How Long Until All Major Brands Will Be Built In North America?

Japanese automakers are building new North American assembly plants at a breakneck pace to regain lost U.S. market share and reduce their dependence on a homeland that's become prohibitively costly.

Japan's dwindling work force and seemingly endless recession provide more reasons for automakers to move work offshore.

"Five years ago, nobody expected this kind of manufacturing shift to North America," said Haig Stoddard, WardsAuto analyst. "Replacement of Japanese imports with North American production is the main driver."