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I think the Chinese Buick's will probably be pretty standardized in content given the long supply chain from China. But I suppose it gives GM some use of open capacity over there to test these new models in the US thanks to the global recession lowering cargo ship demand and over strengthening the US Dollar. If the vehicles do well they can be brought over to a NAFTA plant. Actually, the exchange rate and recent UAW contract probably bring Canada back into competition for plant usage. Long term, the global economy will improve and shipping from Asia will become expensive, plus US ports will be backed up again. I don't see China as a really viable supply chain alternative for higher volume vehicles in the long run. The dollar will eventually drop back, while Chinese labor and currency rates will likely increase. Then you throw in the long supply chain with its costs and longer lead time issues.
I believe GM had to keep Buick during the BK days because it was starting to grow in China and a elimination in the US market at that point would have hurt it's image over there. But I'm not sure Buick or GMC are really necessary in the US anymore. The old step up model approach has been long overtaken by the two line model such as Toyota/Lexus, VW/Audi, Ford/Lincoln, etc.. The big issue GM has is the number of Buick/GMC dealers, often nearby Chevrolet, and even Cadillac dealerships. Closing down those dealers is expensive and could also have some impact on revenues at a time where investors are paying more attention to top line growth and performance. So I'm guessing that as long as Buick and GMC are incrementally profitable, they will continue to exist unless US demand for them dries up.
In Alaska my son was working construction after the restaurant he worked in closed. He was getting $15 per hour. NO benefits. He is back working as a chef in Oregon getting $13 per hour with benefits.
If I went back doing what I was doing in Alaska here, I would be lucky to get half the $39 per hour I was making when I retired 10 years ago. More people willing to work for less. The Union trades are all but gone.
Far more face time with patients that the Dr. and get his weekends off(for the most part). His wife is an R.N., so they can work anywhere...
He probably won't make what I did when I worked as a telecom guy for Hi-Tech company, but he'll do OK, plus his wife's income.
Different world, eh?
They once made some cool cars with Mopar platforms, but I think Monteverdi is now long gone.
I'd be more worried about Volvo and Jaguar. I don't see them lasting but a few more years at the rate they are going.
I'd add Tesla to your list too.
I really like the car and how it drives, but glad I'm leasing it.
I prefer Chinese made cars then made by lazy overweight overpaid thugs in Detroit.
Highest selling iphones weren't designed in China, just more multinational overpaid irresponsible untouchable executhugs (if we're going to use that term, let's use it for both sides) taking advantage of exploited labor and a regime that's the grossest IP, social, and environmental offender in the modern world.
I'd buy a Mexican built car before a Chinese car, just for what it supports. Mexico is a bastion of justice in comparison.
Compare that to the free pass given to GM when the faulty ignition switches killed scores of people.
Now VW is being hounded for their increasingly popular TDI engines.
In the airline industry, the incompetent big three US carriers are running a campaign to hobble the highly successful middle eastern airlines like Emirates , Qatar airways and Etihad.
It is obvious that USA cannot compete with the worldwide brands that are beating the crap out of the US companies.
It won't be long before rest of the world starts boycotting American goods.
Could be worse, one can look at Air Canuckistan which gets just as many complaints, if not more. Comparing any of the low cost - marginal quality - low amenity (do people really expect to be coddled on a $270 ATL-SEA RT?) US carriers (who can survive on domestic routes where the competition won't compete) to the state-sponsored Middle Eastern carriers who don't need to turn anything close to a profit as they can be subsidized by terrorist supporting states, is as apples to oranges as cars vs iphones. Using these as an example of the US not being competitive makes me wonder, maybe someone was offended at mention of how Britain lost it all when it turned its back on its industries, and will never return to leadership in anything but turning away from past crimes.
"It won't be long before rest of the world starts boycotting American goods"
LULZ, bring it. Neither Germany nor Japan are going to boycott American goods. It was a second page story in Germany last month, and people see it as something political, but not too important. The rest of the world will continue lining up for American pop culture, Mickey D's, Coca Cola, American personal tech, clothing, etc etc. The US still does "cool" better than anyone.
Made-in-America Prius fades into the future
http://www.autonews.com/article/20130610/OEM01/306109991/made-in-america-prius-fades-into-the-future