I think that America is also missing the boat on import tarrifs. For instance, in Russia, where I presently live, you can pay up to 50% for importing a foreign made car!!!!!!!!!!
That really doesn't help the Russian auto industry so much, as it does to give foreign maufacturers an incentive to manufacture inside of Russia. In any case, a lot of people are buying cars manufactured in Russia for the simple reason that they can't afford the imported cars. I'm all for competition, but not every country is playing fair. I also understand that being part of the WTO limits the USA's ability to do this sort of thing. It would be nice to somehow give the US industry some advantages in this day and age.
On a side note, customs duties make up 40% of Russia's revenue! How 'bout them apples!?
So, since BMW and MB make cars in the Southern US, I can buy one and still be patriotic? What do you think?