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Proud to Be American? Buy “Foreign”
1, 4, or 5.

One of these digits is found at the beginning of the vehicle identification number (VIN) of each and every car or truck built in the United States.

But contrary to widely held beliefs, not all cars built in America wear American brand names. Indeed, like hamburgers, pizza, and “freedom fries,” some of the most savory American automotive treats originated in other countries but are now made right here in the U. S. of A.—a foreign badge doesn’t mean foreign workers built the car.

Moreover, if they include at least 50 percent American parts by content, even cars and trucks wearing import brand names are officially designated as “domestic” products and thus avoid being slapped with import tariffs and taxes that would otherwise apply. Since these charges would eventually get passed along to the consumer, skirting them allows for lower sticker prices.

It’s not just a tax thing anymore. In recent years, American plants have become more and more important as hedges against the sinking dollar. This explains why Volkswagen, Kia, and Audi are planning assembly lines here, and other foreign brands currently building cars in the U.S. have plans to build even more plants here—bringing their suppliers with them—and some will even export the products right back to their homelands.

It’s not foreign flattery—it’s just plain good business. Thus we bring you the following five surprising ways to buy American: vehicles built right here in America by American hands.
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Proud to Be American? Buy “Foreign”



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Maverick2020Maverick2020 - 7/16/2008 11:54:45 AM
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Anyone who thinks the domestic auto industry is dying only needs to look at the fact that BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, etc. have major production here.

Sure it is displacing the traditional Detroit automakers, but much of their demise is due to their own gaffs. And in the auto industry, only the strongest survive.

In fact, the rise of the Japanese automakers goes back to the 1990s when Toyota agreed to manufacture more of its cars in the US to eliminate the proposed tariffs that the Clinton Administration was going to slap on Japanese-produced vehicles. The Detroit 3 were behind this in an ill-fated effort, thinking it would set the Japanese back, when in fact it made them even stronger.



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damikcodamikco - 7/16/2008 2:32:22 PMView My AgentSpace
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first of all the forign makers dont pay american workers as well as the big three also all of the prophit they make goes over seas and does nothing to really help our economy grow.


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 7/16/2008 10:24:58 PM
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Which is all th emore reasons we see articles about the "poor" retirees losing their lifetime health benefits. Old business maintains old union contracts. New business develops competetiveness.

Bust the unions and watch how many cars are built in the US of A! Competetive companies draw the best employees with the best jobs, and everyone benefits from it.


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 7/16/2008 10:27:13 PM
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Oh, and look at my posts in the Cadillac survey thread to see how all those profit dollars come right back to the USA.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 7/17/2008 8:34:22 AMView My AgentSpace
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Damicko, one of the problems at the big 3 is that most of them are very very overpaid. And they still piss and moan. Lets see them find a job anywhere else paying half of what they make now. I bet if they all got fired they wouldn't complain about their low $25-30+ dollar and hour pay. That is killing the Big 3 now because think of how much money they could put into their cars if it was not for those pensions and overpaid workers. I agree they deserve great pay, but I work 10 times as hard in the oilfield where it is much more dangerous, yet I only make half what they make. I still love working hard though.


ghosthunterghosthunter - 7/16/2008 12:22:31 PM
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people like you never read the article before post their comments.
this article also recommends BMW and Merc.

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0to600to60 - 7/16/2008 2:17:17 PM
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Actually I have always known C&D's bias to lean towards BMW crapan.

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mpwrmpwr - 7/16/2008 1:19:30 PM
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YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

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MercedesBenz00ZMercedesBenz00Z - 7/16/2008 5:21:15 PM
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Since the Americans can't make a damn car, the real American consumers should just buy Japanese or German.

It is smart to choose Japanese or German. But American? People will only laugh at you.

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cycocyco - 7/16/2008 6:47:50 PM
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Americans can make a car, the data showing their quality is out there. The data showing the foreign brands aren't the end all be all is out there too.

What's interesting about your response is you slam Americans for not being able to make a car. Guess how many Japanese and German cars are MADE BY AMERICANS? This concept is actually mentioned in the article above, by the way. Dunno if you noticed it.. Probably taking a sip of your MerKool-Aid and missed it.

Last point - People who make broad generalizations based purely on bias rather than factual data are actually the ones who get laughed at. lol to you :)


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 7/16/2008 10:22:25 PM
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Another post indicating MB0Z0's comprehension of how the world works. Alot of the world outsources auto production the the USA...I wonder why that is?

Pretty soon he'll be cavorting with amazina$$hole around here.

Now THERE's an attack. How does it feel? Quit avoiding our other "debate"...someone answered your questions for you.


mattman953mattman953 - 7/16/2008 7:04:40 PM
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I lived in Tuscaloosa for a year. I've toured the factory there. I can honestly say: The ML is by far the WORST Benz I've ever been in.

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toolatetoracetoolatetorace - 7/16/2008 10:04:04 PM
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As long as they leave the profits here , then I will call it a domestic car

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85bmw745i85bmw745i - 7/17/2008 8:35:53 AMView My AgentSpace
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That sounds fair


huu76huu76 - 7/17/2008 6:31:11 PM
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The irony isn't exactly new, people with a clue knew this a long time ago.

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