There’s a new poll out from Rasmussen. Apparently, Americans have become more origin-conscious when it comes to buying new vehicles.
In a similar poll from 2008, roughly 51 percent of Americans said the most important factor in buying a new automobile was getting the best deal. Today, however, that percentage has dropped:
Two years ago, only 32 percent of respondents placed more importance on “buying American.” So it appears there’s been something of a mindset-change.
There’s a snag, however. Just what exactly does “buy American” mean? As the article tells us:
But Americans are divided on what exactly American-made means. Forty-one percent (41%) believe buying a foreign brand that is built in the U.S. is the same as buying American, but 42% do not. Another 17% are not sure.
Still, a majority (59%) of adults consider the “Big Three” — Ford, General Motors and Chrysler — to be the only American car companies. Twenty-nine percent (29%) disagree, while 12% are undecided.
For my part, while my employer is a GM-centric auto group, my household has purchased only Hondas and Nissans in our vehicle-buying history. I was never a big GM fan to begin with, but after seeing everything that’s gone down the last several years, I can safely say that I will never purchase a GM or Chrysler product. (I have no qualms with Ford, though, and might actually consider them if I needed, say, a new full-size truck … though that’s extremely unlikely. Actually, I greatly respect Ford for NOT stepping up to the taxpayer trough when their two counterparts limped into Washington with their hands out. After all, that would’ve given Ford all the cover in the world to get in on the taxpayer action.)
Obviously, my fellow Americans (1) have very short memories, and (2) have no problem purchasing cars and trucks from companies that have proven themselves to be miserable failures, over and over again, and who have been direct and unrepentant beneficiaries of taxpayer bailouts.
(And oh yeah — they’re brazen liars, too.)
Jessica wrote:
I posted about this subject myself recently, and it was a pleasure to read your take on it Michael. – cars2scrap