Whatever Renault manages to do in the European market has little influence over US sales. I dare say the trade barriers worked heavily in Renault's favor on that score. I'm saying that the phrase "French Engineering" is not going to increase sales for GM. Also interesting is that while everyone and their brother (including Yugo!) were able to penetrate the US market, Renault either did not try or tried and failed. They do not have a good track record here. I suppose the only saving grace for Renault is that no matter how hard the UAW bargains, the resulting deal will be better than what Renault has with its workers in France. OTOH, Daimler's Dr. Z has a Q-factor that is through the roof and I expect to see a corresponding bump in US sales of all D-C products. I ROFLAMO with the thought of a Frenchie attempting the same thing.
Where did you get that silly notion? Automobiles don't even show up in the USTR's 2006 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers European Union chapter. And besides, GM operates 11 plants in 8 European countries, selling 1.98 million cars and light trucks in 2005 at a market share of 9.4%
I appreciate that you feel the need to make excuses on GM Europe's behalf, but Renault is cleaning its clock.