The only thought I had on that comment was the cost of their unionized workers, workman’s comp claims, insurance, benefits, etc. Whereas other countries may not have to absorb that cost and those who do build here may not have the unions which can honestly hike up an employee’s rate of pay and benefits.

Not to say that is right or wrong because that is a whole other discussion.

I just finished setting up the BMW Newsletter for our club and it had an interesting article on how BMW is taking a hit from the economy. Their plan was basically to sell the models that weren't selling in the US in other countries to make their profit. But it seems that the other economies that they were counting on for income, Russia and China, were also part of this is worldwide recession and that plan began to fail. So in turn they modified their line up by removing the 7 Series CS and are bringing the diesels to the US.

However while they are doing that BMW is thinking long term by expanding its facility in Spartanburg, SC; it is a flexible facility where it can manufacture many different models in their line up. Maybe even the 3 series will be produced there again or even the MINI which has seen an upswing in its sales. Even the ugly MINI Clubman has seen an increase in sales.

Looking ahead is where the game is at. It just seems the US went into a nostalgic phase which a good portion of US consumers enjoy but they just forgot to have R&D kick up the green level a couple notches more. Their bet failed. BMW sales plan failed as well. But in the end who failed worse is the one who wasn't looking the furthest ahead.