[Garage Dog 65]

So if industry moves manufacturing to non-US - and I think it's inevatable (God BLESS Vic on his stance and determination - it will be a tough road for sure) - will labor have to do the same ? Example: the US Auto manufacturing industry in standing on the cliff right now due to it's labor and benefits costs - will the US resolve to keep it here and pay the price (I say not likely) - or buy global companies cars.

Will pro shops start using contracted labor like other industries (verses internal) and will/can it ever be on a global level. (I'll leave out the home hobby guys - because, well we'll do stuff even when it will lose money in a big way - ME included...)

Is the car culture limited to a few countries - making it a small market that won't get targeted (G/PT types being an even small component of the overall culture - maybe hot rodding would go first, if at all) How about some of our member from non-US jumping in who are doing G/PT cars there. I'd be interested in what additional costs they see - even while they buy US cars and products and incure the shipping too.

Maybe SEMA and other assns are already discussing this stuff. Is there a member here from one of those ?

Great topic - Man I could talk about this one all day...

Here's an interesting read - look for the story on SkyBus. Talk about reducing/removing costs. Almost no employees beyond the Board and a few key internal indivuduals. Everything was leased and/or contracted out resulting in a true virtual airline model. It recently failed due to (the ecomomy) energy costs.