Author Topic: Interesting bit about cars (Read 217 times)

nirvana · « **on:** August 01, 2006, 11:59:12 PM »

Local radio show was taking about how "import" vehicles might not be imported and "domestic" vehicles might not be so domestic. The gace the example of something like 6 Honda plants in Ohio as well as a few other "Japanese" manufacturers being built here, while vehicles such as the Tahoe were built in Japan, Korea, Mexico. Anyway, a caller said that the first number in the VIN # tells you where it was manufactured. A 1 means United States, 2 Japan (I think) and 3 Mexico. Anyone else heard of this?

DiabloTX · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:00:29 AM »

Oh yeah, common knowledge. There's even a Mercedes plant in Alabama.

My Camaro was built in Quebec. That explains it's love of pure maple syrup.

Maverick · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:01:23 AM »

Yep,

My old Dodge Dakota had a made in Canada sticker and metric fittings in the cab. My 97 Ford F350 had a tag that said Hecho en Mexico. Made in America......sure.

DiabloTX · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:03:40 AM »

I don't know if it's true or not but I remember hearing that the Honda's built in Marysville, Ohio were so good that some of them were exported to other markets. I had an 86 Accord LX...one of the best cars I ever owned. Bought it with 120k on it and drove it another 100k almost trouble free. Damn good car.

nirvana · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:05:19 AM »

Well it gives some thought to American quality once you learn that domestic isn't quite so domestic and that import isn't quite imported. The big 3 are failing while the Japanese companies are still going strong.

superpug1 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:15:07 AM »

Ya, GM, and Ford need to step it up. They have to potential to be on the top again, but i fear they have become to large. like a giant uncoordinated lobster... Chevy better get their new trucks and camero right, or they will be dead within12 years.

Maverick · « **Reply #6 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:16:12 AM »

The Japanese are building better quality, more power and performance in a nice fuel efficient package. Detroit is building what they want to and expecting the public to buy it. Having to offer all these incentives to entice folks to buy is a good example that they need to do something unusual to get a sale.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:17:22 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by nirvana
Well it gives some thought to American quality once you learn that domestic isn't quite so domestic and that import isn't quite imported. The big 3 are failing while the Japanese companies are still going strong.

Hardly.

You gentlemen need to learn the difference between the words "Built" and "Assembled." Most imports are only "Assembled" in the US, but are 95% built outside the US.

nirvana · « **Reply #8 on:** August 02, 2006, 02:11:07 AM »

Sorry, assembled in those countries mentioned, part's can come from all over though.

john9001 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2006, 07:22:43 AM »

honda builds it's engines and trans in ohio (includes goldwing mc's), most of the rest of the parts are made by vendors located in the USA. some honda models made in ohio are exported to japan.

vin code, 1=USA, J=japan, 2=canada, don't remember the rest.

toyota has at last count 8 mfg plants in USA, design and biz HQ's in cal and mich.