[_yb2s]

I'd say the Japanese figured out how to make this happen on a cheap car. Almost all high end european cars (including Volvos) had great rustproofing for a long time but cost far more than Japanese cars. The Japanese made the first reliable and long lasting low priced cars.

[kqr]

I think that was what I wanted to say. Thank you for putting it more clearly.

(In my mind, European craft production results in pricey cars, whereas large volumes only make sense for cheaper stuff.)