[livi]

What are the factors that have had significant impact on the car manufacturers in America and Europe ? On one hand we have America pioneering the production design very early. Large companies and a lot of recourses and money. On the other hand we have relatively small countries like Germany in Europe. Crushed infrastructure and poverty during the War.

There has always been a 'typical' American car. Big, comfortable cruiser with large engine and automatic transmission. At least that is what we Europeans like to say. During the 60īs and 70īs America saw several classic muscle cars with a focus on fast strait forward. There still are cars like the Corvette and Ford GT, but there is not the same diversity as in Europe.

In Europe, only in Germany, there is Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Porsche. All with a much different philosophy of building cars. In Europe there are several sports car manufacturers, again with a very different focus on how to build a car than in America.

What are the reasons for this difference ? Cultural ? Geographic ? Economic ? Historic ?

Please note, I am not saying Americans make inferior cars - just different.