when I postdoc’ed at an American uni (Lehigh, a stereotypical affluent trustfund frat/sorority college) all the college kids drove European cars. Quite a profitable market to crack and as with student bank accounts I assume they’re hoping to develop brand loyalty with people at the start of a higher earning life.
PS i thought charliebrooker’s anti car rant was tedious and the most witless thing he’s ever come out with, despite being sympathetic to his standpoint. I found Clarkson’s anti motorcyclist tirade funnier and more intelligent, despite being a motorcyclist. I initially thought Brooker’s feed had been hacked it was that poor. Maybe being married to The Huq has mellowed him and now he has to try too hard?