A couple of things that have not been mentioned thus far. One the American Auto manufacturers have a much higher cost due to health care. Not because they spend more on the current work force (which they probably do), but due to all the retired workers, which most of the foreign manufacturers do not have yet. Second the cost of the retirement pension is much higher for the American manufacturers again because the foreign companies have very few retired American workers. Now in maybe 20 or so years this will change but for now both issues make it easier for the foreign companies to make a profit when their overhead is much lower, before even building a single car.

Tom

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)