Have We Got a Deal for You: Take a Look at Union-Made Vehicles

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/09/19/have-we-got-a-deal-for-you-take-a-look-at-union-made-vehicles/

by Mike Hall, Sep 19, 2009

If you are in need of a new, quality set of wheels, there is a huge choice of top-flight union-made cars and trucks that you can, as the salesman says, “drive home today.”

The UAW has just released its annual list of union-made vehicles. The 2010 list includes cars, trucks, pickups, vans, SUVs and crossovers from U.S., European and Asian-based carmakers. The guide lists all vehicles made by UAW members, members of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and IUE-CWA.





If you are in need of a new, quality set of wheels, there is a huge choice of top-flight union-made cars and trucks that you can, as the salesman says, “drive home today.”

The UAW has just released its annual list of union-made vehicles. The 2010 list includes cars, trucks, pickups, vans, SUVs and crossovers from U.S., European and Asian-based carmakers. The guide lists all vehicles made by UAW members, members of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and IUE-CWA.

When you visit a showroom, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger says you will find top-quality cars and trucks:

in every price range and in every product category…including hybrids, clean diesels and energy-saving advanced transmission and flex-fuel models.

Industry analysts such as J.D. Powers and the University of Michigan Consumer Satisfaction Survey have repeatedly recognized the high quality of union-made vehicles says Gettlefinger.

The U.S. auto industry has faced incredible challenges during the past year. Our members have responded with total dedication and commitment to building in quality at every step of the manufacturing process, and consumers are taking notice.

FULL story at link.

[michreject]

1. That would be a tough sell here on DU.

I wish it weren't so.

[Vincardog]

3. What would be a tough sell here on DU?

[michreject]

10. Buying union made vehicles nt

[Vincardog]

15. Why? We promote Unions all the time. It is in the Democratic platform

[Romulox]

20. So is "free trade". Hard to reconcile the obvious contradiction, isn't it? nt

[michreject]

31. Many do and many don't

There are too many threads bashing American, union made autos over those of Asian imports. If you haven't noticed this, you haven't been paying attention.

I have never owned a non union, non American made vehicle. I support unions in actions, not words.

[bullwinkle428]

2. "The list includes...union-made models from Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Volkswagen."

As Johnny Carson used to say, "I DID NOT KNOW THAT"!

[druidity33]

4. K&R for Unions! nt.

[tinkerbell41]

5. Union girl here.

The bitch of this press release is the last 2 sentences. It wasn't the labor, I have a Ford and
will NEVER buy one again, because of how I was treated as a customer. Management decisions. NOT labor
and I don't ever want these fuckers to forget it. It sucks, I need to support good wages and American jobs, but these fuckers that use their brains as a profession (opposed to their hands as my stepmother likes to repeatedly point out) fucked up. Straight off the showroom floor, 0 miles, first new car I ever had. Stranded in it appox 7 times (recalls that werent recalled yet) and I had to deal with the dealer, instead of Ford directly.

[Omaha Steve]

7. GM has OnStar

Marta and I both now have OnStar cars. Now that GM has 60 day no risk trials, give it a try.


http://onstarconnections.com/onstar-on-tv/quick-thinking-7-year-old-pushes-button-for-help/

Quick-Thinking 7-Year-Old Pushes Button for Help

Video at link above.

Kerry MacLean and her 2-year-old sister were on the way to a family gathering on Mother’s Day when their mother suffered a sudden diabetic attack and began driving on the wrong side of the road.

The quick-thinking 7-year-old pushed the red OnStar emergency button and asked for help. The OnStar Advisor immediately contacted the police and pinpointed the exact location of the car for the responding officers — all while talking with Kerry to keep her calm, telling her to make sure the safety belts were fastened and that she was doing a good job.

Patricia MacLean was able to pull the car over and stop to wait for help. She is very glad Kerry’s grandmother taught the child how to use OnStar. “I’m so proud of Kerry and very thankful that OnStar is so easy to use and that the Advisor helped us through this,” Patricia says. “It was a Mother’s Day gift I’ll always remember.”

For OnStar Emergency Advisors, certain situations and callers are unforgettable, especially when they involve children. Kim Dupee, the Advisor who took Kerry’s call, says, “You really feel a sense of urgency for these children who need help. It really tugs at your heartstrings.” But, the mother of four says, “We make sure to stay calm and professional. We’re trained to locate the vehicle, get help as quickly as possible and try to reassure them — all while keeping our own cool. I’ve taken a number of calls from children and, once help has arrived, you just want to cry with joy.”

Kerry’s story was highlighted on Investigation Discovery’s Call 911. Check your local listings for channel and time or visit investigation.discovery.com for more information.


http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/index.jsp

Hands free cell, motor club, diagnosis over the cell phone, GPS, etc...

http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/explore/index.jsp

OnStar is the in-vehicle safety and security system created to help protect you and your family on the road. OnStar's innovative three-button system* offers:

* 24-hour access to expertly trained, caring Advisors
* A connection to emergency assistance
* Access to OnStar Hands-Free Calling



Find out about our new service — automatic monthly checkups with
email reports at no
extra cost.
Click here to view a demo: http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/ovd/index.jsp

[tinkerbell41]

14. Thank you. Sorry

I was a little ranty. Just pissed that corporate made the decision to let me deal with the dealer.
Also for the fact that EVERYTHING is blamed on labor. I'm not pissed at the guy who put my doors on. Been thinking about the Pontiac Vibe lately. I'm a wagon kind of gal and my Ford Focus wagon isn't made anymore.

[Kalyke]

16. My Fords have always been fantastic.

I've never had an issue.

Can't say the same for some of my families' foreign pieces o' crap, though.

[tinkerbell41]

32. I love my car.

I love the car, even with it's "issues" but I don't like how I was treated by Ford. I don't like the fact that I have replaced 4 ignitions and keys because of a problem with it locking up. I have been stranded several times, if you go to the Focus forums thousands of owners have had it happen and there has been no recall. 350.00 a pop to replace it. Dealer likes to suggest my key is dirty,corroded whatever.... I want Ford's answer NOT the dealer. Try to talk to Ford, you have to go thru the Dealer. I have NEVER owned a foreign car. I'm not allowed to. My family would kill me, let alone what would happen to it on a job site. I support American workers, just not the pencil pushers.

[cynatnite]

6. We're up for a new car here pretty soon...

Looking for new or pretty new vehicle with decent gas mileage for less than 15k.

[RB TexLa]

8. Why are no European union built autos on the list?

[SidDithers]

41. Or Korean union built autos...nt

Sid

[Omaha Steve]

65. It is an AFL-CIO list

Only unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO are listed. Chevy's Areo is made in Korea in a union shop btw.

When I have time this weekend I'll look into why CWA vehicles aren't listed. Chevy closed a truck plant at Christmas. I don't know if that was the only one. CWA is AFL-CIO. Marta (my wife) was a member for 18 years.

Does anyone have a list of cars and trucks that are union made outside the USA?

OS

[blues90]

9. I support unions , I was a unin member in IL at a ford dealership

I have to speak up here . Suddenly after decades of the american auto companies building shear CRAP with lists of endless recalls on every single model they made at Ford , we are to now believe they see the Light and give a damn about the buyer or the air. Now out of the clear blue shy they make reliable fuel efficient cars and trucks .

My last 8 years out of the 34 I worked for Ford dealerships I was the assistent service manager and quality control manager and the shop foreman all rolled into one and the customer complaint department .

I saw the so called re-ramped Ford Explorer in 2003 touted as being the first trouble free model and it made it 5 miles before a heavy vibration was noticed on it's first roadtest . I've seen engines lock up after 50 miles and every single thing one could think of and issues ford engineers had no idea what could be wrong , I saw lemmon law over and over again.

Every single one of the recalls and issues could easily been avoided and now they suddenly care. My ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .

I would run a serial number , pick a few of the issues that were a close match to the customers concern and the printer spewed out pages upon pages of recalls or special service messages which may address the concern , if one did then it became an issue of the parts not being available or back ordered or still under re-design , tell a customer this after they paid $20,000 or more , even if it was $11,000 it did not matter because it should never have happened and I could not dissagree with the cust because it should have not happened.

I had 40 techs and dealers toute fully trained , yea maybe 5 out of the 40. Ever pay $1500 for a repair and come back the next day on a tow truck or with the very same problem you came in with , happened all the time and I had to justify why it did and make it right . I found $1500 repairs that all that was needed was a $25 relay , why because the techs get paid by the job not the hour and soon find they make nothing if they don't cheat the system , still wrong , still a huge problem . I refunded the $1,500 and charged the customer the $100 repair and how do you think this looked ?

[Omaha Steve]

11. Is it enough to say once the buy American thought left many...

CEO's figured out it was time to compete?

[Juche]

18. My ford ranger has been great

I have a 99 ford ranger which I got in 2001 with 60k miles on it. I now have 145k miles on it and have had no serious problems in the last 8 years.

When I bought a small truck I researched to find the most reliable models and the ford ranger, mazda b series (supposedly the same thing), mitsubishi and toyota tacoma were the best. I got the ranger and I am happy with my decision.

The gas mileage isn't too good (16 city/24 hwy). But I've driven it for 8 years and almost 85k miles with only regular maintenance and a handful of repairs that were $100.

If I buy a sedan I'd buy a toyota or honda. But ford makes a decent small truck.

[Spike89]

26. Used to...the Ranger/Mazda B series have been discontinued

I drive a '94 B4000, the first year Ford built the vehicle. It is virtually bolt for bolt a Ranger. I'm near 180,000 miles and I know I'll need a replacement someday soon. I am bummed that the small pickup seems to be becoming a thing of the past.

[Thickasabrick]

12. What's the best union made car that's like a mini SUV or a hatchback?

I'm seriously thinking about buying a car and I don't know about cars but I definitely want to buy something built by union workers.

I don't want something as big as a SUV - I'm thinking little and hatchback like.

Any ideas?

[Omaha Steve]

13. 2009 Equinox

6o day risk free.

[quiller4]

28. For my money the Ford Escape Hybrid. I have 2 friends who

have purchased them this year. Both rave. They get great mileage. Although small they haul soccer gear and passengers with ease and comfort and both soccer Moms can't say enough about how reliable they have been. I want one and hope that we will get one soon.

[TxRider]

17. Personally, I'll never buy another new car again.

Unless the government forces me to.

[DainBramaged]

34. Unless the Government forces you too? Playing your hand I see!

Hmmmmmmmmmm. That's bullshit talk. And bullshit walks. American made cars by AMERICAN manufacturers drive the economy, not imports or assembled iron from the Asian 3. The Cash for Clunkers deal should have been for American manufacturers only, not imports, who got 70% of the deals. Why should we subsidize the imports coming in when we will NEVER be on a level playing field in Japan or Korea?

[TxRider]

38. Yes

Unless the government says all cars before a certain year cannot be driven. My next is a 1953 Dodge.

Cash for clunkers for American built cars only would likely violate trade treaties.

And many of the foreign brand cars were US built anyway.

[DainBramaged]

39. We can't BUILD plants in Japan or Korea, they impose insane tariffs on our cars

blocking them from entering their markets. How the hell would we be violating trade treaties when we can't even gain access to their markets?? japan EXPORTED over $42 BILLION in cars and parts to the US last year, we exported $6.6 billion to them.

Wake up.

[TxRider]

40. Ask congress...

I'm just saying what is, not what's right.

We get bent over from almost every trade deal. We do charge tariffs for importing their cars as well, but not for SUV's and trucks as I understand it.

As for the new cars, I'm not fond of buying something on credit, paying too much in interest to a lender, for a car that loses thousands in value as soon as I pull off the lot.

I'm done with that. Unless my old car is made illegal.

[DainBramaged]

42. Do you think we HAVEN'T been asking for a balanced playing field??

:mad:

[TxRider]

44. No

I think you are looking for reasons to vent anger at me because I don't want to buy a new car.

I didn't make unfair trade deals, and I don't support them. Getting angry with me isn't going to change them.

I do fear my older car will will one day be forcibly removed from the roadway, by legislation. It's not an uncommon suggestion these days.

I will not buy an item I may want, but don't really need, on credit.

I won't pay thousands in interest to bankers on an item that loses thousands in value as soon as I sign the loan agreement.

Sorry, but I don't see that as a "deal" for me...

Similarly, I also don't have a single credit card.

[DainBramaged]

48. Wrong, but our conversation is over.

If you aren't part of the marketplace, go peddle your opinion elsewhere.

[TxRider]

56. I might be, if what I was looking for was even available.

Unfortunately it isn't.

Detroit didn't see Japan coming.

And if the ads I'm seeing for small turbo diesels from Europe all over the TV lately are successful, which are cheaper to maintain and just as efficient as a hybrid, they don't see the EU coming either.

There is a reason that with fuel prices 2-4x what ours our, and fuel mileage a bigger issue, cars in Europe after years have become about 50% powered by small turbo diesels.

One of which is government imposition of higher taxes on Diesel than on gasoline in the U.S., and the reverse in Europe.

Build a small light truck, power it with a 3-4cyl turbo diesel, and I might buy one, cash.

Until then I'll build my own.

Paying a premium price for an electric hybrid, with efficiency that tapers off as batteries wear out, and high cost of battery replacement, not to mention complicated drive system is a show stopper.

I am in the market, and currently at about $15,000 into building what I want, because I cannot buy it.

[Romulox]

50. 5 paragraphs starting with 'I'. A little window... nt

[TxRider]

57. I could have used "you"..

But then it wouldn't be about "my" opinion, or "my" actions now would it?

[pampango]

43. Japan's tariff on US cars = 0%, South Korea's tariff = 8%. Really "insane".

http://www.customs.go.jp/english/tariff/2009_6/data/87.htm

http://tradeandtaxes.blogspot.com/2008/08/south-koreas-tariff-and-non-tariff.html

Daimler (from Germany) owns a truck and bus manufacturing plant (Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation) in Japan. We can't build plants there or we choose not to do it.

[Romulox]

46. Anything other than a reciprocal agreement violates that ideology you espouse.

Funny how protectionism is a "disaster" at home, but "no big deal!" abroad. :hi:

[DainBramaged]

47. These free marketers are a joke. When THEY have to pay more, they squeal like little girls

they don't give a shit about Union jobs, American jobs, quality, or the future, it's all about them.

[Romulox]

49. The poster also completely ignores currency manipulation as a form of protectionism.

The poster I'm talking to claims to "care equally about the workers of the world!"

It must be exhausting caring that much, as I've never seen her utter a peep in support of American workers. :shrug:

[pampango]

58. Just responding to a post about the "insane" tariffs that Japan and South Korea have on US cars.

It did not mention currency manipulation, so I didn't bring it up in my response.

When you quote that "care equally about the workers of the world", I'm reminded of my youth when that was considered a progressive way to look at the world. Times have changed, I suppose, though I still can't believe that conservatives believe the whole "everyone's equal". They have much more of an "America first" and "I've got mine and you're not getting it" way of thinking.

[Romulox]

64. Ummm, American workers are ALSO "workers of the world".

I notice you did not deny that you post nothing in support of American workers on this board, despite your claims to be an advocate for "all workers". :hi:

[TxRider]

67. I view it this way

We American workers have been lifting the quality of life for people in underdeveloped nations out of our pockets for decades.

Just look at the average increase of the standard of living in China. We have brought up a middle class there on the backs of U.S. workers.

It's not all bad, it's helped Chinese workers.

But we can only carry so much weight, we can only lift so many people to higher standards of living.

The government has to balance what load we can carry with trade deals fair to us.

And government also needs to treat the corporations taking advantage and reaping enormous profits fairly and require them to pay their fair share and carry their fair part of this burden as well.

I will be watching with much interest what the fallout of this latest tariff on Chinese tires is and how Obama treats issues like China's monetary policies and manipulation of their currency.

[DainBramaged]

60. One of the reasons my ignore list is so extensive

I don't have the time for these dolts

[TxRider]

62. Yes most notably china's currency manipulation.

[TxRider]

51. We charge a 2.5% import tariff..

On imported cars from Japan.

Not trucks however, I don't believe.

As well as a quota of how many can be imported.

That is why foreign auto makers are building plants here.

[Romulox]

54. Citation please? I don't believe your facts to be correct.

[TxRider]

61. Here you are...

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

From http://hts.usitc.gov/

Section XVII, chapter 87, heading/subheading 8703.10.50

2.5%, much more for heavier vehicles.

As for the quota it was a voluntary quota agreed to in 1981, which was apparently rescinded in 1994. It was by then seen as no more than a political gesture, since so much manufacturing of Japanese cars had moved to the U.S. it accomplished nothing.

Do go look at Harmonized Tariff schedule though, and at least skim over the subheading list, it's good to have a fair idea of what imports we tax.

To my knowledge we do not tax imported small trucks 1/4-1/2 ton range, nor SUV's which qualify as trucks, unless changes were made I didn't notice which is quite possible. Taxing them or reclassifying them has been lobbied extensively in congress over the years and I haven't kept up with it.

We have also been making free trade deals with countries like Korea like this.. Eliminating Tariffs on both sides.

http://www.ita.doc.gov/td/tradepolicy/korea_automotives.html

[Romulox]

63. Thanks for admitting your mistake. nt

[TxRider]

66. NP, all for honest discussion.

[pampango]

52. Those damn 0% tariffs are "no big deal" either at home or abroad. n/t

[Romulox]

55. LOl. That's lame, even for you. nt

[Romulox]

19. Most DUers I've discussed the matter with will not buy union made vehicles.

Lots of excuses for why. :shrug:

[PVnRT]

22. Yes, I'm sure that's exactly what they said

[DainBramaged]

36. They are mesmerized by the japanese propaganda machine....

Toyota makes the most milquetoast cars I have ever seen, and their mileage (except for thew Prius) is NO BETTER THAN FORD OR GM, but everyone believes they are god.

[Subdivisions]

21. I love it. Takes a not-so-subtle stab at those who complain about unions.

What most people fail to realize is that union workers are highly trained at what they do. They are not just hacks off the street. I am a union metal tradesman who has built things from the roof of the newest terminal, Terminal D, at DFW airport to the intricate works of computer chip laboratories like Texas Instruments and Atmel. I've built skyscrapers and McDonald's. I've built submarine and aircraft carrier parts. Some of these things simply must work, like union-made automobiles. Without the benefits and training and bargaining power of unions some things just wouldn't be of the highest possible quality.

[PVnRT]

23. Weird. I see cars from Mitsubishi, Toyota and Mazda on there

I thought Asian car companies were evil union-busters that only latte-sipping, softy liberal hypocrites bought cars from.

[Romulox]

25. Toyota is closing its only union plant in the US.

Mazda has one union plant in the US, in Flatrock, Michigan, which is largely a joint venture with Ford Motor Co.

But having one plant among dozens be unionized is indeed a useful PR tool, as your post proves.

[DainBramaged]

35. Toyota wanted to cut the wages at NUMMI 40%, but that didn't fly....

so they said we're history. I blame GM for not keeping it open. Thousands of highly trained workes on waivers.

[Omaha Steve]

33. Toyota is closing it's only union plant

4,000 workers in Ca. loose their jobs. And it is figured 40,000 support people in the area will loose theirs too.

[Joe Fields]

24. I agree completely with you, Steve.

K&R...

The only problem is with financing. Neither Ford or GM would deal with me on a new car. I ended up buying a Kia.

[quiller4]

29. I'm amazed. Even on our retirement income, we are approved for Ford

financing.

[Joe Fields]

30. My wife and I have a credit score of 640, and neither Ford or GMAC would

discuss a new car loan with us.

[davsand]

27. I love my Caliber.

I was forced to give up my "antique" Escort wagon a couple of years ago, and we bought a Caliber after having had one as a rental car. I love that car! Lots of fun to drive and it will haul kids, lawn chairs, and softball gear with ease.

I absolutely love the instrument panel-it is SO easy to read. There are also little extras on that car that are handy beyond belief. (My personal favorite is the regular plug in, but the lighted cup holders are kinda fun too...) Somebody put some thought into that car and they added some nice features as part of the standard package.

We have always bought American made cars, and will continue to do so for as long as possible. It might sound funny, but I'd feel damn hypocritical buying anything that wasn't UAW made and then parking it in the lot at the local union hall.


Laura

[donco6]

37. First American car in years - Ford Escape Hybrid.

Still very happy 6 mos. in.

[Omaha Steve]

45. Did I read a few days ago some Asian countries wouldn't let US made cars in on their clunker program

Doesn't seem fair to me at all.

[pampango]

53. I know the Germans let foreign cars in their clunkers program, but haven't heard

one way or the other about any Asian programs.

[Blue_Tires]

59. i've always loved Corvettes

but my new Corvette fund has about as much $$$$ in it as it always did = 0 :)