BUYING AMERICAN,,,,,what does it mean

[Krakker]

Discussion came up in my "dealer wrecks my new car" thread about "buying American". A great topic and something that I try to support as much as I can. I just wanted to explain a few things and get peoples thoughts behind how they support "buying American".

For starters, I'm now with my 2nd global company and have a pretty good grasp on global economics and profits. I also just bought a 2011 Hyundai (altho it was used) but am looking at a 2012 model after I get my accident settlement.
One of the things that was said in my car thread was that "I wished you would have bought American since you could afford a new car", and I started to wonder??? Do we really know what is behind "buying American" anymore?
I'm super proud of, and back my country 110% and I try to use and buy American made products when ever I can. I hate it when I see an American company move their business over seas or south of the boarder just to increase profit margins in the fat cat pockets when it only hurts our economy by not providing jobs. These clowns all know what they are doing is wrong for our countries economic standing yet their greed and our politicians make it acceptable. (when will they collectively figure it out that if you keep doing this $hit you'll throw us into depression since there won't be any jobs to support our own economy) I challenge each of you to find out where your parts or purchases are coming from because of this.
The Sonata I bought was made in Alabama, at the newest Hyundai, US, facility. It's parent company may be Korean, but US facilities have their own financial base to support, it's not like all the money is going over seas. So remember if you do buy a "foriegn" vehicle that's made in the states, you have supported American jobs from the building of the plant to the daily garbage route. Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and others have factories here and I'm sure the Americans that work there are happy to have a job.
In the global automotive industry, you have parts from all over the world in pretty much every vehicle anymore. I would like to think that buying American isn't just buying the American brand, but buying the American made. I had friends that lost their jobs when Goodyear moved their hose and belts factory to Mexico. (and what do you know, there's tons of problems with their quality now) And even the Germans bought Chrysler, so are they still American if a "foriegn" company owns them?

My schpeal is done but I'll close with this:
Don't just buy American,,,, buy "American made".

 

[JeremyH]

Are you sure that Hundai wasnt built in America? A crapload of Tundras come out of San Antonio...

 

[Mr.Slave]

tale apple for example. designed in california, made in china. apple is one of the most prfitable companies around.. think they could atleast cut their profits at bit and build the ****in shit here.
wonder how the slaves in china feel about apple posting billions upon billions of profits.
they prollly have no idea.

 

[Krakker]

Are you sure that Hundai wasnt built in America? A crapload of Tundras come out of San Antonio...

Yes I am. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama "thumbsup"

Toyota is currently the leader in pickups with the most "American made" parts in it. Go figure.:shock:

 

[salmonshark]

I think one of the biggest national security flaws is allowing computer chips to be made over seas that run most of our country. Just not CPU's, but all the way down to any IC. It's already been proven malicious code can be 'snuck' into these.

But, I do have to admit one thing. When I was considering purchasing another vehicle, one of the things I did say, was I going to support one of the big three. Not really sure why because I really wasn't too suportive of the bailouts that Chrysler and GM took, but there really wasn't a Ford that I wanted with out going to a diesel, which I really don't have the need for enough. The Jeep was a great alternative and actually opened up more possibilities for me and my boys now.

I did love my Subaru though. That Outback would go anywhere in the snow and was a great car for the 10 years or so I had it. In fact I would even recomend them.

There are some things I buy that must be made here. Tools for one; especially if I plan on using them more then once. For the one time use type tools, I hit up harbor frieght. But for stuff I want to last, I try to get something made here when possible.

So really, how important is it? I think it depends on what you are after. I don't see anything wrong with your purchase. I know a few people who have had Hyndais and they were awesome commuter cars. And for what you described, yeah I would of lookoed at one of those too.

For me, I have a 20-30min commute and don't even get on the interstate. I needed something that would be good in snow as well.

OK... enough rambling on...

SS

 

[diggindeep]

I support companies that support this country with jobs and taxes,I don't care where the fat cat lives.

I would rather my money go to an American owned company that produces its products here from parts built in this country. But the more you look into it,that just don't happen any more.

So instead I buy from companies that build their stuff here so at least some of my money goes to the American workers,even if the rest goes for a boat ride.

 

[JeremyH]

tale apple for example. designed in california, made in china. apple is one of the most prfitable companies around.. think they could atleast cut their profits at bit and build the ****in shit here.
wonder how the slaves in china feel about apple posting billions upon billions of profits.
they prollly have no idea.

Agreed. Apple and it's previous Head Honcho were terrible philanthropists.....yet, they were worshiped by the OWS clowns....the hypocrisy runneth over...

Yes I am. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama "thumbsup"

Toyota is currently the leader in pickups with the most "American made" parts in it. Go figure.:shock:

Excellent. That is good to hear! "thumbsup"

 

[BigSki]

I love the new ad campaign for the Toyota Camry, it tells it like it is- Carmy is the most 'American' made mid sized car in the country. I knew the fact for a long time, that's why I purchased a new one in '08.

Our country still makes class leading vehicles and machines for heavy industry and military applications, we just couldn't figure out how to build smaller vehicles for consumers.

 

[Noahrob]

Buying America...great thread, my buddies and I often discuss this. I have often been called a 'jingo', which I always take as a compliment. The challenge I have is that at times it is really hard to buy America. For example, I needed a new floor jack so found one that had the specs I needed in terms of weight and height etc...was ~$200 bu made in China. I decided I would spend more and buy American. The jack that was American made with the same specs was ~$600. I will ALWAYS pay a little more for American made stuff, but I can't really justify $400 extra bucks...it causes me grief, but I have kids and $400 is a lot of pop tarts...

 

[binaryterror]

I think one of the biggest national security flaws is allowing computer chips to be made over seas that run most of our country. Just not CPU's, but all the way down to any IC. It's already been proven malicious code can be 'snuck' into these.

It's illegal based on the EPA to make most PC components here...

Good old EPA killing our economy again.

 

[C*H*U*D]

... These clowns all know what they are doing is wrong for our countries economic standing yet their greed and our politicians make it acceptable.

It's not always about greed. Most companies are forced to move their manufacturing overseas just to stay competitive...if they don't, they go out of business.

Look at companies like Levi's and Wrangler. Two American Icons in the clothing industry, both forced over seas. Wal-Mart did it to Levi's just like everything else they get their hands on. Here's a great story about one man who said no to Wal-Mart because he knows what they do.

You can still find things made in USA though. I just bought a Vacuum Cleaner and made my choice solely based on where it was manufactured...USA. Yes I paid more, but the quality is noticeably better then the others I looked at. I just got 5 pairs of underwear in the mail the other day...bought them because they are still made in the USA. I don't buy Levi's because they are made in China...I buy from here and they are the most comfortable jeans I've ever owned.

Some things you have no choice since there are no other alternatives, but if you try, and take a few minutes to search first, it can be done.

 

[4u2nv]

I don't know much about this topic and I don't usually pay attention anymore but I do know my "American Made" GM truck has an awful lot of parts that have stickers on them that say made in Mexico... I guess it was assembled in USA but not much seems to be "made" here anymore.

 

[tom@vp]

It's not always about greed. Most companies are forced to move their manufacturing overseas just to stay competitive...if they don't, they go out of business.

Look at companies like Levi's and Wrangler. Two American Icons in the clothing industry, both forced over seas. Wal-Mart did it to Levi's just like everything else they get their hands on. Here's a great story about one man who said no to Wal-Mart because he knows what they do.

You can still find things made in USA though. I just bought a Vacuum Cleaner and made my choice solely based on where it was manufactured...USA. Yes I paid more, but the quality is noticeably better then the others I looked at. I just got 5 pairs of underwear in the mail the other day...bought them because they are still made in the USA. I don't buy Levi's because they are made in China...I buy from here and they are the most comfortable jeans I've ever owned.

Some things you have no choice since there are no other alternatives, but if you try, and take a few minutes to search first, it can be done.

Textiles and the injection molding industry has been gone for a long time, it was the first to go..

 

[C*H*U*D]

Textiles and the injection molding industry has been gone for a long time, it was the first to go..

So true....sad but true. We used to be a Textile Powerhouse, and now we can barely make a pair of socks. By they way, I buy Wigwam Socks because they are made in USA.

 

[opek]

It's illegal based on the EPA to make most PC components here...

Good old EPA killing our economy again.

It's also nearly impossible to meet workplace safety standards. Good old OSHA killing our economy again. "thumbsup"

 

[Duuuuuuuude]

Devil's advocate time...:twisted:

Even if something is produced overseas, it still has to be transported from the shipyard, stored, sorted, stocked, sold, maintained, and sometimes resold by American workers.

A bit of profit goes back overseas, but every company who handles those products profits at some point too.

Crappy Chinese products still support American workers by just being here.

Could we make cheap stuff here like they do? Nope. As an example, do you think Hot Wheels would still retail close to $1 today, which is about the same amount I paid for them 30 years ago when I was a kid, if they were made here? Highly doubtful.

So even if you do buy a car that comes assembled off the boat, it still means jobs for lots of Americans. ;-)

 

[tom@vp]

Devil's advocate time...:twisted:

Even if something is produced overseas, it still has to be transported from the shipyard, stored, sorted, stocked, sold, maintained, and sometimes resold by American workers.

A bit of profit goes back overseas, but every company who handles those products profits at some point too.

Crappy Chinese products still support American workers by just being here.

Could we make cheap stuff here like they do? Nope. As an example, do you think Hot Wheels would still retail close to $1 today, which is about the same amount I paid for them 30 years ago when I was a kid, if they were made here? Highly doubtful.

So even if you do buy a car that comes assembled off the boat, it still means jobs for lots of Americans. ;-)

Half of the work, we want the other half back too.

 

[microgoat]

Could we make cheap stuff here like they do? Nope. As an example, do you think Hot Wheels would still retail close to $1 today, which is about the same amount I paid for them 30 years ago when I was a kid, if they were made here? Highly doubtful.

Those were never made here. But I recall the old Matchbox cars were made in England.

There's just no way to compete with a labor force that's paid 50 cents a day. If China ever gets their shit together and builds a car that isn't a combination joke/deathtrap, the rest of the world is in big trouble.

And even the Germans bought Chrysler, so are they still American if a "foriegn" company owns them?

The Germans got sick of carrying Chrysler and offloaded them a couple years ago. The company was bought by a Wall Street type and (shockingly) run into the ground. Fiat picked up the pieces after the bailout, so it's the Italians that own Chrysler this time.

Interesting chart:
Chart Of The Day: Domestic Content Edition | The Truth About Cars

Seems 90% domestic is as good as it gets.

Buying American ain't easy, especially if you want a TV in your home. Or a camera, or a phone, or ...

I still buy American-grown food, though.

 

[Krakker]

Buying American ain't easy, especially if you want a TV in your home. Or a camera, or a phone, or ...

Ain't that the truth.

It's sad to think we're not or can't be totally supportive of our selves any longer but economies are just like power. Sooner or later there is a new dominance. Those who can maintain presence will survive, that's why I try to buy American made when ever possible.
If you've ever been to New York, or even D.C. you'll find "made in China" on most of the figures/memorabelia. (nothing like buying a statue of lady liberty for the mantle that was made by a guy who has NO idea of what it means.:roll

One thing to keep in mind, the more global trade markets expand, the more prices will level out for what we pay as well as what we are "paid" for making them.

Duuuuuuude is right tho, even if it comes from the slow boat, someone here is getting paid to do a job that's providing them income.
Even if I were to buy a Scion, how many here would get paid for all the mods I'd put on it, (tires, wheels, intake, exhaust, gauges, wrap, etc.)

I still plan on getting a GMC Acadia, or Terrain perhaps in the next year of 2."thumbsup"

 

[boisetrucker]

Here is a article about some import cars that are made in America.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,465005,00.html

I have seen several import plants throughout the United States. I have also hauled parts of a Chrysler plant that was located in Delaware that was being torn down and relocated to Canada.