If Washington wants automakers to move Canadian production south, Canadians are perfectly entitled to ask one simple question: Why should we reward that by buying the cars afterward?
Buying Canadian can make a huge impact on our GDP. When Canadians started the Buy Canadian initiative there were at least 3 months where the GDP held strong because of people using their wallets. This works Canada 🍁!!!
We have a 2011 Honda CR-V and the VIN starts with a 5. When you open the driver's door, there's a label on the door frame that says "Made in the United States".
As Fred says, we're not about to replace this vehicle with 250,000 KM on it because it was made in the states. However, if and when we decide to get a new vehicle, you can be certain that it'll be either a Honda (Alliston, Ontario) or Toyota (Cambridge, Ontario). Ford is made in my hometown of Oakville, but I'm also aware that Ford of Canada is a subsidiary of Ford USA. Besides, from what I've read, both Honda and Toyota make better cars.
It's a dilemma because you want to support a neighbour who works at a branch plant. I know, because early in my career, I worked for Canadian General Electric, which was owned 100% by GE USA. Decisions were always made in favour of the US head office.
I think now that it’s beyond a time that any Canadian, who is looking to buy a new vehicle stop looking at anything that’s made in the United States! There are a whole lot of other vehicle manufacturers all over the world that make far better vehicles than the United States does. And every time a Canadian buys an American made automobile you’re helping to support the American economy not the Canadian one.
The only car I ever bought from a US company was my Tesla 3. I ordered it in 2016, waited 2 years on the waiting list waiting for it. I only chose it as at the time, Tesla was the only long range battery option. This was also before I knew who Elon Musk really was. I plan to run it until 2030 when it is 12 years and then get another EV.
I can categorically state that I will not buy another Tesla and I certainly will not ever purchase and American built car again.
L is the first character for vehicles manufactured in China. Best add that to the list; we'll be seeing a lot more of them in the coming years. But there's also Sweden, France, Italy, and several eastern European companies (eg: Skoda) that manufacture vehicles, so of course, we are in no way limited to US vehicles only. At the same time, just as with Canada, most of the largest vehicle manufacturers have factories in the US, so for example, that BMW, Toyota, or Volvo you're contemplating buying, could have been made in the US.
We bought two EVs this summer. Both Kias, bothe with no North American content because we could not get a Canadian EV. Every dollar we can divert from the US is being done. We are not just environmentally conscious, we will notnsupport an evil empire where we can avoid it.
Another excellent article, Fred! I wish I could afford a new pickup but alas the prices! I am, however, getting a body job on my 2015 GMC Sierra to keep it going for another few years.
The truck was built in Mexico, with parts from all three countries. Back un the day when NAFTA worked reasonably well. Since Trump has roiled international relations and trade and violated CUSMA. Should I win LottoMax, my first choice will be the Number 2 prefix, followed by anybody else but US manufacture.
Good info Fred. I get the feeling that most Canadians are already boycotting American branded cars just like we are boycotting American travel and food purchases.
The US auto brands have already lost a ton of market share to Japanese, Asian, and European brands in Canada, according to A.I. down to 36% from 70% over the past 30 years.
Just make your own assessment. Take a look around the parking lot at the shopping mall and count the number of US branded cars. My count is only about 1 or 2 in 10 are American.
Anyway, good advice, check the V.I.N. and only buy it if it's a #2!
I m grateful my mazda was made in japan and if there s another car in me, it will be Canadian made. One of those nifty evs. Though I drive a stick and am not giving that up until my hands are almost cold and dead. A self driving ev for us old folks seems like a money maker. there s 20 more years of Boomers.
Lazybones article on CBC this AM checking the veracity of the washington claims, finds most of them “stricty true”. I wish they re read your writing and Blundell's and a few others to get some actual depth instead of pandering.
Lots of great information there Fred! Thank you for your quick response/solution to the newest threats from the orange boil! haha
Buying Canadian can make a huge impact on our GDP. When Canadians started the Buy Canadian initiative there were at least 3 months where the GDP held strong because of people using their wallets. This works Canada 🍁!!!
We have a 2011 Honda CR-V and the VIN starts with a 5. When you open the driver's door, there's a label on the door frame that says "Made in the United States".
As Fred says, we're not about to replace this vehicle with 250,000 KM on it because it was made in the states. However, if and when we decide to get a new vehicle, you can be certain that it'll be either a Honda (Alliston, Ontario) or Toyota (Cambridge, Ontario). Ford is made in my hometown of Oakville, but I'm also aware that Ford of Canada is a subsidiary of Ford USA. Besides, from what I've read, both Honda and Toyota make better cars.
It's a dilemma because you want to support a neighbour who works at a branch plant. I know, because early in my career, I worked for Canadian General Electric, which was owned 100% by GE USA. Decisions were always made in favour of the US head office.
🇨🇦💙 Cars manufactured in Canada - VIN # starts with a 2. 🚙🚗
I think now that it’s beyond a time that any Canadian, who is looking to buy a new vehicle stop looking at anything that’s made in the United States! There are a whole lot of other vehicle manufacturers all over the world that make far better vehicles than the United States does. And every time a Canadian buys an American made automobile you’re helping to support the American economy not the Canadian one.
The only car I ever bought from a US company was my Tesla 3. I ordered it in 2016, waited 2 years on the waiting list waiting for it. I only chose it as at the time, Tesla was the only long range battery option. This was also before I knew who Elon Musk really was. I plan to run it until 2030 when it is 12 years and then get another EV.
I can categorically state that I will not buy another Tesla and I certainly will not ever purchase and American built car again.
L is the first character for vehicles manufactured in China. Best add that to the list; we'll be seeing a lot more of them in the coming years. But there's also Sweden, France, Italy, and several eastern European companies (eg: Skoda) that manufacture vehicles, so of course, we are in no way limited to US vehicles only. At the same time, just as with Canada, most of the largest vehicle manufacturers have factories in the US, so for example, that BMW, Toyota, or Volvo you're contemplating buying, could have been made in the US.
We bought two EVs this summer. Both Kias, bothe with no North American content because we could not get a Canadian EV. Every dollar we can divert from the US is being done. We are not just environmentally conscious, we will notnsupport an evil empire where we can avoid it.
Another excellent article, Fred! I wish I could afford a new pickup but alas the prices! I am, however, getting a body job on my 2015 GMC Sierra to keep it going for another few years.
The truck was built in Mexico, with parts from all three countries. Back un the day when NAFTA worked reasonably well. Since Trump has roiled international relations and trade and violated CUSMA. Should I win LottoMax, my first choice will be the Number 2 prefix, followed by anybody else but US manufacture.
Look for a “2” in the VIN. Means MADE IN CANADA. Buy nothing else.
Excellent article and such important information. Thank you!
American cars are 💩.
Good info Fred. I get the feeling that most Canadians are already boycotting American branded cars just like we are boycotting American travel and food purchases.
The US auto brands have already lost a ton of market share to Japanese, Asian, and European brands in Canada, according to A.I. down to 36% from 70% over the past 30 years.
Just make your own assessment. Take a look around the parking lot at the shopping mall and count the number of US branded cars. My count is only about 1 or 2 in 10 are American.
Anyway, good advice, check the V.I.N. and only buy it if it's a #2!
I m grateful my mazda was made in japan and if there s another car in me, it will be Canadian made. One of those nifty evs. Though I drive a stick and am not giving that up until my hands are almost cold and dead. A self driving ev for us old folks seems like a money maker. there s 20 more years of Boomers.
Lazybones article on CBC this AM checking the veracity of the washington claims, finds most of them “stricty true”. I wish they re read your writing and Blundell's and a few others to get some actual depth instead of pandering.
Toyota makes a pick up truck.