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

— -- You can buy handmade Italian leather shoes or perfectly aged French wine in the United States, but don't waste time looking for certain luxury cars.

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 reasons are simple. Many European automakers, such as Peugeot, produce diesel-engine vehicles, which haven't caught on with 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 stir interest among U.S. luxury car buyers who bypass such small hatchbacks, preferring roomy sedans and coupes.

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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 competitive car markets in the world," says Lusk. "Import automakers have to decide if they want to enter a shrinking, mature market like the U.S., or take their business elsewhere, to a growing market like China."

Environmentalists might say that's a shame. The Lancia Thesis features a solar cell sunroof and ventilated front and rear seats. The Citroen 6 is powered by a V6 HDi diesel engine, equipped with a diesel particulate filter system the automaker says is better for the environment.

Luxury seekers are also missing out. The German-produced Audi RS 6 Avant Wagon, which features a V10 twin-turbo gasoline engine and races from zero to 60 in 4.6 seconds, is not for sale Stateside. Neither is the Mercedes-Benz Viano MPV, a "multi-purpose vehicle" featuring second-row seats that turn to face third-row passengers, and a folding table that pops up in between.