Look for the union VIN?
UAW members working in the domestic auto industry, said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, “are pleased to see a recent Consumer Reports survey, which shows that four out of five new car buyers are likely to consider an American brand when purchasing a vehicle.
The UAW has prepared a list of 2010 union-made cars, trucks, pickups, vans, CUVs and SUV to help them when shopping..
Union-made vehicles have been recognized repeatedly for quality achievements by industry analysts such as J.D. Power and the University of Michigan Consumer Satisfaction Survey. The problem is that while quality has been improving and people say they will consider domestic products, the majority of actual purchases go to off-shore nameplates, some of which are built in North America in non-union plants.
The last offshore-operated unionized plant, Toyota’s New United Motors Manufacturing Inc., is in the process of being closed, after General Motors and the Japanese company couldn’t reach an agreement on how to keep it operating.
“When customers visit the showroom to look at vehicles made by our members, they’re going to find top-quality cars and trucks in every price range and in every product category.”
Union autoworkers, he said, make vehicles for U.S., European and Asian-based manufacturers, including hybrids, clean diesels and energy-saving advanced transmission and flex-fuel models.
“The U.S. auto industry has faced incredible challenges during the past year,” said Gettelfinger. “Our members have responded with total dedication and commitment to building in quality at every step of the manufacturing process, and consumers are taking notice.”
The union-made vehicle guide lists vehicles made in the United States and Canada by UAW members and members of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union. It includes various Chrysler, Ford, General Motors models, as well as specific Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Volkswagen vehicles.