses a turbocharger to increase its power output and efficiency. This technology allows for better performance and fuel economy compared to naturally aspirated diesel engines.
manual transmission
"And you can get it with a proper manual transmission."
A manual transmission is a kind of gear system in cars where the driver has to change gears by hand. It gives the driver more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This allows for greater control over the vehicle's power and speed.
driver's car
"But it's sharp, and it's fun, and it's this perfect example of the kind of pure driver's car that Europe still builds."
A 'driver's car' is a type of car that is really fun to drive. It feels good on the road and gives you a sense of control and excitement while driving.
A 'driver's car' refers to a vehicle that emphasizes driving enjoyment and engagement, often featuring responsive handling, strong performance, and a connection between the driver and the road.
Vauxhall Mokka GS Line
"So after drooling over the Cupra, just a few rows down was another eyecatcher, a little Vauxhall Mokka GS Line. This is a sharp little crossover."
The Vauxhall Mokka GS Line is a small SUV that looks good and is easy to drive. It's designed for city roads and has some fun colors and shapes that make it stand out.
The Vauxhall Mokka GS Line is a compact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and practicality. It features a modern aesthetic with clean lines and vibrant accents, making it appealing for urban driving.
Peugeot
"...was a Peugeot. Peugeot is a French brand that was in the US market for about 33 years, but they pulled out in 1991 due to poor sales..."
Peugeot is a car brand from France that used to sell cars in the United States. They stopped selling cars there in 1991 because they weren't selling well anymore.
Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including hatchbacks and SUVs. They were present in the US market for 33 years before withdrawing in 1991 due to various challenges.
Peugeot 208
"...especially now, their cars are gorgeous. The little 208 hatchback, the 3008 SUV..."
The Peugeot 208 is a small car that's easy to drive and looks nice. It's popular in Europe because it's practical and stylish.
The Peugeot 208 is a compact hatchback known for its stylish design and efficient performance. It has gained popularity in various markets for its modern aesthetics and practicality.
Peugeot 3008
"...especially now, their cars are gorgeous. The little 208 hatchback, the 3008 SUV..."
The Peugeot 3008 is a small SUV that's designed to be stylish and comfortable. It's a popular choice for people looking for a practical vehicle with a modern look.
The Peugeot 3008 is a compact SUV that features a modern design and a comfortable interior. It has been well-received for its blend of style and functionality.
Peugeot 4008
"The one I really wanted to rent in the UK was the 4008. It's a small coupe style four door crossover that kind of looks like the Audi Sportback's French cousin."
The Peugeot 4008 is a small SUV that looks like a sporty car. It's designed to be practical for families but also has a stylish look that makes it stand out.
The Peugeot 4008 is a compact crossover SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with the sleek design of a coupe. It features a stylish exterior and is designed for family use while maintaining a sporty appearance.
crossover
"The one I really wanted to rent in the UK was the 4008. It's a small coupe style four door crossover that kind of looks like the Audi Sportback's French cousin."
A crossover is a vehicle that mixes the features of a car and an SUV. It usually has more space and a higher driving position, making it good for families.
A crossover is a type of vehicle that combines features of cars and SUVs, typically offering higher ground clearance and a spacious interior while maintaining a car-like driving experience. They are popular for their versatility and comfort.
Honda CR-V
"And then we go out and buy another boring Honda CR-V. No offense Honda."
The Honda CR-V is a type of vehicle called a crossover SUV, which is designed to be spacious and comfortable for everyday use.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV known for its reliability and practicality, making it a popular choice among families and commuters.
Stellantis
"But then, yeah, pandemic, the Stellantis merger. Now we got TeraFors and just kind of the general financial mess that Stellantis is in."
Stellantis is a big car company that owns many different car brands, like Jeep and Peugeot, after merging two companies together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands, including Jeep, Dodge, Peugeot, and Citroën.
Skoda
"But then there was the little Skoda, that's the rental car that I did get, and to my"
Skoda is a car brand from the Czech Republic that makes cars that are usually good value and practical for everyday use.
Skoda is a Czech automobile manufacturer that is part of the Volkswagen Group. They are known for producing affordable and practical vehicles, often with a focus on value for money.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"So the Skodas share the same bones with the Volkswagen Golf and the Tiguan, but they're simpler. They're less German over-engineered."
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV that's good for families. It has a lot of space inside and is comfortable to drive.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that combines practicality with a comfortable ride. It is designed for families and offers a spacious interior and modern technology.
Volkswagen Golf
"...e Skodas share the same bones with the Volkswagen Golf and the Tiguan, but they're simpler."
DS Automobiles
"Finally, one of the brands that I really wish we had here is DS Automobiles. This is Citoyenne's luxury sub-brand."
DS Automobiles is a brand that makes luxury cars. It's part of Citroën, a well-known car company, and focuses on creating stylish and comfortable vehicles.
DS Automobiles is a luxury sub-brand of Citroën, known for its stylish and innovative vehicles. The brand aims to provide a premium experience with a focus on design and technology.
DS
"But it's pronounced dais, which is very similar to the French word dais, which means goddess."
DS stands for 'Different Spirit' or 'Distinctive Series', which shows that the brand wants to be seen as unique and special. It sounds like the French word for 'goddess', which adds to its luxury appeal.
The name 'DS' in DS Automobiles can be interpreted as 'Distinctive Series' or 'Different Spirit', reflecting the brand's unique approach to luxury vehicles. It also has a phonetic similarity to the French word for 'goddess'.
savoir faire
"...but their creations, their savoir faire, which is French for know-how, but not in the practical know-how sense."
Savoir faire is a French phrase that means knowing how to do something well, especially in a skilled or artistic way.
Savoir faire is a French term that translates to 'know-how' and is often used to describe expertise or skill in a particular area, such as design or craftsmanship.
Volkswagen Group
"...large groups like Solantis and Volkswagen Group and they're doing that for the specific purpose of cutting costs and having these global platforms and economies of scale."
Volkswagen Group is a big car company that owns several brands, like Volkswagen and Audi. They make many different types of cars and are known all over the world.
Volkswagen Group is a major automotive manufacturer based in Germany, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini. The group is recognized for its global presence and extensive portfolio of car models.
global platforms
"...large groups like Solantis and Volkswagen Group and they're doing that for the specific purpose of cutting costs and having these global platforms and economies of scale. As I've talked about in some past podcasts, modern cars are built on these shared modular platforms or basically giant Lego sets."
Global platforms are like a base that many different cars can be built on. This helps car companies save money and make different types of cars more easily.
Global platforms refer to a vehicle architecture that is shared across multiple models and brands, allowing manufacturers to reduce costs and streamline production. This modular approach enables car companies to create different vehicles with varying features while using the same underlying structure.
MQB platform
"So for example, Volkswagen's MQB platform supports everything from the little golf up to the Big Three Row Atlas."
The MQB platform is like a shared foundation for many different cars made by Volkswagen and its brands. It helps them build different models more easily and cheaply.
The MQB platform is a modular vehicle architecture developed by Volkswagen Group that allows for the production of various models across different brands using the same underlying structure. This approach enhances efficiency and reduces production costs.
Volkswagen Atlas
"So for example, Volkswagen's MQB platform supports everything from the little golf up to the Big Three Row Atlas."
The Volkswagen Atlas is a larger SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. It's great for families who need extra space.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV designed to offer ample space and comfort for families. It features three rows of seating and is known for its practicality and user-friendly technology.
Citroën C4
"It has the same bones as the Pujo 3008 and the Citoyenne C4."
The Citroën C4 is a small car that is comfortable to drive and has a unique design. It's practical for everyday use.
The Citroën C4 is a compact hatchback that offers a comfortable ride and distinctive styling. It is known for its innovative features and practicality.
Vauxhall
"But it gets even more complicated than that because Vauxhall was previously owned by GM. They purchased it in the Opel brand from Germany back in 1925."
Vauxhall is a car brand from the UK that makes various types of vehicles. It's part of a larger group of car companies now.
Vauxhall is a British automotive brand that is part of the Stellantis group. It has a long history and is known for producing a range of vehicles, primarily for the UK market.
Chevrolet Trax
"...n 2012 was a Buick encore in disguise and a Chevy Trax just built in South Korea and sold in the UK. Yea..."
The Chevy Trax is a small SUV that's easy to drive and park. It's a good choice if you want a bit more space than a regular car but don't need something too big.
The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact SUV that offers a versatile interior and good fuel efficiency. It is designed for urban driving and is popular among those looking for a smaller vehicle with the practicality of an SUV.
PSA Group
"In 2021, PSA group merged with Chrysler Fiat to form Solantis, which now owns practically half the world's brands."
PSA Group was a company that made cars, and in 2021, it joined with another car company called Fiat Chrysler to create a new company called Stellantis. This new company owns many different car brands.
PSA Group, now part of Stellantis, was a French automotive manufacturer known for brands like Peugeot and Citroën. In 2021, it merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis, which is one of the largest automotive groups in the world.
Dodge Ram
"...el, Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Confused yet?"
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It's popular for people who need a tough vehicle for work or outdoor activities.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup truck that is well-regarded for its strong performance, towing capacity, and rugged design. It has a loyal following among truck enthusiasts and is often used for both work and recreation.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"... a little hatchback. You put that next to a Chevy Tahoe and it looks like a lunchbox, just like my mini. ..."
The Chevy Tahoe is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for families or anyone who needs a strong vehicle to drive around or go on trips.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and towing capabilities. It has been a popular choice for families and those needing a robust vehicle for both everyday use and outdoor adventures.
Toyota Corolla
"But in 2006, Toyota decided to change the name of the hatchback version, to the Toyota Oris. But then in 2019, when they redesigned the Corolla and the hatchback version..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people trust because it's reliable and saves on gas. It's been around for a long time and is very popular.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car that has been in production since the mid-1960s. It is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it one of the best-selling cars worldwide.
Ford Mustang
"...n around since the mid-60s, almost as long as the Mustang. But in 2006, Toyota decided to change the name o..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American sports car that people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a symbol of fun driving.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since the mid-1960s. It is celebrated for its performance, distinctive styling, and cultural significance, often representing freedom and the open road.
Toyota Matrix
"For the American market, we actually did have our own version of the Oris, just under yet another name, the Toyota Matrix. So that sporty little Toyota hatchback your neighbor had in the early 2000s."
The Toyota Matrix is a small car that looks like a hatchback. It was made by Toyota and is similar to the Corolla, but it had a different name and style that appealed to American buyers.
The Toyota Matrix is a compact hatchback that was produced from 2002 to 2014. It was based on the Toyota Corolla platform and offered a sporty design along with practical features, making it popular among buyers looking for versatility.
Nissan Qashqai
"...o buy it used. Another good example is the Nissan Qashqai. This is one of Europe's best-selling small cross..."
The Nissan Qashqai is a small SUV that's great for city driving and family outings. It has a lot of room inside and is known for being safe and fuel-efficient.
The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover SUV that has gained popularity in Europe for its practicality and efficient use of space. It offers a comfortable ride and is often praised for its safety features and fuel economy.
Nissan Rogue Sport
"We do have it here. We just call it the Rogue Sport. Because I guess Nissan figured out that American..."
The Nissan Rogue Sport is a small SUV that’s perfect for driving around town. It has a stylish look and enough space for everyday use.
The Nissan Rogue Sport, also known as the Nissan Qashqai in other markets, is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and practicality. It is designed for urban environments and provides a good balance of performance and efficiency.
Mitsubishi Pajero
"...ce little car. Another interesting example is the Mitsubishi Pajero. This is one of the all-time great translation fa..."
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