The Luxury Cars You Won't Find in the U.S.

Among the sets of wheels not available to U.S. buyers are the French-made Peugeot 407 and Citroen 6, and Italian-made Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider, and Lancia Thesis.

The causes are obvious. Many European carmakers, such as Peugeot, produce diesel-engine vehicles, which haven't demanded by U.S. car buyers. And some vehicles made in Europe, like the BMW 1 Series hatchback and Mercedes-Benz B Class compact, have yet to move enthusiasm among U.S. luxury vehicle buyers who bypass such small hatchbacks, preferring roomy sedans and coupes.

Preferences aside, economics also play a role. It takes a substantial investment to produce vehicles that meet strict U.S. safety and emissions standards, and establish a dealer network, says Cody Lusk, president of the American International Auto Dealers Association, representing import auto makers. Those with a limited U.S. audience often aren't willing to spend money on developing a following.

"The U.S. is one of the most rival car markets in the world," says Lusk. "Import automakers have to resolve if they want to enter a shrinking, mature market like the U.S., or take their business somewhere, to an emerging market like China."