whats wrong with these cars

[Irish_Alley]

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/107758/cars-you-cant-drive-in-the-us.html?mod=family-autos
it says you cant drive them in America why not granted some are made for autobahn speed but the mini cooper d, whats so special about that one

[frogman68]

When we lived in Germany most cars made for Germany didnt have certain safety features ie shatter proof glass reinforcement in the doors and front end, Made the cars lighter to go faster

[Captkaos]

Most likely
1) USA crash standard
2) Strict Emissions ( the Mini D means Diesel which most likely won't pass)
3) Gas Guzzler - Some companies don't care to import something at the expense of the potential purchaser)
4) Can't be marketed here.

[eventhorizon66]

I was always under the impression that the German (as well as many other European nations') safety standards were much higher than US.  I've always ignored the government's "star" rating system and turned to IIHS for my crash safety research.  Plenty of cars that receive government "5 star" all around only get "Acceptable" or "Marginal" ratings with IIHS.