I don’t discount the influence of short-sighted labor policies but I think that just blaming the unions is really just more of stupid protectionism.
The plants manufacturing Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas in the south have dealt with ambitious unions in ways that kept them profitable.
Very few are closed shops. This is because they offered deals and benefits that eliminated the demand for organized labor forces. This is also in line with the weak showing those unions have had in Asia.
Its not like the unions don’t have a presence. They do (which is probably why the manufacturers continue to offer great options).
Personally, I don’t think about these things when I buy or lease. I think about what the best value is. That’s why I won’t ever buy American until they either get a lot cheaper or a lot better.
I don’t think I am making a bad decision by leaving the exchange rate and bonds out of the equation.
