Why would Ford make the effort of producing Europe-only models if they didn't have problems selling the designed-for-America models in that market?
Fact is, American cars, designed and built for the American market, don't do well in Europe and other markets because the quality levels are sub-standard in comparison with the competition - especially in Europe.
Ford had to re-design models for sale in the European market because European consumers sniffed their noses at American cars - and rightly so, the quality difference between American and European designs really is quite obnoxious to buyers. American standards just don't stand a chance compared to European expectations.
The particular car op mentioned (Ford Mondeo/fusion) shared a platform with the Volvo S60 (I think) when Ford owned Volvo. So it was designed together with Volvo, and built in Belgium. So it does make it a bit less Ford.
I believe this is no longer the case with newer models since Ford spun off Volvo.
Fact is, American cars, designed and built for the American market, don't do well in Europe and other markets because the quality levels are sub-standard in comparison with the competition - especially in Europe.
Ford had to re-design models for sale in the European market because European consumers sniffed their noses at American cars - and rightly so, the quality difference between American and European designs really is quite obnoxious to buyers. American standards just don't stand a chance compared to European expectations.