Posted on 11/29/2008 5:04:06 PM PST by SeekAndFind
The residents of this town are learning to enjoy Korean barbecue, and are wary of bailing out American automakers. 'The foreign cars took the lead, and they deserve it,' says one.
This attractive old mill town along the Chattahoochee River, with its brick downtown and streets of cozy, unpretentious homes, could be the backdrop for a patriotic American car commercial -- lacking only the plaintive croak of a Bob Seger or John Mellencamp.
But America's Big Three automakers, which are teetering at a financial abyss, shouldn't expect much sympathy here.
Kia Motors, the South Korean automaker, is building a plant in town, promising 2,500 jobs to help replace a textile industry that has all but vanished. The locals are excited to have nonunion work that will start at about $14 per hour. They are discovering the joys of bulgogi -- a different kind of barbecue -- at the Korean restaurants popping up.
And many are wondering why Detroit still thinks it's so special that it can ask taxpayers for a $25-billion bailout.
"The foreign cars took the lead, and they deserve it," said Emile Earles, owner of Sweet Georgia Brown, a gift shop on a quiet downtown thoroughfare.
Earles, 60, said she is fed up with Detroit -- fed up with its fat labor contracts, its arrogant CEOs and even her Cadillac, which gets only 15 miles per gallon and cost her dearly when gas spiked to $4.
Buying American, she added, "is still a big deal. But you can only be patriotic until you can't afford it anymore."
Such sentiments represent more than a marketing problem for the CEOs of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, who will return to Congress next week to argue that a federal cash infusion will help them avoid bankruptcy.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Alabama BBQ.
This from the one who started with the personal insults. Who's the hypocrite now?
“I bought a KIA Sportage...I’m proud and glad it’s made in the USA.”
- - -
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. is the first manufacturing site in North America
for Kia Motors. It will be located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia and it is scheduled
to begin production in the last quarter of 2009.
That proves you have no concept of the word.
Does it now? Let's review:
1. You barged into the thread with an insult
2. When I replied in kind, you squealed like a little girl
You certainly sound like "someone who contradicts their stated beliefs" to me. Now I'm headed to bed, so feel free to have the last word. I can only hope it's as insightful as your previous posts (that's sarcasm, in case you're wondering).
Dog-eared for Sunday reading.
I bought a Mazda 626 in 1995 instead of a Honda because the A/C seemed to put out more cold air ( I lived in Wichita Falls, TX). I have over 170k miles on it and would not hesitate to put it on the road now to travel to the lower 48. It has NEVER gotten less than 30 mpg and has all the power I have ever needed. Love that Mazda. Having said that I am considering a Honda Accord because I am sold on Japanese cars.
Subaru Forester, 2001, 130K miles, still runs good. I can still beat the EPA highway, city is another matter since I have a German heavy foot. The AWD does detract from the fuel consumption, but is still good for Minnesota winters. Parts are not cheap, same for maintenance, however the only post warranty fixes I have had done was a catalytic converter and a knock sensor. I don’t know if the Foresters are made in Indiana yet.
Not sure of the percent of American made parts, but it's more than most realize. Even engines and transmissions are made here now. Check out Bodine aluminum, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota. I'm sure there are many others you never hear about
It’s symmetrical all-wheel drive though, which will help in inclement weather.
Test drove a 2007 Legacy in ‘06, what a smooth ride.
As I see it, the management of the big three suffer from something like Stockholm syndrome when dealing with the UAW.
I think you just struck somebody’s Nationalism nerve. A more nationalistic and racist people than the Japanese does not exist on this earth.
I have a 2003 KIA Sentra. It’s paid for, and with the exception of having to replace the battery a few years ago, and one break job in ‘06, it’s been entirely trouble free. A great little economy car with no frills (like pushbutton windows). No problems at all with this car...my hat’s off to KIA for manufacturing such a reliable car.
‘My Dodge Truck was made in Mexico’
There’s a Warren, MI assembly plant for Dodge trucks. All 5 of mine over the years were made there including my ‘09. My wifes Dodge Caravan was made there as well.
My 06 Cummins 2500 quad cab 4x4 was made in Mexico......:o)
Good info....Thanks !
Possibly only diesel’s are made down there. MOGAS versions in CONUS maybe ? As well lots of Mitsubishi parts ...cruise control switches on the steering wheel and dash components etc are common with jap rides.
On the drivers side door or the door frame you should have a sticker. It will say where your truck was assembled at. You have me curious now.
Oh it’s mexico..... the VIN confirms.
Saltillo, Mexico !
Thanks for the info. Mine are/were gas. Interesting eh?
Yeah... I am a fan of the cummins and the dodge is the only wrapper they come in for light truck. Been looking at a web site where some good ole boys are stuffing one in a FJ80 Landcruiser......:o) I have the spare 5.9L from a 05 wreck and a wireing harness from painless. Gutted the engine in my 92 FJ80 and am playing hammer monkey with getting it ready to shoehorn into that engine bay. Still lots of planning before I get done !
A cummins 5.9L 1992 FJ80 Toyota Landcruiser is my goal !.....:o)
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