The Motoring Industry & The Recession

[dahamsta]

They actually make some of their cars in the US now, as does Audi.

My first thought on hearing this was "oh christ, american built", but they featured the Audi factory on one of those "how stuff works" shows and the QC seemed very high.

adam

[endabob1]

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW#Production), BMWs are primarily manufactured in Germany. (Obviously, "production" is often defined loosely to give a desired answer; could be the last stages of production are done in Germany so BMW can say they're made there.)

Not too sure on BMW but I do know they build in the US & China as well as here, my guess is Germany is used for the local German market and maybe as you say like a finishing shop.
Sorry just checked your link & China isn't mentioned but I know for sure that they build there.
There is a lot of political influence and union strength with the carmakers in Germany but generally it is considered too expensive for any wholesale manufacturing, former Eastern Europe & Spain are more the hotbeds in Europe. Outside of Europe China & India are both becoming big manufacturers, as are Brazil (VW, GM, Ford, Fiat), South Africa (VW, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes Benz). I have worked in Motor manufacturing for 4 years so I know some of the markets pretty well, but my dealings with BMW are generally at a local level they build part of the 3 series here and it is for both Europe & African markets, my guess (having never been to their factory) is that it is probably just the UK/Irish Right hand drive versions that come from here.
It's basic economics which drives mass production to low cost countries, the plant I work in are a first tier supplier to the industry, our basic labour cost per hour is about 3 Euros in Germany it can run up to 10 times that.

[pete]

pete - as noted earlier, other dealers are in fact way ahead of BMW Ireland.

Bring in new cars?

[pineapple stu]

Yep..

[Fr Damo]

http://www.rte.ie/business/2009/0313/cars.html

Down 63% for February. Europe only down 18% because Germany was actually up about 21%. Spain is our nearest poor performer at 41% down. England down 21% .If Sterling was still at 68/70p to the Euro, what percentage do people think the new car sales would be down?

[pete]

If Sterling was still at 68/70p to the Euro, what percentage do people think the new car sales would be down?

Don't think it would make much difference as I don't think the importing 09 Reg cars has filtered in yet & won't make big difference. Only selected cars like low CO2 BMWs are worthwhile importing new.

Big swing to smaller cars amoung the sales that are going through. Scrappage deal will help sell more of them too.