[BobL]

Sounds like a lot of LABOR in those costs...not to mention that you conveniently omit parts suppliers.

[central_va]

Parts = materials. Most car parts are made by automated process with very little labor costs. Here is a youtube on how engine blocks are made. Notice the only human interaction is the inspector at the very end of the process.

How it's Made: Engine Blocks

[central_va]

Bob the factory has suppliers that deliver the parts to the factory. It is fixed contract price. The labor for the parts is built into the price. Making car parts IS NOT labor intensive.

Fact: The average car takes between 25 and 30 man-hours to make. Union rates are around $100.00/hr(w/ all benefits etc.) Non Union $50.00/hr. YOU DO THE MATH.