Why doesn't Ford sell their good cars in America that they sell in Europe?

Question

I looked up this question several places but never got a satisfying answer.

I watch British motor shows like Top Gear and Fifth Gear and Ford seems to have built a reputation over there for making reliable and affordable cars, and some very fun to drive ones.

I'm talking about cars like Mondeo and Focus ST. Also, the new generation of focus in America looks absolutely hideous but the European model looks quite good. I understand that Ford vehicles are very popular in Europe and have no reason to doubt that they will do well against Japanese cars in America.

Why then does Ford choose not to sell those cars in America all the while losing its home market to Japanese companies? Is it really because where Mustang stands in price range? But I don't think people who'd buy Mustangs would buy a turbocharged Focus or Mondeo. And what about that little Ka? They know there's a market for those now.

This question has bugged me a great deal since I started watching Top Gear last year. Someone please help me!

Answer 1

Some don't pass crash test or emissions standards. Another reason is they would compete with their own vehicles which have decent sales.

Answer 2

Because the geniuses at Ford know that Americans will buy mediocrity.

Answer 3

The reason they get better cars like the new focus in Europe is because people in Europe will actually pay for segments like "compact luxury". Now, the Focus doesn't fit into "compact luxury" but the trend continues downward. People in Europe are willing to pay more for quality SMALL cars. In the US, most people look at small cars as cheap. I LOVE small cars, and am glad that SOME companies are starting to test the waters again over here because of gas prices. But for the most part, Americans don't want a small car, unless it's cheap. That's why cars new models keep getting bigger, and they have to introduce new models that are smaller to fill the gab below. When Americans are willing to pay around $25,000 for a compact car with leather, auto climate control and a quiet interior, then we'll start getting the better small cars, and we'll also pay the higher prices. But as long as we have this negative image of small cars, and think of them as cheap transportation, rest assured, we'll keep getting cheap basic transportation in the small car segment.

Just my .02

Answer 4

Because nobody in America wants to drive small, slow econoboxes. Sure the Focus ST and the Mondeo 220 are quick. But 90% of everything else is either too small/slow and/or diesel (which Americans do not accept in a car).