The American and European car oil markets are utterly different. Many Americans are still fixed on the idea of a 3000 mile 'lube service' whereas in Europe, a car that will do 20000 miles between oil changes is not unknown.
It is however quite normal to 'break in' an engine on mineral oil and then switch to synthetic.
For oil and plenty of other stuff, this is a very good read and will keep you off the streets!
Car bibles 
