European Cars In America and How They Impact American Culture

One look, and you’ll often know a car is made by a European brand. 

With their elegant styles and cutting-edge features, Euro cars turn heads on the road even before people spot the emblem on their hood, trunk, or side. It’s part of the reason why many of those looking to display their wealth and power love European cars.

Euro cars follow different design languages and features compared to vehicles made in the US, making them more distinct on American roads. Their appearances in films and media as the go-to ride of the rich and powerful further elevated their role as a status symbol. 

But is that the full extent of their influence in America? Do European cars in the US affect automobile culture? Let’s discuss. 

As a Unique Means of Self-Expression

America is the birthplace of the muscle car, a symbol of the spirit of freedom, masculinity, and power. Trucks like the Ford F-150 exude toughness, practicality, and utility. Meanwhile, owning a large blacked-out Cadillac Escalade or a high-end shiny Chrysler can show that you belong in the upper echelons of society. 

While the US is home to many performance-focused and luxury brands, there are a lot of messages that only European brands can communicate.

Consider Rolls Royce or Bentleys, which are still largely considered the pinnacle of luxury vehicles. Aside from being a display of wealth, European brands can also have an associated meaning. It’s often easy to establish a connection between what the brand represents and its owners. 

For example, driving an attention-grabbing Ferrari might signify that you want to be seen as iconic, bold, and affluent. A Mercedes-Benz might suggest that you’re someone who values luxury and comfort. 

Meanwhile, BMW is a brand known for its reputation for engineering excellent-performing vehicles that are a pleasure to drive. Owning a BMW can mean that you value performance and having a sporty image. 

Someone in a Volvo might value safety, practicality, and sensibility. 

European Vehicles Are a Status Symbol

European manufacturers like Bentley, Porsche, Ferrari, and Rolls Royce have always produced vehicles meant for wealthy consumers. These vehicles are incredibly desirable because of the quality and emotional allure of their designs as well as the driving pleasure of managing a technologically optimized machine. 

Compared to US-made luxury vehicles, exotic vehicle brands like Bugatti, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley are at a different level. Besides their hefty price tags, these brands have a better heritage. In other words, they have a longer history of making luxury vehicles. 

Given their posh designs and superior engineering, they can also make assertions about a person’s sophistication or affluence. For brands that manufacture vehicles in incredibly limited quantities, they can also be a symbol of exclusivity. 

Of course, these brands don’t make cars that will just take you to work, they also make incredible statements about the owner. These vehicles embody excess in their performance, looks, and price. 

Elevating American Vehicle Standards 

Europe is the birthplace of many automotive giants, but they’re also pioneers when it comes to innovating specific vehicle aspects. 

As previously mentioned, brands like Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz are leaders when it comes to performance and luxury. Meanwhile, Volvo is a brand that has prioritized safety, making Volvo’s vehicles one of the safest in the world. 

To compete with European excellence, American automakers had to elevate their standards when it comes to safety, engine technology, and design. 

The presence of European cars has also resulted in a more diverse automotive scene. This means brands need to cater to various consumers with more specific needs. Given the diversity, American automakers also need to step up to be on the world stage of offering quality vehicles.