DaimlerChrysler to Import Chinese-Built Chryslers to North America?

But the times, they are a changin'. The Big 3, especially General Motors and Ford, are struggling with a myriad of problems,

The number one selling sedan in the U.S. is not a Chevy Impala or Ford Taurus, or, despite its recent success, Chrysler's 300. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

not the least of which is delivering well made, well priced mainstream vehicles to a populace that truly wants to buy them for what they are, not for any incentive added to the bottom line. The number one selling sedan in the U.S. is not a Chevy Impala or Ford Taurus, or, despite its recent success, Chrysler's 300. No, it's the Toyota Camry with Honda's Accord following closely behind. In Canada, the top-seller is Honda's Civic, with the Toyota Corolla in second and Mazda's new 3 living up to its numerical designation in third place.

How to fight off the imports? Become one, of course. The debate is on, however, as to what must be done in order to remain competitive, including whether or not components

How to fight off the imports? Become one, of course. Chrysler's European-made Crossfire has targeted a small volume niche market, however, and potential Chinese-made Chryslers would be mainstream models. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

and/or entire cars can be imported from the Far East without causing more pain than gain for the domestic producers. Taking advantage of lower cost wages, fewer employee benefits and a complete lack of trade unions initially sounds like a recipe for success, but many market analysts feel that the opposite is true, however.

This move would without doubt rupture brand loyalties of those who traditionally purchase domestic cars, the "Buy American" crowd that live and work in the manufacturing belt of the American Mid-West, the same demographic that lives and works in Windsor and Oshawa, home markets of Canada's domestic automakers.