[dd74]

Cars remain an appliance for most Americans. Particularly the newer ones, cars to us are no more significant than a blender or electric razor, except with the cost of repair and replacement.

As to Europe, I've heard the average span of ownership of a Volvo used to be over 17 years. So cars have higher value.

Also, auto motoring was born in Europe. The love of it, the speed, etc.

Making the most product for the least amount of expense, i.e. the assembly line - which conversely homogenizes the automobile's meaning and value, was a pure old Yankee invention.