Big surprise to me Skoda does not supply cars to the USA market.

Their reason they do not have the production capacity.

Unless they built new factorys

VW and Audi are well represented there. (Don't know about Seat?)  But that means the group are already well established there, so the incentive to tap the US market is reduced. Plus the costs of setting up a "new" brand to the market, with separate dealerships, etc. has to be taken into account.

But as said, sheer capacity to meet demand in existing markets has to be the biggest factor.

 

Does anyone know what import barriers the US places on cars?  Yes I know its supposedly the "Land of the Free" and all that, and biggest proponent of "Free Trade", etc. But in so many other markets (e.g. Agricultural products, food, etc. the Free Trade principle ONLY applies to US goods being exported abroad. When it comes to goods entering the US in the reverse direction, the barriers are massive. Hence when BMW wanted to ramp up their sales volume in the US during early 90's, they found it essential to build a brand new factory at Spartanburg, South Carolina, so its expected biggest sellers in the US - the "X_" series - would count as "home" produced.

If you look at the changes to what is also sold in Europe as well as US only models, it wouldn't work. I can't see the US being interested in a yeti. Too small.

Also the majority of what is sold there is made in the US, Canada or Mexico

VW and audi sale is marginal in US so no wonder skoda is not trying to get there.

I can't see the US being interested in a yeti. Too small.

 

 

that's not the case any more, smaller cars are more and more popular in US because of the economy.

During last vacation I've seen lot's of Fiat 500 there for instance...

As stated already, VW and Audi are already out there and arent as popular as they are over here but I also think its something to do with design if you look at the US VW and Audi range its different to over here, Things like the Fabia, Rapid, Roomster and Octavia probably wouldnt sell that well over there due to demands and needs of the consumer and I cant see them spending $$$ on taking the Citigo, Superb & Yeti over there

When the Yeti was released in the UK, CAR magazine took the Yeti across the states.......the Americans loved it!

According to the same magazine CAR.....Skoda WILL be selling cars to the states (according to VW boss).....and why not?

Remember they had a huge hit with the Rabbit (Golf). Cars in the states are much smaller than they used to be....just look at all the Hyundai's and Toyotas that sell there,let alone the Suzuki's and Fiesta's!!   so size is not a problem.

The latest face lift Kia Soul has been a huge hit.

The coming face lift Mini is waiting in the side lines.

From what i gather its mainly the young americans who are interested in small cars.

Must be funky inside as they call it and been seen in in the city to stand out