Seriously though, a good discussion, one thing the Chinese do extremely well is copy something, that's how they began to dominate world markets, now they are starting to realise that building high quality with cost effective labour will move them ahead as well.
One thing that has happened in the last 12 months in China is that they now have very strict work practices and companies can get fined heavily for trying to get around them.
Previously some companies withheld pay from workers for months, not weeks, MONTHS and paid them when they wanted, now workers must get paid on time, they also get paid benefits now to ensure that they are treated better than before, I think these initiatives will also help quality control, pride of workmanship, and all of those things.
Whilst I don't necessarily agree with moving things or expanding offshore, there are sometimes benefits, to Subaru in this case it means producing product locally and avoiding import tarrifs which nobody seems to have touched on, in order to compete locally they must manufacture locally, then they can not only be competitive, but it will probably also have spinoffs for them like reduced R&D costs, better ability to do limited runs on vehicles because of lower tool-up costs, and many other benefits.
I think personally you will see the majority of vehicles made for the local market, with perhaps some parts or specialist items being made and exported.
I for one am pretty shot right now on the brand loyalty thing, I personally think Subaru have lost the plot now they are owned by GM mostly, they have moved to be more of a mainstream manufacturer instead of a manufacturer of something a bit special, a drivers car. I know people will say that yeh they have STi's and all, but previously the average Subaru had great handling and feeling when you drove it, now they are just numbnuts that go from point A to point B with AWD, and that's the only thing besides 5 star rating that Subarus have going for them at the moment.
Most of them look average, nothing really stands out for me anymore, there is nothing "special" any more.
I will be seriously looking at other options when it's time to change vehicles again unless something really changes soon, the taste in my mouth from the current purchase is just horrible.
Regards
Paul
