I think manufacturing cost competitiveness depends on what you are talking about. If you are talking low price point, high volume items, China has us beat. You cannot compete. If your volume is lower, and quality is an issue, the company may be able to compete, but even Boeing is negotiating to manufacture in China because those are the terms of the deal and Boeing is a serious component of our exports.
Austin, I think manufacturing resurgence is optimistic. I went through the manufacturing resurgence during the 80s when robotics and renogotiated union rules went into place. I had meetings with each VP of the UAW to see their attitudes at Chryler, Ford and GM. I don't see anything comparable. They got lucky and still didn't gain much market share.
Ren
